Paralegals provide essential assistance to attorneys in preparation for such things as closings, hearings, trials and meetings.
While many paralegals work within law firms, some of them may choose to work within government agencies or large corporate organizations.
For people in Wyoming to become paralegals, they must obtain a certificate or degree first, and the following schools all offer outstanding training in the field.
Casper College
Located in Casper and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Casper College has magnificent certificate and associate degree programs in paralegal studies, approved by the American Bar Association. Those people, who want to learn the full details of either of these programs, can phone Casper at – 307-268-2100 or write to them at the following address – 125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming, 82601. They can also find the paralegal program’s suggested curriculum online at – www.caspercollege.edu/.
Students, who choose to earn an associate of applied science degree in paralegal studies, will need to complete a variety of basic education courses as follows – English I and II, American and Wyoming Government, Physical Education elective, Biological Science with lab, Introduction to Theater, General Psychology, and Introduction to Philosophy or Critical Thinking.
They must also complete several law-specific courses as follows – Introduction to Criminal Justice, Paralegalism I and II, Legal Analysis, Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Procedure, Law of Evidence, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Computer Competencies, and Litigation Support.
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College, located in Cheyenne, offers a quality associate of applied science degree program in paralegal technology, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Prospective paralegals, who would like to attend Laramie, can contact the college at – 800-522-2993, or they can write to Laramie at – 1400 East College Drive, Laramie, Wyoming, 82007. They can also find the requirements for admissions within the college’s website at – www.lccc.wy.edu.
Paralegal students at Laramie will need to fulfill a variety of common studies and law-specific requirements, with the common studies requirements as follows – English I/Composition, Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking, Mathematics, Culture Diversity/Social Science/History or Political Science elective, American and Wyoming Government or other approved elective, Politics of State and Local Government, Humanities or Fine Arts elective, Computer Literacy, and Physical Wellness.
The following classes are the law-specific requirements of the program – Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Criminal Law and Procedure, Civil Procedure and Litigation, Court Procedures and the Legal System, Evidence and Investigation, Torts, Business Law I and II, Law Office Management, Probate Practices and Procedures, Paralegal Internship or Government Internship, Real Estate and Property Law, Practical Accounting I and II, Business Communication, Constitutional Law, Computer Information Systems, Administrative Law, Logic, Ethics, Family Law, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Computer Applications in the Law, Criminal Investigation I, and Introduction to Public Administration.
Ashworth College Online
Based in Georgia, Ashworth College Online offers unbelievable certificate, diploma and associate degree programs in paralegal studies, accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. If people would like to obtain their paralegal training online, they can call the college at – 800-957-5412, or they can write to Ashworth at – 6625 Corners Parkway, Suite 500, Norcross, Georgia, 30092. They can also find out how to enroll within the program by visiting the college online at – www.ashworthcollege.edu.
Students, who choose to pursue an associate of applied science degree in paralegal studies, will need to take the following liberal arts courses to earn their degrees – Business English, Business Communication, American Government, Introduction to Psychology, College Mathematics, and Introduction to Computers.
Students will also need to take the following paralegal courses to earn their degrees – Introduction to Business, Business Law, Introduction to Paralegalism I and II, Personal Finance, Torts, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Procedures, Real Estate Law, Law Office Management, Family Law, Legal Research and Writing, Wills/Trusts and Estates, and Income Tax Fundamentals.
Westwood College Online
Westwood College has several campuses in the US that offer both online and traditional training in paralegal studies. If people would like to earn their paralegal degree online, they can call Westwood at – 800-281-2978 or write to them at – 1551 South Douglass Road, Anaheim, California, 92806. They can also find helpful information online at – www.westwood.edu.
For students to obtain an associate of applied science degree in paralegal studies from Westwood, they must complete a variety of basic skills classes as follows – Computer Applications, College Writing I, Ethical and Critical Thinking, College Mathematics, Introduction to Physical Science, American Government, Technology and Society, Success Strategies, and Career Management.
They must also complete several law-related classes as follows – Introduction to Law and Ethics, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Tort Law, Contract Law for Paralegals, Interviewing and Investigation, Civil Litigation, Law Office Operations, and at least four of the following classes – Criminal Law and Procedure for Paralegals, Real Estate Law for Paralegals, Family Law, Wills/Trusts and Probate, Immigration Law, Entertainment Law, and State Regulatory and Law Making.
How to Obtain Paralegal Certification in Wyoming
Those paralegals, who would like to obtain certification, have several options open to them. All of the following organizations offer certification to paralegals, and some of them offer useful study materials.
1. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (requires a written exam and offers a study manual and practice test)
2. The National Association of Legal Assistants (also requires a written exam and offers useful guides)
3. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (also requires a written test)
4. The American Alliance of Paralegals (requires five years of paralegal work history)