Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Greenfield Wisconsin
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Greenfield WI, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. 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 most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational choices are being offered, both on campus and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a college, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school need to be taken into account also. Later in this post we will cover a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your choice. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Greenfield WI attorneys with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited 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 are able to handle a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Greenfield WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help improve your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying agencies in the field 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 discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Greenfield WI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the ideal option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Greenfield WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important aspects to consider also, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are researching 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 enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Greenfield WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Greenfield WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also offer a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Greenfield WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary among states, it may be beneficial to choose a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Greenfield WI region.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price depending on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Greenfield WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Greenfield WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Greenfield
Enroll in the Right Greenfield Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the ideal paralegal certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Greenfield residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Greenfield Wisconsin.
Greenfield Paralegal Certificate Online | Greenfield Paralegal Studies