Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Choose the Best One Near Waupun Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Waupun WI, it's time to begin the process of selecting a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you locate the best school so that you will get the extensive training that you need. As you probably understand, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic choices are becoming available, both at school and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right school with so many alternatives? A number of potential students begin by looking for schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they look for the program with the most affordable tuition. But keep in mind, a school is not always the best option just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. Things like the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration as well. We will address those issues and other vital questions that you should be asking 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 instructional choices that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants essentially both fill comparable job positions and functions, only 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 legal assistants and paralegals help Waupun WI attorneys with a diverse array of job functions, including legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering files to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is normally billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their regular tasks can involve:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Conducting research on relevant cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal documents with opposing counsel or the court
- Helping lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and managing legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and quite demanding. However, what they are not legally authorized to do is provide legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal proceeding. But they are not restricted to administrative or clerical duties 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, attorneys have the ability to manage a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Education and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are basically the same as legal assistants, with paralegals possibly having more professional sounding job titles. In any case, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Waupun WI is by earning a certificate, which may require as little as 6 months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more expansive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more comprehensive education, 4 year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. Once you have obtained either a degree or a certificate, you might choose to continue and obtain a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification may not only help maximize your job opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. A few 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 certificate or degree from an accredited program (we will discuss the advantages of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two important initial steps that will help guarantee your success as either a legal assistant or a paralegal.
Online Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools
Online legal assistant or paralegal schools have become more prevalent and can be an excellent option for individuals living in Waupun WI looking for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be particularly appealing to individuals who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can often be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as study materials or commuting can be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality. So check to make sure that the school and program you are reviewing are accredited by a reputable agency, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the right choice for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Since you now you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what educational options are available, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Waupun WI area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is particularly true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like many prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other crucial factors to think about as well, including accreditation and the reputation of the schools. So let's go over some of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a highly regarded organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will obtain will be of the highest standard, but it will establish with future employers that you are a qualified professional also. Numerous Waupun WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually offered only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant programs you are considering. This is of particular importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will need to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Checking that the school you select is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact some Waupun WI law practices that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs offer students a chance to experience working in a law practice or other legal enterprise while still in school. They can also offer a pathway for students to begin developing contacts within the Waupun WI legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new field can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Wisconsin legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ among states, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you wish to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the area where you desire to practice. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most charge a higher tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you might need to first investigate those colleges that are within the Waupun WI area.
What is the Total Cost? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential received and the amount of training provided. 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 as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize some of the expense, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid office to see what is offered in Waupun WI. Of course if you choose to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Classes Match your Schedule? Numerous legal students keep working while receiving their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can only attend night or weekend classes near Waupun WI, verify classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part time basis, confirm that the program you select provides that option. Last, find out what the procedure is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family obligations.
Learn More About How to Become a Legal Assistant in Waupun
Enroll in the Right Waupun Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the right paralegal studies training school is a vital first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have covered in this post, you have the option of attending classes on campus or you can participate online in the privacy and comfort of your Waupun home. Paralegal academic programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Several types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new profession. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the greatest possible chance to be successful in this rewarding profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your final decision. And with the appropriate training you can accomplish your career goal to become a successful paralegal in Waupun Wisconsin.