Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Find the Best One Near Superior Wisconsin
Congratulations on your decision to enroll in a paralegal school near Superior WI and start your journey that will lead to a satisfying profession in legal services. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more academic choices are being offered, both on campus and online. However with so many alternatives to choose from, where does one begin? Some prospective students start by looking for schools within driving range of their homes. Of those alternatives, they look for the program with the lowest tuition. However, a school is not always the best option simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the program should be taken into consideration too. Later in this article we will cover a list of questions that you need to ask potential paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare every one prior to making your selection. But first, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Legal assistants and paralegals for the most part both fill comparable job positions and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a different job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants help Superior WI lawyers with a wide variety of job duties, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job duties are based upon the type of practice where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with trial logistics or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed by the hour as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their responsibilities can be diverse in support of the firms where they work, but some of their day-to-day activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on applicable cases and laws
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys prepare for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complex and rather demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is provide legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not restricted to clerical or administrative functions more applicable 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, lawyers are able to take on a much larger volume of clients or cases than they could alone.
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 academic requirements and job prospects will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a legal assistant in Superior WI is by obtaining a certificate, which can require as little as 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered also. When you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your career 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 degree or certificate from an accredited school (we will address 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 Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more available and may be a good option for those living in Superior WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even ancillary expenditures for such items as commuting or study materials can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a highly regarded agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the process of assessing schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at community and junior colleges in the Superior WI area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you must learn what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially 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 commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important issues to think about as well, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's take a look at a few of the questions you need to be asking the schools you are researching so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you pick should be accredited by a respected 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 focuses on distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Superior WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that are graduates of an accredited school. Also, financial aid and student loans are typically obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. 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 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 Superior WI law practices that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Remember that even if a school is not the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also provide an avenue for students to begin establishing contacts within the Superior WI legal community. Find out if the paralegal schools you are considering provide internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will undoubtedly want to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without assistance. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are highly regarded and sought after.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws vary from one state to another, it might be beneficial to choose a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. Also, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to obtain your education in the community where you want to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, many require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you might want to first investigate those schools that are within the Superior WI region.
How Much is the Complete Cost? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance might be accessible to help offset some of the cost, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Superior WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online program, some of these added expenses, such as for commuting, might be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Superior WI, verify classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the program you choose makes available that option. Last, ask what the procedure is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Paralegal in Superior
Enroll in the Best Superior Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the ideal paralegal certificate program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have discussed in this article, you have the option of attending classes on-campus or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Superior residence. Paralegal training programs are made available in various formats and lengths. Different kinds of private and public institutions make available paralegal training, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of schools, choose wisely. Afford yourself the best possible chance to be successful in this fascinating profession. But irrespective of how you choose to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will be able to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the right training you can realize your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Superior Wisconsin.