Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Best One Near Manitowoc Wisconsin
Once you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Manitowoc WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to assure your success, it’s essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach finding the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting the ones that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school should be taken into consideration too. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you must ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your choice. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the instructional options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Manitowoc WI attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their regular activities can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative functions more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a legal assistant in Manitowoc WI is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. Some of the highly regarded certifying agencies 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more available and can be a good option for those living in Manitowoc WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least 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 looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then earning your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Manitowoc WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will start by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other critical factors 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 need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Manitowoc WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call a few Manitowoc WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Manitowoc WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it might be a good idea to select a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first look at those schools that are within the Manitowoc WI region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be available to help reduce some of the cost, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Manitowoc WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Manitowoc WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you select makes available that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Manitowoc
Choose the Best Manitowoc Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal studies certificate program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Manitowoc residence. Paralegal training programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But regardless of how you choose to receive your training 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 final decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Manitowoc Wisconsin.
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