Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Kaukauna Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Kaukauna WI and begin your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more educational choices are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like accreditation and the reputation of the school should be considered 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 first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Kaukauna WI lawyers with a diverse array 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. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers get ready 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 quite challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Kaukauna WI is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and can be a good option for students living in Kaukauna WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials may 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 ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the Kaukauna WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective 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 critical aspects to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization 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 certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Kaukauna WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact a few Kaukauna WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also offer an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Kaukauna WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new field can be challenging without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have substantial 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's Location? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be necessary to create relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to receive your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Kaukauna WI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price depending on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be accessible to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Kaukauna WI. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these additional expenses, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Kaukauna WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you select provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Kaukauna
Enroll in the Best Kaukauna Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal certificate school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Kaukauna home. Paralegal training programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Kaukauna Wisconsin.