Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best 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 picking a school. However, it's essential that you find the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to be successful. A growing number of educational options are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with so many alternatives? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although location and cost are necessary considerations when selecting a college, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are many other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance accreditation and reputation. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you should ask potential paralegal schools so that you can assess and compare each one before making your selection. But first, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals essentially both hold comparable job positions and functions, just with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Stevens Point WI attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal 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 mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they work, but some of their regular activities might involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather challenging. However, 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 confined to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Paralegals really 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 volume of clients or cases than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational requirements and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to begin your career as a paralegal in Stevens Point WI is by earning a certificate, which can require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be earned at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Even though it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected certifying organizations in the field 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 obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Paralegal and legal assistant online schools have become more common and can be a good alternative for students living in Stevens Point WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be especially appealing to those who continue to work while earning a degree. As an additional benefit, online classes can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are available, you can start the process of assessing schools. But because there are so many programs available at community and junior colleges in the Stevens Point WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to research as well, including the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are considering so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Stevens Point WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are contemplating. This is of special importance if you are new to the profession with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying 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 several Stevens Point WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even when a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Offer Internships? Internship programs give students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Stevens Point WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are interviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Since laws differ from state to state, it might be advantageous to choose a paralegal school located in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the area legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to initially look at those schools that are within the Stevens Point WI area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can differ in cost based 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 aid might be available to help minimize part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Stevens Point WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? Many legal students keep working while receiving their training and must have flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Stevens Point WI, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you enroll in makes available that option. Last, inquire what the protocol is for making up classes missed due to 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 ideal paralegal certificate school is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Stevens Point home. Paralegal education programs are made available in numerous formats and lengths. Different kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four year universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick carefully. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to receive your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have furnished you will be able to review each program and make your final selection. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Stevens Point Wisconsin.
Stevens Point Paralegal Courses | Stevens Point Paralegal Programs