Paralegal Studies Course
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Mount Pleasant Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Mount Pleasant WI, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you require to succeed. A growing number of academic alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students start by targeting the ones that are nearest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the right choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are a number of other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as reputation and accreditation. We will discuss those topics and other vital questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Mount Pleasant WI attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities can involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not restricted to clerical or administrative tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to manage a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest way to start your career as a paralegal in Mount Pleasant WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. 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 degree or certificate from an accredited program (we will cover the advantages of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more popular and can be a good option for students living in Mount Pleasant WI searching for convenient access to classes and accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be especially attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Once you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs available at junior and community colleges in the Mount Pleasant WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical factors to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
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 targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Mount Pleasant WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no previous work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Mount Pleasant WI law firms that you may have an interest 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 outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while attending school. They can also provide a pathway for students to start creating contacts within the Mount Pleasant WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are evaluating offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will probably want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ among states, it might be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located 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 all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many charge a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might wish to first investigate those colleges that are within the Mount Pleasant WI region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential received and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your training. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help minimize some of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Mount Pleasant WI. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while receiving their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Mount Pleasant WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Mount Pleasant
Choose the Best Mount Pleasant Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies training program is an important first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding 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 Mount Pleasant home. Paralegal education programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Several types of private and public institutions make available paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate training you can achieve your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Mount Pleasant Wisconsin.
Mount Pleasant Paralegal Studies | Mount Pleasant Paralegal Schools