How to Become a Paralegal in Wisconsin

Paralegals work under lawyers’ supervision, unlike other law practitioners who are required to represent clients in courts of law.

These paralegals play a vital role in the legal field by performing tasks outside the law practice scope.

To become a certified paralegal in Wisconsin, you must obtain an associate degree or certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal school.

This way, you’re eligible for the best job placement in government agencies, law firms, and other law corporations.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Wisconsin

Although there are no regulations governing the training of paralegals, you must have a solid foundation for this career.

Paralegals do not require certification to work in Wisconsin.

You only need to pass the examination and meet the state’s educational criteria.

Wisconsin is known to be home to many paralegals.

It is a highly competitive field with no rules and regulations, and neither does it require licensure.

Although paralegals in Wisconsin do not require licensure to work, the State Bar of Wisconsin requires you to meet the following basic paralegal certification requirements.

Certification

To become a paralegal in Wisconsin, you have to fulfill the education requirements and have the required work experience.

Alternatively, a voluntary certification with a national organization can help you secure a job.

However much this state is not strict with certification, all paralegal candidates have many advantages if they further their careers.

Degree

Most law firms require you to have an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a certificate in paralegal studies to work with them.

All these certificates should be from an institution approved by the American Bar Association.

Experience

Paralegals should acquire professional experience through internships and pro bono legal work.

These programs equip candidates with skills that they require throughout their careers.

Citizenship

Wisconsin paralegals should be either US citizens or legal aliens.

Although the state does not require paralegal candidates to submit background checks, most employers need them before hiring paralegals.

4 Paralegal Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers two types of paralegal programs.

One is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), while the other is not. The most common program for paralegals is paralegal studies, which is ABA-approved.

It is done at bachelor’s and associate’s levels and takes 2-3 years of coursework.

The other paralegal program is the certificate which features legal research, legal writing, and any additional knowledge you require for the job.

A solid educational foundation is necessary for any candidate to become a paralegal in Wisconsin.

Below are five schools that offer ABA-approved paralegal programs in Wisconsin:

1. Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical School features a paralegal post-baccalaureate certificate program for candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and want to expand their knowledge.

This program runs for two semesters.

The post-baccalaureate certificate estimated tuition fees are $3,700 for Wisconsin residents and $5,500 for non-residents.

Examples of the required courses for this program are:

• Family law
• Administrative law
• Legal research
• Legal computer applications.
• Civil litigation 1 and 2
• Career building techniques

2. Chippewa Valley Technical College

The on-campus paralegal associate’s degree that a faculty of experienced law practitioners teach at Chippewa Valley Technical College features.

Rather than essential learning, this program gives the candidates an emphasis on reasoning and understanding.

The program costs approximately $8,100 for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents; and $12,100 for out-of-state candidates.

This program requires a GED, high school diploma, or completing a home school program like COMPAS.

Chippewa’s college paralegal program covers numerous aspects of law, including liberal arts.

3. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Serving approximately 42,000 students every year, Northeast Technical College offers a paralegal post-baccalaureate certificate program.

The on-campus program runs for two semesters, and it equips learners with oral and writing legal skills.

The estimated cost of this program is $2,841 and $4,124 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

The sample required courses for this program are:

• Indian law
• Legal research
• Legal aspects
• Civil litigation 1 and 2

5. Lakeshore Technical College

This college offers an on-campus Paralegal Associate of Applied Science that takes 2-3 years, depending on the study hours.

Students learn to draft legal documents, behave ethically, conduct research, and analyze legal procedural issues.

The estimated cost for this program is $8,712 for state residents and $13,068 for non-residents.

The sample required courses for this program are:

• Personal branding – paralegal
• Legal aspects of business organizations
• Business law
• Civil Litigation 1 and 2.

Paralegal Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table

Paralegals’ Salaries in Wisconsin

As a paralegal in Wisconsin, you must possess the required skills to ease your job.

Additionally, focusing on an area of law you’re passionate about is necessary for your career’s success.

Paralegals with vital education and on-hand experience are on the practical side of earning a good salary.

Paralegals in Wisconsin earn an average base salary of $42,056 as of June 21, 2022.

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

Paralegal Schools by State