Paralegal Studies Program
How to Find the Best One Near Pewaukee Wisconsin
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Pewaukee WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you find the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. More and more academic alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. However with numerous options to choose from, where does one begin? Many prospective students start by looking for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they try to find the program with the lowest tuition. Although cost and location are necessary considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only qualifiers you need to consider. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later in this post we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare every one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational choices that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Pewaukee WI attorneys with a wide range of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And the same as lawyers, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their everyday tasks may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, 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 job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Pewaukee WI is by earning a certificate, which may require just six months to accomplish. Many entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option as well. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and earn a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Pewaukee WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes 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 programs are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the program and school you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal setting, then earning your certificate or degree online could be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Pewaukee WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other important factors to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you enroll in should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency 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 learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Pewaukee WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are often offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call some Pewaukee WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law office or other legal establishment while remaining in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Pewaukee WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be beneficial to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to work after graduation. Also, it will be important to create relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Pewaukee WI area.
What is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can differ 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 education. Don't forget to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so make sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Pewaukee WI. Needless to say that if you choose to attend an online school, some of these additional costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? A number of paralegal students continue working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Pewaukee WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making up classes missed because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Paralegal in Pewaukee
Choose the Best Pewaukee Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal degree school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Pewaukee residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Various kinds of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced impact on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you decide to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to evaluate each school and make your ultimate decision. And with the right education you can achieve your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Pewaukee Wisconsin.