Wisconsin Paralegal Schools

About 4,320 paralegals were working in Wisconsin as of 2018, with about half employed in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.¹ Wisconsin paralegals play a key role in the legal process, able to perform tasks outside of the scope of the practice of law, such as conducting research and interviews and completing paperwork for cases. Wisconsin paralegal schools afford aspirants the opportunity to earn a paralegal degree and enter one of the nation's fastest growing professions.

How to Become a Paralegal in Wisconsin

Wisconsin paralegals are required by law to work under the supervision of a lawyer and are not able to offer legal advice or represent clients in courts of law. There are currently no regulations that dictate minimum education or other requirements to become a paralegal in the state. However, it is recommended that prospective paralegals complete a legal studies program before applying for jobs. Obtaining a degree from a paralegal school, especially if it is approved by the ABA, will help to ensure the best job placement for Wisconsin paralegals.

Wisconsin Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

In 2018, Wisconsin paralegals earned an average salary of $50,360 per year.¹ Paralegals in the Madison and Milwaukee metro areas made closer to an average of $55,000 per year.¹ The outlook for the profession in Wisconsin is positive, with jobs growth of 9.2% expected through 2026.² This equates to a net gain of 420 positions through 2026; however, including replacements, projections suggest an annual average of 520 openings.² Paralegals in Wisconsin can find employment with government and non-profit agencies as well as corporations and law firms.

Wisconsin Paralegal Career Interviews

• John Goudie, President, Paralegal Association of Wisconsin

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Wisconsin

Lakeshore Technical College: Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, Wisconsin has an American Bar Association-approved paralegal Associate of Applied Science degree. This degree requires a total of 66 credit hours and can be completed within two years. Fundamental courses include Introduction to Paralegalism and Legal Ethics, Business Law I, and Civil Litigation I. During their fourth semester, students must complete either a Paralegal Internship or the Paralegal Studies course, both of which are avenues for students to gain professional paralegal experience.

Milwaukee Area Technical College: The School of Business at Milwaukee Area Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies and a paralegal certificate; both programs are certified by the American Bar Association. The AAS is a 64-credit hour program with technical studies requirements shared between paralegal, business, and technology courses. The paralegal certificate is 18 credit hours and designed for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree. Fundamental courses include Introduction to Paralegalism, Legal Research, Civil Procedure, and Legal Writing.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Wisconsin

• Foley & Lardner LLP established its first office in Milwaukee over 160 years ago. Since that time, Foley has grown its client base, and now services individuals as well as multinational corporations. Foley fully recognizes the value of exceptional customer service and bases its business on this value. Paralegals committed to helping Foley uphold its customer service commitment are welcome to apply.
• Axley Brynelson LLP has been named as one of the top law firms in Wisconsin and has also been ranked by the Best Lawyers in America, Martindale-Hubbell, and Super Lawyers. Axley Brynelson looks for paralegal candidates capable of making positive contributions to the firm.
• Godfrey & Kahn, SC has five offices in Wisconsin, and as a full-service firm represents clients in most areas of the law. Godfrey & Kahn rewards its paralegals with generous benefits including tuition reimbursement, considerable time off, and healthcare benefits.

Paralegal Schools and Programs in Wisconsin

An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Chippewa Valley Technical College (Eau Claire)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal

Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal

Lakeshore Technical College (Cleveland)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Associate of Applied Science | Court Reporting
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

Madison College (Madison)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

Milwaukee Area Technical College (Milwaukee)*
Associate in Applied Science Degree | Paralegal
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma | Paralegal

Moraine Park Technical College (Fond du Lac)
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Green Bay)*
Associate Degree | Paralegal
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies

Western Technical College (La Crosse)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources

• Paralegal Association of Wisconsin - Organization working to promote the education of Wisconsin paralegals.

---

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm