Paralegal Training, Education and Certification

If you’re serious about becoming a paralegal, otherwise known as a legal assistant, then you have many options for doing so. Most paralegals entered their career by first going through a local community college’s paralegal course or program. These programs usually lead right into an associate’s degree and will provide you with an excellent point of entry for any available position.

If you do decide to go this route, then make sure that the college paralegal program or course that you’re entering is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). An ABA-approved program may not be necessary to get a job at a few law firms, but it will open up your possibilities in a much greater way.

You may even want to look for paralegal courses that provide employment placement.

I Already Have a Degree

If you currently have a college degree, whether that’s a bachelor degree or an associate’s, you can simply go forward and receive a certificate in paralegal studies. This doesn’t require you to have any particular specialization or degree such as psychology or medicine, but anybody with any degree can go this route.

I Can’t Afford a College Education

If you still desire to become a legal assistant, but don’t have the necessary funds to attend a community college or university, your next best effort should be to work your way into the position.

There are still many law firms and government agencies that hire from within and are willing to train those candidates who have potential and the drive to become a paralegal. This way may be a great option to receive your paralegal training and education. It may even be the best plan for certain situations.

I Want a Paralegal Certification

Most employers do not require a paralegal certification (unless you have no education or experience), but earning one will earn you many advantages in today’s market.

Whether you want to pursue a national or a local certification, you may want to consider preparing for your exam ahead of time. Voluntary paralegal certifications require that students pass an exam to become fully certified in this field. There are a couple of organizations that will allow you to test for your paralegal certification.

What are my Paralegal Certification Options?

1. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is one option. Through this association, you have the opportunity to become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or a Certified Paralegal (CP). Either way, you will be required to have some prior experience or education and will undergo a two-day exam. NALA’s certification lasts 5 years and requires that you continue your education for at least 50 hours more before becoming recertified.

2. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers designation as a Registered Paralegal to those legal assisants who already possess a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience (remember, you must also pass the exam). Every 2 years the RP must obtain 12 more hours of continued education to continue holding their credentials.

3.  The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) provides the credentials of Professional Paralegal to those students who pass a 4-part exam and continue their education by receiving 75 hours of continued education after they become a PP.

4.  The American Alliance of Paralegal, Inc. provides the American Alliance Certified Paralegal credential. This is a voluntary credential and requires that those who receive this already possess 5 years of paralegal training and experience while meeting one of three educational criteria according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conclusion

There are many roads to take if you want to take this profession seriously. Whether you go down the road of higher education or work your way through the ranks, it all depends upon your personality and circumstances. But always remember, to become a paralegal is not the most difficult thing in the world. Regretting that you didn’t even try is.

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