Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Select the Right One Near Casper Wyoming
Now that you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Casper WY, it's time to start the process of choosing a school. But in order to secure your success, it’s crucial that you find the right program so that you will receive the extensive training that you need. More and more educational alternatives are being offered in the legal field, both at school and online, due to the increasing popularity of law related occupations within the United States. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right program with numerous alternatives? When looking for paralegal studies schools, the majority of students begin by targeting those that are closest to their homes with the cheapest tuition. However, a school is not always the right option just because it happens to have a campus near your home or is lower in cost. There are various other qualifications that you should evaluate when comparing schools, for instance reputation and accreditation. We will address those topics and other crucial questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are looking at later in this article. But before we do, let's take a look at exactly what a paralegal does and the academic options that are available to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants basically both hold the same job positions and responsibilities, only with different titles. On the other hand, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both paralegals and legal assistants assist Casper WY lawyers with a wide variety of job functions, such as legal research, maintaining client files, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are relevant to the type of legal firm where they are employed. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice might assist with the logistics of a trial or transferring documents to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is usually billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like lawyers, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and comply with a strict standard of professional ethics. As mentioned, their duties can be diverse in support of the practices where they are employed, but a few of their daily activities can include:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching applicable laws and cases
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal documents with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and rather demanding. On the other hand, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But they are not confined to administrative or clerical functions more apropos to the job of a legal secretary. Legal assistants really are the main support systems for attorneys. And because they do so much of the legal ground work and preparation, attorneys are able to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could on their own.
Paralegal Programs and Certification
As we previously covered, paralegals are essentially the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the educational prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest means to begin your career as a legal assistant in Casper WY is by obtaining a certificate, which may require just 6 months to complete. Many entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which provide a more extensive education and may be obtained at many community colleges in 2 years. For an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are offered as well. Once you have acquired either a degree or a certificate, you may choose to proceed and get a certification. Although it is not a legal requirement in Wyoming to practice as a paralegal, certification may not only help boost your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some 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 school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two essential initial steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Online Training
Online paralegal or legal assistant programs have become more prevalent and can be a good option for individuals living in Casper WY looking for convenient access to classes as well as flexible scheduling. Online programs can be particularly attractive to those who continue to work while earning a certificate or degree. As an additional benefit, online schools can in some cases be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenses for such things as commuting or study materials can be reduced or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you obtain is of the highest quality. So check to make certain that the program and school you are looking into are accredited by a respected agency, for example the American Bar Association. But if you are disciplined enough to study in a less supervised and conventional setting, then obtaining your degree or certificate online could be the ideal option for you.
Points to Ask Paralegal Studies Programs
Since you now you have a better idea about what paralegals do and what educational options are offered, you can start the undertaking of assessing schools. But considering that there are numerous programs offered at junior and community colleges in the Casper WY area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to evaluate each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like the majority of potential students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other critical aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over a few of the questions you need to be asking the programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal Program and School Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you choose need to be accredited by a reputable 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 online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify 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 Casper WY law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Finally, financial assistance and student loans are usually accessible only for accredited programs.
What's the Program's Reputation? Research what the reputations and rankings are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the field with no prior work history, since employers will have to rely on the quality of your education exclusively. Verifying that the school you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating reports can help determine school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Casper WY law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduation and ask what schools they recommend. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an outstanding reputation.
Does the Program Sponsor Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also present a means for students to begin creating contacts within the Casper WY legal community. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing provide internship programs, especially in areas of the law that you are most interested in pursuing after graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance available? You will undoubtedly wish to hit the ground running after graduating, but finding that first job in a new field can be difficult without assistance. Ask 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 sign that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also substantiates that their graduates are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it might be a good idea to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in Wyoming or the state where you plan to work after graduating. Also, it will be important to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, perhaps by means of an internship program. This is all the more reason to acquire your education in the community where you choose to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may need to first consider those schools that are within the Casper WY area.
How Much is the Total Expense? Paralegal programs can differ in price based on the credential earned and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid might be available to help minimize some of the cost, so don't forget to talk to the school's financial aid department to find out what is offered in Casper WY. Of course if you choose to attend an online program, a portion these additional costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Many paralegal students keep working while receiving their training and need flexibility to schedule classes. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Casper WY, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, confirm that the school you select offers that option. Last, inquire what the procedure is for making-up classes missed as a result of work, illness or family obligations.
Find Out More About How to Become a Paralegal in Casper
Enroll in the Right Casper Paralegal Studies Program
Choosing the ideal paralegal studies certificate program is an essential first step toward your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the option of attending classes at school or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Casper residence. Paralegal academic programs are provided in many lengths and formats. Different types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including junior and community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, in addition to trade and vocational schools. Your selection of a paralegal program will have a pronounced influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Given that there is a broad range in the quality of schools, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this fascinating 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 be able to review each program and make your final decision. And with the right education you can accomplish your career objective to become a practicing paralegal in Casper Wyoming.