Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near South Milwaukee Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near South Milwaukee WI, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. But in order to guarantee your success, it’s important that you find the best program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more educational alternatives are becoming available, both on campus and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? When looking for paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by targeting those that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other considerations that you should evaluate when analyzing schools, for example accreditation and reputation. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part 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 belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help South Milwaukee WI attorneys with a wide range of job duties, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is normally billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must perform with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their day-to-day tasks can include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal documents, files and additional records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. 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 action. But paralegals are not confined to administrative or clerical duties more suited to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants truly are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys have the ability to handle a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially 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 begin your career as a legal assistant in South Milwaukee WI is by earning a certificate, which can require as little as six months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which provide a more expansive education and may be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. After you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might want to continue and obtain a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help increase your career 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more popular and may be an excellent option for those living in South Milwaukee WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be particularly attractive to students who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online programs can in some cases be less costly than on campus options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will cover in more 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 considering are accredited by a highly regarded agency, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to attend classes in a less structured and conventional environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Programs
Once you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs available at junior and community colleges in the South Milwaukee WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other significant aspects to consider also, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's take a look at some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your final selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also get 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 receive will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of South Milwaukee WI law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating services can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several South Milwaukee WI law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Offer Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the South Milwaukee WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job placement programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Because laws vary from state to state, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is all the more justification to obtain your education in the community where you want to practice. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the South Milwaukee WI region.
What is the Entire Expense? Paralegal schools can differ in price based on the credential received and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so don't forget to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in South Milwaukee WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near South Milwaukee WI, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up classes missed as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in South Milwaukee
Enroll in the Best South Milwaukee Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies certificate program is a crucial 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 South Milwaukee home. Paralegal education programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Several kinds of private and public institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to be successful in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you elect to acquire your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to assess each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the appropriate education you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in South Milwaukee Wisconsin.
South Milwaukee How To Become A Paralegal | South Milwaukee Paralegal Certificate Online