Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Middleton Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Middleton WI and start your journey that will result in a gratifying profession in legal services. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you require to achieve success. More and more academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But with so many options to choose from, where does one begin? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students start by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although location and cost are very important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are several other factors that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. Later on in this article we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare every one before making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just 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 Middleton WI lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and rather challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly 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 manage a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Middleton WI is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Training
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and can be a good option for those living in Middleton WI searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum 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 considering are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online might be the right option for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Middleton 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 when you include 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 driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to research as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you select should be accredited by a respected organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee 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. Many Middleton WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call some Middleton WI law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Middleton WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will probably wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be challenging without help. Ask if the paralegal schools you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to cultivate relationships in the local legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the area where you choose to work. 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 first investigate those colleges that are within the Middleton WI region.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be accessible to help offset some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Middleton WI. Naturally if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Middleton WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Finally, find out what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Middleton
Enroll in the Best Middleton Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the best paralegal studies training program is a vital 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 on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Middleton residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound impact on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Middleton Wisconsin.