Paralegal Studies School
How to Select the Right One Near Two Rivers Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Two Rivers WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. However, it's essential that you locate the ideal school so that you will receive the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. However with numerous alternatives to choose from, where does one start? A number of potential students begin by searching for schools within traveling range of their homes. Of those options, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the best choice simply because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things such as accreditation and the reputation of the program ought to be considered as well. We will discuss those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and functions, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the same as either of those two positions and are part of a separate job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Two Rivers WI attorneys with a wide range of job functions, including maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their specific job functions are based upon the type of legal firm where they are employed. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is usually billed hourly as are the attorney's. And the same as attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism and follow a strict code of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the firms where they are employed, but some of their regular activities might include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on pertinent laws and cases
- Composing correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Helping attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be involved and quite challenging. 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 they are not limited to clerical or administrative tasks more applicable 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 ground work and preparation, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to start your career as a paralegal in Two Rivers WI is by earning a certificate, which may involve as little as six months to accomplish. A large number of entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more comprehensive education and may be acquired at numerous community colleges in 2 years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. When you have earned either a certificate or degree, you might choose to proceed and obtain a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few of the highly regarded 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two essential first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Programs
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more popular and may be a good alternative for those living in Two Rivers WI looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to individuals who continue to work while earning a degree. As an added benefit, online schools can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even supplementary expenditures for such items as study materials or commuting can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online schools are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps ensure that the training you obtain is of the highest caliber. So check to make sure that the program and school you are thinking about are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less supervised and conventional environment, then earning your certificate or degree online might be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what educational choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Two Rivers WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true if you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important factors to think about also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are investigating so that you can effectively vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you pick need to be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it may also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online learning. Accreditation will not only certify that the training you will get will be of the highest quality, but it will demonstrate to future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Two Rivers WI law firms will only employ entry level paralegals that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Learn what the reputations and rankings are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of particular importance if you are entering the profession with no previous experience, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Checking that the program you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help determine school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Two Rivers WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they suggest. Keep in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to start creating contacts within the Two Rivers WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help available? You will most likely want to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new profession can be challenging without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also corroborates that their graduates are well regarded and sought after.
Where is the School Located? Because laws differ among states, it may be beneficial to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be necessary to create relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to receive your education in the community where you choose to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might want to first consider those schools that are within the Two Rivers WI area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in cost depending on the credential earned and the amount of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expense for your education. Remember to add the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be available to help reduce part of the expense, so make sure to contact the school's financial aid department to find out what is available in Two Rivers WI. Needless to say that if you decide to attend an online school, a portion these added expenses, for instance for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while obtaining their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend night or weekend classes near Two Rivers WI, make sure classes are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make certain that the school you choose provides that option. Last, ask what the protocol is for making-up missed classes due to sickness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Two Rivers
Choose the Best Two Rivers Paralegal Studies School
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is an important first step toward your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this article, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Two Rivers home. Paralegal education programs are made available in many lengths and formats. Various types of private and public institutions offer paralegal training, including junior and community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Given that there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible opportunity to be successful in this rewarding profession. But irrespective of how you decide to receive your training and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to examine each program and make your final selection. And with the ideal training you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Two Rivers Wisconsin.
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