Paralegal Studies School
How to Find the Right One Near Rock Springs Wyoming
Once you have made a decision to enroll in a paralegal certificate or degree program near Rock Springs WY, it's time to start the process of selecting a school. However, it's crucial that you locate the ideal school so that you will get the comprehensive training that you need to succeed. As you most likely know, the legal field is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States, and more and more educational options are being offered, both on campus and online. But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? Many prospective students begin by trying to find schools within traveling distance of their homes. Of those choices, they search for the program with the most affordable tuition. Although cost and location are important considerations when choosing a school, they are not the only factors you ought to take into consideration. Things such as the reputation and accreditation of the school need to be taken into consideration as well. Later in this article we will cover a list of concerns that you ought to ask prospective paralegal schools so that you can evaluate and compare each one prior to making your selection. But before we do, let's take a look at what a paralegal does and the educational options that are offered to earn either a paralegal certificate or degree.
Paralegals vs Legal Assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants 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 belong to a separate job category. Both legal assistants and paralegals assist Rock Springs WY attorneys with a wide range of job functions, such as maintaining client files, legal research, drafting legal documents and communicating with clients. Their particular job duties are based upon the type of legal firm where they work. For example, a legal assistant for a criminal law firm might help with the logistics of a trial or transporting files to court. In private firms, the work of a paralegal is typically billed hourly as are the lawyer's. And just like attorneys, they must conduct themselves with a high level of professionalism and adhere to a strict standard of professional ethics. As stated, their duties can be wide ranging in support of the practices where they work, but some of their day-to-day tasks may include:
- Researching and fact checking cases
- Researching pertinent cases and laws
- Preparing correspondence and legal documents
- Filing legal papers with the court or opposing counsel
- Assisting lawyers prepare for trial and stay organized with their cases
- Organizing and maintaining legal documents, files and other records
With all of their responsibilities, the role of a paralegal can be involved and very challenging. On the other hand, what they are not legally allowed to do is offer legal advice and counsel or represent a client in a legal action. But paralegals are not limited to administrative or clerical functions more suited 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, attorneys have the ability to take on a much larger volume of cases or clients than they could alone.
Paralegal Training and Certification
As we discussed earlier, paralegals are actually the same as legal assistants, with paralegals arguably having more professional sounding job titles. As a result, for either position the academic prerequisites and opportunities will be the same. The fastest way to begin your career as a legal assistant in Rock Springs WY is by earning a certificate, which can 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 extensive education and may be earned at many community colleges in two years. And if you are interested in an even more extensive education, four year Bachelor's Degrees are an option also. Once you have obtained either a certificate or degree, you may want to continue and receive a certification. Even though it is not a mandatory requirement in Wyoming to practice as a paralegal, certification can not only help increase your career opportunities, but help substantiate you as a professional also. A few 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 discuss the advantages 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.
Online Paralegal and Legal Assistant Schools
Online paralegal or legal assistant schools have become more popular and can be a good alternative for those living in Rock Springs WY searching for convenient access to classes and flexible scheduling. Online schools can be especially appealing to students who continue to work while obtaining a degree. As an added advantage, online programs can sometimes be less expensive than on campus options. Even secondary expenditures for such things as commuting or study materials may be minimized or eliminated. One caveat, not all internet schools are accredited, which we will cover in more detail later. But at a minimum accreditation helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest caliber. So check to make certain that the school and program you are looking into are accredited by a reputable organization, for instance the American Bar Association. But if you are dedicated enough to study in a less structured and conventional environment, then obtaining your certificate or degree online might be the ideal option for you.
What to Ask Paralegal Degree Programs
Since you now you have a better understanding regarding what paralegals do and what academic choices are offered, you can begin the process of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs offered at community and junior colleges in the Rock Springs WY area, as well as trade and vocational schools, you need to learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you add all of the online paralegal certificate and degree programs as well. If you are like most prospective students, you will begin by looking for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have previously discussed, there are other important aspects to think about as well, 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 schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your final decision.
Is the Paralegal School and Program Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select should be accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online program, it might also get accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance education. Accreditation will not only certify that the education you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will show future employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Numerous Rock Springs WY law firms will only hire entry level legal assistants that are graduates of an accredited school. Finally, financial aid and student loans are usually available only for accredited programs.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the legal assistant schools you are contemplating. This is of specific importance if you are entering the profession with no prior experience, since employers will need to make a decision based on the caliber of your training exclusively. Confirming that the program you choose is accredited is a good first step. Checking school rating services can help confirm school quality of education and rankings as well. You can also call several Rock Springs WY law firms that you may have an interest in working for after graduation and ask which schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even though a school is not among the most highly ranked, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the Program Provide Internships? Internship programs give students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal enterprise while attending school. They can also provide a means for students to start developing contacts within the Rock Springs WY legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are evaluating provide internship programs, specifically in areas of the law that you have the most interest in pursuing upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Help offered? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that initial job in a new profession can be difficult without support. Find out if the paralegal programs you are reviewing have job placement programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have substantial networks and great relationships with Wyoming legal services employers. It also substantiates that their students are well regarded and in demand.
Where is the School's Location? Considering that laws differ from one state to another, it may be a good idea to enroll in a legal assistant school domiciled in Wyoming or the state where you plan to work after graduation. Also, it will be valuable to develop relationships in the area legal community, perhaps through an internship program. This is even more reason to obtain your education in the community where you desire 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 might want to first consider those colleges that are within the Rock Springs WY area.
What is the Complete Expense? Paralegal programs can vary in cost depending on the credential obtained and the length of training provided. Having said that, tuition will not be the only expenditure for your training. Don't forget to add the cost of supplies, books and commuting to classes to your budget also. Financial aid may be obtainable to help reduce part of the expense, so don't forget to consult with the school's financial aid department to see what is available in Rock Springs WY. Of course if you decide to attend an online program, a portion these added expenses, such as for commuting, may be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Accommodate your Schedule? Numerous paralegal students keep working while getting their training and must have flexibility to schedule classes. If you can only attend weekend or evening classes near Rock Springs WY, make certain classes are available at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part-time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Last, find out what the protocol is for making-up missed classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Becoming a Legal Assistant in Rock Springs
Choose the Right Rock Springs Paralegal Studies School
Selecting the best paralegal degree program is a crucial first step to guarantee your success in the gratifying field of law. As we have discussed in this post, you have the choice of attending classes on campus or you can attend them online in the comfort and privacy of your Rock Springs residence. Paralegal academic programs are offered in numerous lengths and formats. Various types of public and private institutions provide paralegal education, including community and junior colleges, four year colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools. Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound influence on your opportunities for success in your new career. Considering that there is a broad range in the quality of programs, pick wisely. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed in this fascinating profession. But no matter how you decide to receive your education and earn your certificate or degree, by asking the questions that we have provided you will have the ability to examine each school and make your ultimate selection. And with the appropriate education you can achieve your career objective to become a successful paralegal in Rock Springs Wyoming.
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