Paralegal Studies Degree
How to Enroll in the Best One Near Wausau Wisconsin
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Wausau WI, it's time to begin the process of choosing a school. However, it's essential that you find the best school so that you will receive the extensive training that you need to be successful. As you probably understand, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and a growing number of academic options are becoming available, both on campus and online. But just how do you go about enrolling in the right program with so many options? Many potential students begin by searching for schools within commuting distance of their homes. Of those options, they try to find the program with the most affordable tuition. However, a school is not always the right choice just because it has the lowest tuition or is located closest to your home. There are many other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other crucial 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 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 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 separate job classification. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Wausau WI lawyers with a diverse array of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice may assist with the logistics of a trial or delivering documents to court. In private firms, a paralegal's work is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high level of professionalism and abide by a strict standard of professional ethics. As noted, their duties can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their regular activities may include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal papers
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and keep organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the job of a paralegal can be complex and rather 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 functions more suited 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 preparation and ground work, lawyers have the ability to take on a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals perhaps having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and job prospects will be the same. The quickest means to launch your career as a paralegal in Wausau WI is by obtaining a certificate, which may take just six months to complete. A large number of entry level positions do require an Associate's Degree, which offer a more extensive education and can be earned at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are available also. After you have earned either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to continue and receive a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wisconsin to work as a paralegal, certification can not only help improve your employment opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional as well. Some 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 program (we will cover the benefits of accreditation later) and earning a certification, you will have taken two crucial initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Paralegal and Legal Assistant Online Classes
Legal assistant and paralegal online schools have become more common and can be a good option for students living in Wausau WI searching for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online schools can be especially attractive to those who continue to work while obtaining a certificate or degree. As an added advantage, online programs can in some cases be less expensive than more traditional options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet programs are accredited, which we will discuss in more detail later. But at the very least accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain 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 instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to attend classes in a less structured and formal environment, then earning your degree or certificate online may be the right choice for you.
Questions to Ask Paralegal Programs
Now that you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what training choices are offered, you can start the undertaking of evaluating schools. But because there are so many programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Wausau WI area, in addition to vocational and trade schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can compare each one. This is especially true if you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like many potential students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously covered, there are other significant issues to think about also, for instance the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over some 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 selection.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets distance or online education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. A number of Wausau WI law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited schools.
What's the Program's Reputation? Investigate what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the caliber of your education exclusively. Verifying that the program you pick is accredited is an excellent first step. Checking school rating reports can help verify school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also contact several Wausau WI law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask which schools they suggest. Remember that even though a school is not the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Sponsor Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law office or other legal operation while attending school. They can also present an avenue for students to start developing contacts within the Wausau WI legal community. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing offer internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but finding that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are assessing have job placement 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 confirms that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Because laws differ from one state to another, it might be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Wisconsin or the state where you want to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the area legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the community where you wish to work. 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 may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Wausau WI region.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential received and the amount of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your education. Remember to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial aid may be available to help minimize part of the expense, so make sure to check with the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Wausau WI. Needless to say that if you opt to attend an online school, a portion these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit 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 Wausau WI, make certain classes are available at those times. Also, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you select provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes because of sickness, work or family obligations.
Learn More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Wausau
Enroll in the Right Wausau Paralegal Studies Program
Enrolling in the best paralegal certificate school is an essential first step to guarantee your success in the rewarding field of law. As we have addressed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can participate online in the comfort and privacy of your Wausau residence. Paralegal education programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different kinds of private and public institutions provide 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 broad range in the quality of programs, choose wisely. Afford yourself the greatest possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But regardless of how you elect to acquire your training and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have presented you will be able to evaluate each program and make your ultimate selection. And with the right education you can realize your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Wausau Wisconsin.