By
Lanee’ Blunt
 |
| Enroll in a paralegal certification program--Image by Plex. |
A
paralegal certificate is not mandatory to enter into the profession, but it may
help applicants get a paralegal job. Certification programs are available for
people who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree in another subject
and wanting to enter into the paralegal profession. Most certification programs
require students to have at least one year experience and pass an examination.
Courses Needed
Some
of the courses that students will take will be contracts, legal research,
writing and civil litigation, professional responsibility and legal ethics.
Most certification programs can be completed in a short time for example, if
going full time 7 months and part time about 17 months. Some of the classes
taken will be in general education that will cover subjects in technology,
language arts, and natural sciences. Classes
are offered in the evenings and on weekends in most colleges.
Select
and enroll in a paralegal certification program. Select a program that is approved by the
American Bar Association (ABA). There
are programs that can be taken on campus or online.
Certification
School
programs are designed to help you get a certificate. Paralegals that have an
associate or bachelor's degree are eligible to take the National certification
NALA which is obtained by passing an assessment examination offered at their
local test site. Certification from a
college legally qualifies you as a paralegal, but a certification from the
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) may enhance your employment
prospects and income potential.
Benefits
If
you thought about a better paying position you may need to consider becoming a
paralegal. Most employers prefer that a paralegal have at least one year
experience in a law firm or office setting.
That they have technical understanding of a specific legal specialty,
however most paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which
students gain experience by working for several months in a law firm, public defender’s
office, attorney general, or a corporate legal department.
Reference:
About:
Paralegal Certification; Sally Kane
