Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Right One Near Eau Claire Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Eau Claire WI and start your journey that will lead to a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, many potential students start by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegal Education and Certification
Paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Eau Claire WI is by earning a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies in the profession are:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations
- American Alliance of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Assistants
- National Association for Legal Professionals
By graduating with a paralegal degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more common and can be a good alternative for students living in Eau Claire WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Eau Claire WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to consider as well, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Eau Claire WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Eau Claire WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Eau Claire WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may wish to first consider those colleges that are within the Eau Claire WI region.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in cost based on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help offset part of the expense, so don't forget to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Eau Claire WI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Eau Claire WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Eau Claire
Choose the Right Eau Claire Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies certificate school is a vital first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Eau Claire residence. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Eau Claire Wisconsin.