Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Enroll in the Right One Near Greendale Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Greendale WI and begin your journey that will result in a fulfilling career in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you must take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job roles and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Greendale WI lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their everyday activities may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative duties more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Greendale WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more prevalent and may be an excellent option for individuals living in Greendale WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Greendale WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Greendale WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school 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 contact some Greendale WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Greendale WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from state to state, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Greendale WI region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Greendale WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Greendale WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Greendale
Choose the Right Greendale Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal degree school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Greendale home. Paralegal training programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Different types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Greendale Wisconsin.
Greendale How To Become A Paralegal | Greendale Paralegal Certificate Online