Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Right One Near Stevens Point Wisconsin
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Stevens Point WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you find the right school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When looking for paralegal studies programs, the majority of students start by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. Although cost and location are prime considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you should take into consideration. There are various other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. Later on in this post we will review a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can examine and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals basically both hold comparable job roles and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Stevens Point WI attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job functions are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may help with trial logistics or transferring documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is usually billed by the hour 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 code of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their daily activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching relevant cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing 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 additional records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be involved and quite 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 paralegals are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really are the main support systems for lawyers. And because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, lawyers are able to handle a much larger number of clients or cases than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The fastest way to launch your career as a paralegal in Stevens Point WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can take as little as 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for 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 extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help boost your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 important first steps that will help ensure your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more common and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Stevens Point WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who keep working while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such things as study materials or commuting may be reduced or eliminated. One caveat, not all online schools are accredited, which we will address in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the education you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a highly regarded organization, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs available at community and junior colleges in the Stevens Point WI area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial aspects to research also, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at several of the questions you should be asking the programs you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate selection.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets 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 future employers that you are a qualified professional also. A number of Stevens Point WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the School's Reputation? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of particular importance if you are new to the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the caliber of your training exclusively. Checking that the school you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Stevens Point WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while still in school. They can also present a means for students to start developing contacts within the Stevens Point WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws vary from state to state, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school located in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to build relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly through an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those colleges that are within the Stevens Point WI area.
What is the Entire Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in cost based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Stevens Point WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these supplementary costs, for instance for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Fit your Schedule? Many legal students continue working while obtaining their training and need flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Stevens Point WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the process is for making-up missed classes as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Stevens Point
Enroll in the Best Stevens Point Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training program is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Stevens Point residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you elect to obtain your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to evaluate each program and make your ultimate decision. And with the ideal education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Stevens Point Wisconsin.
Stevens Point Paralegal Training | Stevens Point How To Become A Paralegal