Paralegal Studies Program
How to Choose the Right One Near Port Washington Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Port Washington WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the right school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to succeed. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the legal field, both on campus and online, due to the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with numerous alternatives? Some prospective students start by trying to find schools within driving range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are important considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you ought to consider. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program must be taken into consideration as well. We will discuss those topics 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 instructional alternatives that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Port Washington WI lawyers with a diverse array of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but a few of their day-to-day activities may involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not limited to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for attorneys. And since they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to start your career as a paralegal in Port Washington WI is by earning a certificate, which can involve as little as 6 months to complete. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to continue and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. A few of the highly regarded 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 school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Classes
Paralegal and legal assistant online programs have become more available and may be an excellent alternative for students living in Port Washington WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online classes can often be less costly than on campus options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are considering are accredited by a respected organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less structured and formal environment, then obtaining your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Now that you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options 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 Port Washington WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is especially true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant factors to think about as well, including the reputation and accreditation 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 decision.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Port Washington WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically available only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal schools you are considering. This is of special importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Verifying that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Port Washington WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask which schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Port Washington WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are a good sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary among states, it might be a good idea to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you wish to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to initially investigate those schools that are within the Port Washington WI region.
What is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price depending on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to include the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be available to help offset part of the cost, so be sure to check with the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Port Washington WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these supplementary expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend weekend or evening classes near Port Washington WI, make sure 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 classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Port Washington
Choose the Right Port Washington Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Port Washington home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many lengths and formats. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, pick carefully. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you decide to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Port Washington Wisconsin.
Port Washington Paralegal Programs | Port Washington Paralegal Certificate Programs