Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Greenfield Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Greenfield WI, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational options are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about finding the right program with so many options? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within driving distance of their homes. Of those alternatives, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only factors you need to consider. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the program should be taken into account too. We will cover those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job roles and functions, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Greenfield WI attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their everyday tasks can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to launch your career as a legal assistant in Greenfield WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. Some 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and may be a good option for individuals living in Greenfield WI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who keep working while obtaining a degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are thinking about are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Greenfield WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn 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 the majority of potential students, you will start by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical aspects to consider as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Greenfield WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are typically offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are considering. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, 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 an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Greenfield WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Greenfield WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the area where you wish to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Greenfield WI region.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Greenfield WI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Greenfield WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select offers that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Greenfield
Choose the Right Greenfield Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal training program is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Greenfield home. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But regardless of how you choose to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to assess each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Greenfield Wisconsin.
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