Paralegal Studies Certificate
How to Choose the Right One Near Cheyenne Wyoming
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Cheyenne WY, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's important that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to achieve success. As you probably know, the legal field is among the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and increasingly more academic alternatives are being offered, both at school and online. But just how do you approach enrolling in the right school with so many options? When checking out paralegal studies programs, many potential students begin by zeroing in on the ones that are nearest to their homes with the lowest tuition. Although location and cost are prime considerations when picking a school, they are not the only qualifiers you should take into consideration. There are several other qualifications that you should evaluate when reviewing schools, such as accreditation and reputation. We will cover those issues and other important questions that you must ask the paralegal schools you are interested in later in this article. But before we do, let's have a look at what a paralegal does and the educational alternatives that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals Compared to Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants for the most part both hold the same job roles and responsibilities, just with different titles. However, legal secretaries are not the equivalent of either of those two positions and belong to a different job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Cheyenne WY attorneys with a wide variety of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, communicating with clients, and drafting legal documents. Their specific job duties are relevant to the type of practice where they work. As an example, a legal assistant for a criminal law practice could help with trial logistics or transferring files to court. In private practices, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the attorney's. And just like attorneys, they must carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism and comply with a strict code of professional ethics. As mentioned, their responsibilities can be varied in support of the practices where they are employed, but some of their routine tasks may involve:
- Investigating and fact checking cases
- Researching related cases and laws
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents
- Submitting legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting attorneys get ready for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and preserving legal files, documents and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be complicated and very demanding. However, what they are not legally permitted to do is offer legal counsel and advice or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not confined 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 because they do so much of the legal preparation and ground work, attorneys are able to handle a much larger number of cases or clients than they could otherwise.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are essentially 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 begin your career as a paralegal in Cheyenne WY is by earning a certificate, which may require just 6 months to accomplish. Most entry level positions do call for an Associate's Degree, which furnish a more extensive education and can be obtained at numerous community colleges in 2 years. For an even more comprehensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. When you have acquired either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and get a certification. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in Wyoming to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help maximize your employment opportunities, but help establish you as a professional also. Some of the highly respected 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 certificate or degree from an accredited school (we will discuss the benefits of accreditation later) and obtaining a certification, you will have taken two crucial first steps that will help ensure your success as either a paralegal or a legal assistant.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Programs
Legal assistant and paralegal online programs have become more available and may be a good alternative for individuals living in Cheyenne WY looking for convenient access to classes as well as accommodating scheduling. Online programs can be particularly appealing to individuals who keep working while earning a degree. As an added advantage, online classes can often be less costly than more traditional options. Even secondary expenses for such items as study materials or commuting may be minimized or eliminated. One caution, not all online programs are accredited, which we will discuss in greater detail later. But at the very least 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 thinking about are accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and formal setting, then obtaining your certificate or degree online could be the right choice for you.
Things to Ask Paralegal Schools
Now that you have a better idea regarding what paralegals do and what academic options are offered, you can start the process of evaluating schools. But considering that there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Cheyenne WY area, in addition to trade and vocational schools, you must find out what questions to ask so that you can evaluate each one. This is particularly true when you include all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs also. If you are like most potential students, you will begin by searching for schools within driving distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other important aspects to think about also, for instance 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 programs you are considering so that you can properly vet each one and make your ultimate decision.
Is the Paralegal Program Accredited? The paralegal school and program that you enroll in need to be accredited by a respected accrediting agency such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it can also obtain accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance training. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the education you will receive will be of the highest quality, but it will show potential employers that you are a qualified professional also. Many Cheyenne WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are typically available only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Learn what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will need to make a decision based on the quality of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you pick is accredited is a good first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also contact a few Cheyenne WY law firms that you may be interested in working for after graduating and ask what schools they recommend. Keep in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program may still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs provide students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal operation while remaining in school. They can also present an avenue for students to begin developing contacts within the Cheyenne WY legal field. Ask if the paralegal programs you are assessing provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you are most interested in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but getting that first job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have sizable networks and good relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also confirms that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the Campus Located? Since laws differ from one state to another, it may be advantageous to select a legal assistant school located in Wyoming or the state where you plan to practice after graduating. In addition, it will be valuable to cultivate relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more justification to acquire your education in the area where you desire to work. Also, if you attend classes at a community college, many require an increased tuition for students that live outside of their districts. So you may want to initially consider those schools that are within the Cheyenne WY area.
How Much is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost based on the credential earned and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only cost for your education. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial assistance might be obtainable to help reduce part of the cost, so be sure to consult with the school's financial aid office to find out what is offered in Cheyenne WY. Of course if you opt to attend an online school, some of these added costs, such as for commuting, may be reduced or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Match your Schedule? A number of legal students continue working while obtaining their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can just attend weekend or evening classes near Cheyenne WY, make sure classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make certain that the program you enroll in provides that option. Finally, ask what the protocol is for making up missed classes due to sickness, work or family obligations.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Cheyenne
Enroll in the Right Cheyenne Paralegal Studies School
Enrolling in the right paralegal degree program is an important 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 at school or you can attend them online in the privacy and comfort of your Cheyenne residence. Paralegal education programs are offered in various formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions make available paralegal training, including community and junior colleges, four-year universities and colleges, as well as vocational and trade schools. Your selection of a paralegal school will have a profound influence on your prospects for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Afford yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession. But no matter how you choose to acquire your education and earn your degree or certificate, by asking the questions that we have presented you will have the ability to assess each program and make your final selection. And with the right education you can accomplish your career goal to become a practicing paralegal in Cheyenne Wyoming.
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