Paralegal Studies Program
How to Pick the Best One Near La Crosse Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near La Crosse WI and begin your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. More and more educational options are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when picking a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be considered too. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you must ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your decision. But first, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill the same job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist La Crosse WI attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their daily activities might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be involved and very demanding. 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 functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in La Crosse WI is by earning a certificate, which may involve just 6 months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly respected certifying organizations 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more common and may be an excellent option for students living in La Crosse WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to those who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the La Crosse WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other critical factors to think about as well, 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 effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded 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 online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous La Crosse WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some La Crosse WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start developing contacts within the La Crosse WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to select a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those colleges that are within the La Crosse WI area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid might be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in La Crosse WI. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online program, some of these added costs, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near La Crosse WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you select offers that option. Last, inquire 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 Paralegal in La Crosse
Choose the Right La Crosse Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies degree 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 option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your La Crosse residence. Paralegal training programs are provided in various lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions provide paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to acquire your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in La Crosse Wisconsin.
La Crosse How To Become A Paralegal | La Crosse Paralegal Certificate Online