How to Begin an Online Paralegal Certification Program

By Lanee’ Blunt

Become a paralegal--
image by Google images.

Having a paralegal certificate is not mandatory but it may help you land the job. If you already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another major you may get a paralegal certificate and enter the field. There is an examination process and the certification program requires that you have one year experience. A program offers specialized training for paralegals with an internship for the student to go into a specific area of law.

Online paralegal certification programs are popular for people that work full time. Online programs are an excellent option for students that have to travel a long distance. Many different online schools offer degree programs and certificate programs. Courses students take are legal research, introduction to the legal system and paralegal, ethics, contracts, civil litigation and contracts. There will be assigned reading and textbook work, online content assignments and testing.

There are a lot of recognized schools that have online paralegal certification programs. The online program offers students flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. It may take you from three months to one year to complete the certification program. Students are allowed to live anywhere in the United States and can enroll in an online school of their choosing. The median wage of paralegals is $46,680 annually. Top earning paralegals make in the range of $70,000 a year with bonuses and overtime pay. If the law firm is busy working on a big case a paralegal can be expected to work long hours. Most paralegals receive benefit packages such as medical insurance, dental and life insurance, reimbursement for continued legal education, 401(K) savings, paid sick leave, vacation, and personal time off.

Reference:

Bureau of Labor Statistics; Paralegalsand Legal Assistants

Read More

How to Become a Certified Paralegal

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.

Read More

How to Get a Paralegal Certificate

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:

USBureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants

About: Paralegal Certification; Sally Kane

Read More

Paralegal Certification Programs

By Lanee’ Blunt

Get your paralegal certification--
Image by Oki975.

Paralegal certification programs are suitable for people that want to enter the job market quickly, and for students that have an associate's or bachelor's degree in another major. Certification is not mandatory but is voluntary.  Certification demonstrates that you have knowledge of the field, have made a commitment to the profession and have mastered certain skills.  An advanced knowledge of legal procedures, ethics, law, research and writing skills will be tested.

Some of courses that students take will be contracts, legal research writing and civil litigation and 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.

You can attend classes in the evenings and on weekends in most colleges.  If you are working full time you can attend on a part time bases. Most schools will give you a window of completion and some require that you complete the program within a 5 year period.  If you are working full time and want to attend a classroom setting some classes will be held two or three nights per week plus some Saturday sessions.

A paralegal certificate signifies that you have the credentials and that you are qualified to provide superior service to a law firm and to a corporation.  It is recognized by the American Bar Association which marks a high level of professionalism and achievement.

Read More