Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Find the Best One Near Manitowoc Wisconsin
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Manitowoc WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles 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 paralegals and legal assistants help Manitowoc WI lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of practice where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but some of their routine tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very challenging. 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 restricted to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability 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 perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Manitowoc WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. After you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate 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 program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for students living in Manitowoc WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to students who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online programs can sometimes be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs offered at community and junior 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 compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial aspects to consider as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Manitowoc WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available 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 considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Manitowoc 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 among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Manitowoc WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be challenging without assistance. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more justification to acquire your education in the area where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider 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. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is available in Manitowoc WI. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these additional expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Manitowoc WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Manitowoc
Enroll in the Right Manitowoc Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Manitowoc home. Paralegal training programs are offered in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the right training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Manitowoc Wisconsin.