Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Hartford Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Hartford WI and start your journey that will lead to a fulfilling profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the right school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to achieve success. More and more educational choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? When checking out paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only factors you should consider. There are various other factors that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. Later on in this post we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your decision. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Hartford WI lawyers with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular tasks may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, lawyers are able to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
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 academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Hartford WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help establish 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 program (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be an excellent alternative for those living in Hartford WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can often be less expensive than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the right option for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Hartford WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree 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 previously discussed, there are other significant issues to think about also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Hartford WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Hartford WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Hartford WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work after graduating. In addition, it will be important to build relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you wish to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Hartford WI region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be accessible to help minimize some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Hartford WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Hartford WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose offers that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Hartford
Enroll in the Right Hartford Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Hartford home. Paralegal academic programs are provided in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice 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, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your education 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 final decision. And with the ideal training you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Hartford Wisconsin.
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