By
Lanee’ Blunt
 |
| With just a few months you can earn a certificate-- Image by Mihow. |
Certification
is not a requirement for getting a paralegal job, but it could be an asset on
your resume. Certification programs are great for career changers that already
have an associate or bachelor’s degree in another area. For some programs a
student will need at least one year of experience and must pass an examination.
Most offer an internship in a specialized area of law which helps the student
gain experience by working a few months for example, in a law firm or government
agency.
A
quality paralegal education will assist you in the following competencies:
critical thinking, computer information, communication, organization and
ethics. The coursework will include contracts, legal research, writing, legal
ethics, and civil litigation. A certificate can be completed in as little as 7 month’s
full time, or part time may take about 17 months or longer. Classes are offered
in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends. Some colleges offer online classes.
Make
sure that you register with a paralegal certification program that is approved by
an American Bar Association (ABA).
Post
bachelor programs are also offered for people that already have a bachelor’s
degree. If you have a degree in another major you may get a paralegal certificate
in a specialized area of paralegal training. Paralegals must be able to
document and present their findings to an attorney. They must be good researchers,
know the terminology, and be proficient on a computer.
