Of course, some working professionals lack the time or opportunity to further their education by enrolling in law school. To advance your legal knowledge, however, you are not required to enrol in a JD program; many aspiring students choose to earn a specialized certificate instead.
Advantages of pursuing legal certifications
There are several benefits to earning legal certifications, including:
Increased employment opportunities
Hiring managers frequently favor selecting applicants who are as qualified as possible for the position. Obtaining particular legal certifications may increase your job opportunities and position you as the best candidate for the job you want. Having these credentials can ultimately demonstrate to potential employers that you are qualified for the position and can succeed in it.
Added credibility
Having legal certifications can increase your credibility as a legal expert. This increased credibility can help you gain clients and keep their confidence and loyalty. It can also help you gain respect from colleagues and, ultimately, enable you to perform at your professional best. Earning these certifications can also give you an added level of professionalism, which can improve your public and professional image and reputation
Expanded knowledge and skill set
You can broaden your professional network and develop your industry-specific skills by pursuing legal certifications. Legal certifications typically require completion of specific legal courses, on-the-job training, or the acquisition of professional experience to be eligible for them. You most likely gain a lot of knowledge about the legal field while going through these experiences.
What are legal certifications?
Legal certifications are credentials you can obtain that attest to your knowledge of a particular area of law and permit you to work in your position. These credentials can attest to your possession of particular legal expertise and subject-matter expertise. Through colleges, universities, or certification agencies, you can obtain legal certifications.
Disadvantages of pursuing legal certifications
Additionally, there are a few possible drawbacks you might encounter when pursuing legal certifications, such as:
Process can be costly
There are typically costs associated with earning certifications. You may spend up to thousands of dollars or as little as a few hundred dollars to earn your legal certifications depending on how you go about getting these types of certifications and the program you select. Budgeting and anticipating these costs can help reduce their impact.
May require a significant time commitment
Earning legal certifications can take a significant amount of time. You may spend many hours each day or week working toward a certification, between studying for exams and attending necessary courses, workshops, or conferences. You can put together a schedule that can work for you and your goals with careful planning and excellent time management skills.
Education may be more limited compared to a degree
It’s possible that enrolling in a certification program rather than a degree program won’t give you as much insight into the legal profession. This varies from person to person and may or may not prove to be a significant area of concern with regard to finding work. Acquiring professional experience and other legal certifications may help to resolve this potential problem.
4 legal certifications to consider pursuing
To succeed in your position, you can obtain a number of different legal certifications. Consider these four legal certifications to pursue:
1. Certified paralegal
This kind of certification is available to paralegal professionals who support lawyers with their work, have likely passed an exam, and have complied with the certification body’s specific work requirements. The terms paralegal certification and paralegal certificate are occasionally used interchangeably, but they are distinct credentials that give the professional access to different tasks. The American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. is a common organization for paralegal certification. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS), and the American Academy of Certified Intermediaries (AACI) all have different requirements for obtaining this certification.
2. Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification
Students and entry-level legal professionals can obtain this certification from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals. You can complete the NALS legal training course, an accredited legal or business course, or have at least a year of experience working in a general office environment to be eligible for this certification. Then, you can pass the ALP examination. An ALP certification can demonstrate your proficiency in supporting legal tasks in an office environment.
3. Legal studies certification
People who want to pursue careers in the legal field but aren’t interested in becoming attorneys typically have access to this kind of general certificate. This kind of certificate is typically provided by colleges and universities to undergraduate students who want to work in a particular field of law, such as banking regulations, real estate law, education law, restaurant and food industry regulations, and more. If they want to work in law, some experienced professionals might pursue this certificate as a way to enhance their professional skills.
4. Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certification
The National Association for Legal Support Professionals also offers this certification, which can be obtained by professionals who want to demonstrate their competency as a legal secretary and have at least three years of legal work experience. You must either have the required number of years of work experience or a post-secondary degree and less than three years of relevant experience to be eligible for this certification. Then, you can take and pass the ALP exam. Obtaining this certification can demonstrate your office proficiency, commitment to professionalism, and drive for career advancement.
FAQs about legal certifications
Following are some responses to frequently asked inquiries about legal certifications:
How do you choose which certification to get?
If you take into account your professional objectives, choosing which legal certification you’d like to obtain can be a simple and easy process. Consider pursuing a paralegal certification, for example, if you’re interested in getting more involved with court cases and trial paperwork. Consider getting an ALP certification if you’re more interested in handling office-related legal work, such as managing files and documents, creating reports, and taking phone calls, for example.
Do you need a degree to get a certification?
Depending on the type of certification you’re interested in obtaining, a degree may not be necessary. Some certifications do call for an undergraduate degree to be obtained in addition to the certification. Other certification programs don’t have a formal education requirement for participation.
How much do legal certifications cost?
The cost of obtaining a legal certification can range. Depending on the certification you obtain and the process you use to obtain it, you may be required to pay course fees, exam fees, and processing fees. A legal certification typically costs a few hundred dollars, though certification through a college or university program may be more expensive.
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FAQ
What are the certificates that are required by the law?
- Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Certificate in Business Law.
- Certificate in Financial Compliance.
- Certificate in Compliance.
- Certificate in Human Resources Law and Compliance.
- Certificate in Health Care Compliance.
- Certificate in Media and Entertainment Law.
- Certificate in Public Interest Law.
What does a certificate in law mean?
Legal certifications are credentials you can obtain that confirm your expertise in a specific field of law and allow you to practice in your role These credentials can attest to your possession of particular legal expertise and subject-matter expertise.
What is a certified law student?
(1) A “certified law student” is a student of the law who holds an active certificate of registration from the State Bar as a certified law student.
Is eCornell legit?
eCornell is Cornell University’s executive education unit. Faculty from Cornell create the courses, and the relevant Cornell school or unit electronically issues certificates.
