Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Select the Right One Near Stoughton Wisconsin
Now that you have decided to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Stoughton WI, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to achieve success. A growing number of academic choices are being offered in the field of legal studies, both on campus and online, because of the growing popularity of law related professions within the United States. But just how do you approach finding the right school with numerous options? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by zeroing in on those that are closest to their homes with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the program should be considered as well. We will discuss those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But first, let's have a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals help Stoughton WI lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm may assist with trial logistics or delivering documents to court. In private practices, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As stated, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily tasks might include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal papers
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Assisting lawyers get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their duties, the role of a paralegal can be complex and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally allowed to do is give legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative duties more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the right hand support systems for lawyers. And since they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are basically 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 quickest means to launch your career as a legal assistant in Stoughton WI is by earning a certificate, which may involve just six months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and can be acquired at numerous community colleges in two years. For an even more extensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you might want to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your career opportunities, but help establish you as a professional as well. 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 cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken 2 crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Degrees
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for students living in Stoughton WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional advantage, online classes can in some cases be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can 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 receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less supervised and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal choice for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Schools
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Stoughton WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you need to know what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is particularly true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already covered, there are other critical issues to consider also, for instance accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final choice.
Is the Paralegal Training Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Stoughton WI law firms will only hire entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial aid and student loans are often accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the School's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant programs you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no previous experience, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the program you choose is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact some Stoughton WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an excellent reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while still in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin creating contacts within the Stoughton WI legal field. Find out if the paralegal schools you are assessing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. 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 an excellent sign that the schools have substantial networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you plan to work after graduating. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the community where you wish to practice. 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 wish to first investigate those schools that are within the Stoughton WI area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in price based on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help reduce part of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is offered in Stoughton WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? Many paralegal students continue working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Stoughton WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in makes available that option. Last, ask what the process is for making up classes missed due to work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Stoughton
Choose the Right Stoughton Paralegal Studies Program
Selecting the best paralegal certificate program is a vital first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have covered in this article, you have the choice of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Stoughton residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in numerous formats and lengths. Several kinds of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community colleges, four year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this exciting profession. But irrespective of how you elect to receive your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to review each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate education you can realize your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Stoughton Wisconsin.
Stoughton Paralegal Programs | Stoughton Paralegal Certificate Programs