Paralegal Studies Course
How to Choose the Right One Near Madison Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Madison WI and start your journey that will result in a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the school should be taken into account too. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only 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 Madison WI lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm could help with trial logistics or transporting documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must carry out their duties 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 are employed, but a few of their everyday tasks might involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching related laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on 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. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Madison WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly regarded 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more available and can be a good alternative for individuals living in Madison WI looking for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, 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 certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Madison WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial issues to think about also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you should be asking the programs you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded 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 focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Madison 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 schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the school you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Madison WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Madison WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success 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 substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary among states, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to create relationships in the local legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you desire to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might wish to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Madison WI region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price depending on the credential received and the length of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be accessible to help minimize part of the expense, so be sure to contact the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Madison WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Madison WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the program you choose offers that option. Finally, ask what the process is for making-up classes missed because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Madison
Enroll in the Best Madison Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the best paralegal studies training school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Madison residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different types of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you elect to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Madison Wisconsin.
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