The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Wisconsin have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
By now you know that a successful career as a paralegal doesn’t come down to luck. You’ve got to work for it.
William Kaumheimer discovered that lesson too when he started practicing law in Milwaukee in 1894. He worked hard over the years and his list of clients got longer and new partners were added. In 1949 John Reinhart became associated with the firm, followed by Roger Boerner in 1954 and Richard Van Deuren. Together they founded what is today Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c., one of Wisconsin’s best known law firms and among the 200 largest in the nation, employing over 200 attorneys and 250 paralegals and other legal staff.
What does it take to work as a paralegal in a firm like this? In a 2017 job advert the firm specified paralegal applicants need at least a bachelor’s degree, and must show commitment and an active interest in acquiring new skills.
We’ve identified our favorite online paralegal programs to help you acquire just those skills, and to give you a chance to show you have the commitment that employers in the legal industry are looking for.
Bryant and Stratton College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Online and campus
Legal Office Assistant Diploma – Online and campus
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Fox Valley Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College
Tribal Court Lay Advocate Certificate – Campus
Lakeshore Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus and synchronous video
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Madison Area Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Milwaukee Area Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Diploma (post-bac) – Campus
Moraine Park Technical College
AAS Paralegal Studies – Campus, online
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Paralegal Certificate (post-bac) – Campus
Rasmussen College
AAS in Paralegal Studies –Online
Paralegal Certificate – Online
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – Campus
University of Wisconsin – Madison
BA/BS in Legal Studies – Campus
Western Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, online, hybrid