Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Right One Near Manitowoc Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Manitowoc WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with numerous options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both hold comparable job positions and functions, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Manitowoc WI lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. 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 firm could help with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their regular activities can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is give legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But paralegals are not confined to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Manitowoc WI is by earning a certificate, which may take just six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help establish 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and can be a good option for students living in Manitowoc WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Manitowoc WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to consider as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Manitowoc WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Confirming that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Manitowoc WI law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even when a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Manitowoc WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduation. In addition, 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 obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those colleges that are within the Manitowoc WI region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? 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 add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help reduce some of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Manitowoc WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Manitowoc WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Manitowoc
Enroll in the Best Manitowoc Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the ideal paralegal degree school is an important first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Manitowoc home. Paralegal training programs are made available in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you choose to obtain your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Manitowoc Wisconsin.
Manitowoc Paralegal Certificate Programs | Manitowoc Paralegal Certificate