Becoming a Paralegal in Wisconsin | What Does It Take?
A paralegal assists lawyers in a range of tasks to support their legal work on cases of all kinds. From researching statutes and collecting information, to drafting legal documents, briefs and correspondence, paralegals play a critical role in maintaining a functioning law firm. Curious about joining the career? Here’s our advice on becoming a paralegal in Wisconsin.
Education & Schooling
Any path to become a paralegal starts with a strong educational foundation. You’ll need a high school diploma or G.E.D before you start to consider additional training options:
- An Associate Degree in Legal Studies or Paralegal Work takes 2- 3 years to complete
- A Paralegal Certificate Program can provide additional knowledge specific to what you’ll need on the job.
- A Bachelor Degree in Legal Studies or something similar also qualifies you for more advanced work.
Skills Required for Becoming a Paralegal in Wisconsin
Paralegal work isn’t for everyone. There are a few different skills that make the job easier to do. Here are some of them to consider when deciding if this is the career for you.
- Detail-Orientation: You are a strong editor and make sure details are taken care of correctly.
- Multi-Tasking: You can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities at any given time.
- Computer-Savy: You know how to use Microsoft Office and can learn to use new software.
- Well Organized: You can manage your work tasks, deliverables, priorities, etc.
- Good Communication: You keep your managers in the loop as necessary and work well together.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: You can shift your work at a moment’s notice as new needs arise.
Pick an Area You’re Passionate About
There are many different areas of law. As a paralegal, it is often recommended that you focus on an area of law that you’re most passionate about. These focus areas include:
- Family Law
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
- Immigration Law
- Constitutional Law
- Business Law
- Elder Law
- Employment Law
More Resources for Becoming a Paralegal in Wisconsin
Considering becoming a paralegal in Wisconsin? Remember to start with a strong education. Then consider the skills you need to develop to fill out your resume. Finally, make sure you pick an area of law that you’re passionate about. Here are several additional resources on becoming a paralegal in Wisconsin to help you on your journey. Best of luck!
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Lisa Derr
Lisa Derr is an experienced Divorce and Family Mediator with three offices in east central Wisconsin. She started the family mediation practice in 1995. Lisa earned her BA in psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1984 in four years despite a serious car accident that involved a 2-month hospital stay. She began practicing law in 1987. For the first 8 years of her career, Lisa litigated personal injury and divorce cases. But she was frustrated with the tremendous financial and emotional cost of divorce trials. Contested hearings inhibited reconciliation and healing for thewhole family. She started the Beaver Dam divorce mediation practice in 1995 and with her partner, Cassel Villarreal, expanded to Oshkosh and West Bend ten years later.