Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Mequon Wisconsin
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Mequon WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you locate the best school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are becoming available in the field of legal studies, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by trying to find schools within commuting range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest 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. There are a number of other qualifications that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are researching later in this article. But before we do, let's have 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
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold comparable job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Mequon WI lawyers with a wide range of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work 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 comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- 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 duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted 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 suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to start your career as a paralegal in Mequon WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can require just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more comprehensive education and can be acquired at many community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have earned either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online legal assistant or paralegal programs have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for students living in Mequon WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to students who keep working while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, 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 considering are accredited by a reputable organization, such as 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 may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training choices are available, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Mequon WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important issues to research as well, such as accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Mequon WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you select 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 a few Mequon WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance 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 creating contacts within the Mequon WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Since laws vary from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might need to initially consider those schools that are within the Mequon WI region.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost depending on the credential obtained and the amount of training furnished. 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 obtainable to help offset part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Mequon WI. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Mequon WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in offers that option. Last, inquire what the process is for making-up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Mequon
Choose the Best Mequon Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal training school is a crucial first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Mequon residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to review each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Mequon Wisconsin.
Mequon Paralegal Programs | Mequon Paralegal Certificate Programs