Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Pick the Best One Near Oak Creek Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in paralegal studies near Oak Creek WI and begin your journey that will lead to a rewarding profession in legal services. But in order to secure your success, it’s important that you find the right school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need. A growing number of educational alternatives are becoming available in the legal field, both on campus and online, because of the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one start? Some potential students begin by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are very important considerations when selecting a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school ought to be taken into account too. We will address those issues and other important questions that you should be asking the paralegal schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Oak Creek WI lawyers with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they work, but a few of their daily tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical tasks more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And since 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 otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Oak Creek WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can involve just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more expansive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available as well. When you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may want to proceed and earn a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some of the highly respected certifying agencies 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 discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken 2 essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more available and can be an excellent option for students living in Oak Creek WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can sometimes be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can begin the process of assessing schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Oak Creek WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must 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 the majority of prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Oak Creek WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Oak Creek WI law offices that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also provide a pathway for students to begin creating contacts within the Oak Creek WI legal community. 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 after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws vary from state to state, it may be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, 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 receive your education in the community where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may wish to first look at those schools that are within the Oak Creek WI area.
How Much is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the cost, so make sure to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Oak Creek WI. Naturally if you choose to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous legal students continue working while obtaining their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Oak Creek WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Finally, find out what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Oak Creek
Choose the Best Oak Creek Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal studies degree program is a vital 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 on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Oak Creek residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various lengths and formats. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you elect to obtain your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to evaluate each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Oak Creek Wisconsin.