Paralegal certification is not required for becoming a paralegal. However, it is a good idea to obtain certification to compete in today’s job market. A paralegal assists attorneys in managing their case load. They serve many roles in law offices, government agencies and corporations. They prepare contracts and mortgages, handle litigation pleadings and perform other functions previously handled exclusively by lawyers. Some law firms require their legal assistants to be familiar with case management software. Working at a law firm is an exciting way to get involved in the court system, and law firms vary in their specialties. Employers hiring legal assistants vary from solo practitioners to very large law firms with many offices and attorneys. Though paralegals cannot give legal advice, they are very involved in the legal system and essential to helping lawyers perform their work effectively.
Many law firms are hiring fewer attorneys in a tough legal job market and are instead requiring paralegals to take on more responsibilities that attorneys once typically handled. Similar to attorneys, a paralegal can decide to specialize in a specific area of the law, such as estate planning, criminal defense, corporate law, personal injury, or family law. Some attorneys run very specialized practices, so having specialized knowledge and interests as a paralegal can be useful in standing out in the legal job market. Although opportunities for employment are promising for paralegals it is a competitive industry, and having the necessary skills, qualifications, and certification can make you stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs at top law firms. As government and businesses strive to cut costs, the hiring of paralegals, rather than additional lawyers, has increased. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 28 percent growth in the employment of paralegals through 2018.
Paralegal – Education
To obtain certification, an aspiring legal assistant will generally want to take a course in order to learn the required information to pass the test. Classes are offered online and at many colleges and universities across the country. Check with the American Bar Association to ensure that the program is approved. Some universities offer 2-year programs in legal studies, and others offer 4-year degrees. The minimum requirement for semester hours in a paralegal certification is 60 hours, with at least 25% devoted to substantive legal topics. Experience may also be counted towards paralegal education. Those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree and worked for 1 year at a law firm can qualify to take the test. For legal assistants with a high school diploma, 7 years of experience are required, plus 20 hours of Continuing Legal Education completed 2 years prior to the date of the test. Experience and education may qualify applicants for different types of certification. Costs vary depending on which program a student enrolls in to meet the education requirements.
Certifying Agencies
Paralegals can become certified through three agencies: the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the National Association of Paralegal Associations (NAPA), and the American Alliance Certified Paralegals (AACP). To become a certified paralegal, you must pass a 2-day test given by NALA on a variety of legal topics. NAPA offers a 4-hour test called the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, and after passing, you will qualify to be a “PACE-Registered Paralegal.” AACP requires 5 years of relevant experience and meeting the educational requirements to become certified. Application fees range from $75 to $275 depending on the organization. Each organization offers a discount to its members, so joining the organization prior to taking the examination might be worthwhile. It is worthwhile to mention that some of the organizations offering paralegal certification have separate certifications for experienced paralegals who have worked in the profession. The advanced certification gives an experienced paralegal additional recognition and prestige within the profession.
Just like lawyers, paralegals must stay up to date on changes in the laws and procedures. All organizations issuing paralegal certification require participation in continuing legal education courses. Compliance is handled through renewal of the certification. Paralegal certifications expire and must be renewed. Depending on the organization, renewal occurs every 2 to 5 years. The renewal application requires proof of compliance with the organization’s continuing legal education requirements.
Those individuals who have obtained paralegal certification typically can command a higher salary. Obtaining certification can be beneficial to those who are seeking to break into the industry, as well as those who already have years of experience, as certification can enhance credentials. Many of the skills specific to working at a law firm can be taught on the job, but paralegal certification demonstrates to potential employers that the individual applying for a position has good base-level knowledge of legal topics. Law firms vary widely in their practice areas and how they manage cases, but paralegal certification can help make a legal assistant attractive to many different types of law firms.
Another benefit of obtaining certification is that it demonstrates to employers that the applicant is familiar with some of the complex rules of procedures and ethics in the practice of law. Attorneys can be liable for the actions of their employees if a client accuses the attorney or firm of legal malpractice. It is reassuring for law firms to know they are hiring a person who is familiar with relevant ethical rules, to help the firm avoid a malpractice lawsuit.
Paralegals deserve the respect of the legal profession and the public for the work they do. Paralegal Certification is a step forward in that recognition process.