Paralegals are necessary players in a law office. They assist the lawyers and attorneys in their day-to-day legal tasks. Even more so, paralegals can do almost anything that a lawyer does, save for some exceptions. Although they can be considered almost at par to a lawyer, their tasks are still based on assistance. They are under the direct supervision of a lawyer or attorney. Moreover, for them to have greater edge among their other contemporaries, they need to have the necessary paralegal certification. So before a paralegal can considered as one, he or she must be able to get a certification that will allow them to carry out their duties and render their services.
THE PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE
A paralegal certification or certificate is a diploma received by a person upon completion of accredited and recognized paralegal studies or courses. Once a duly approved certificate is acquired, a paralegal can already apply and practice paralegal duties whether in a law office, firm, private corporation, government institution, or non-profit organization.
The paralegal certificate certifies and proves that its holder has received and finished a formal education focused on paralegal studies. This paralegal certification allows the legal assistant to pursue legal work under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. The paralegal certificate also makes it possible for the paralegal to conduct interviews with clients and do legal research in accordance to a cases investigation. Upon receiving the paralegal certification, the paralegal can already draft legal documents such as contracts and summarize legal testimonies.
HOW TO GET A PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION
As early as high school, if someone wishes to be a paralegal, there are already options and measures that can be taken. If you are a high school student who is interested in being a paralegal one day, you can ask the guidance counselor if there are any recommendations he or she could give regarding institutions or colleges that offer paralegal studies, course, and certificates.
Get school pamphlets and fliers that can give you an idea as to what paralegal programs they are offering. Do some research on the matter before enlisting yourself in one. It is best to enroll in a program that is approved by a refutable legal association in your state, province or country. especially if youve heard that most corporations and law firms in your area prefer those that come from an accredited institution or program. Also, decide if you want to get a comprehensive paralegal certification program for secondary school graduates. You may also opt for a two-year or four-year paralegal studies college degree. A full college degree may serve you better though because most companies and firms would prefer those who have at least a bachelors degree over those who do not. If you are rooting to work for bigger companies or firms, then getting a bachelors degree is the sure way to go.
You may also want to visit the educational institutions that you have been considering of enrolling yourself into. Try to check if the school is known for its ability to arrange comprehensive and effective on-the-job training or internships for their students.
As early as now, decide on which area of legal specialty you would like to focus on so you would not be caught off guard once you are asked the moment you enroll. Depending on where you see yourself working for, whether in an established law firm, corporation, or for a government agency, choose a specific concentration of study. Choices include corporate law, patent law, criminal law, copyright law and real estate law.
PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION IN THE UNITED STATES
It must be made clear that in the United States, paralegals are not licensed but rather, certified or registered. Paralegal certification is done voluntarily in most states, but it undeniably offers the paralegal a good head start against the competition. A paralegal certificate could serve as a ticket towards employment in an established and known firm, corporation, organization or agency. It may also represent ones capability to work and uphold to standard and quality. It could also give an already practicing paralegal an edge over other colleagues should there be any promotional opportunities.
There are two primary national organizations in the United States that offer certification and registration services to paralegals who voluntarily asked and applied for a certification and are able to meet the regulation standards. These are the National Association of Legal Assistants or the NALA and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations or NFPA.
NALA offers the Certified Legal Assistant exam. This comprehensive test is completed within two days. Once the examiner passes, he or she will be awarded either the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) designation. These designations are both proprietary trademarks that only the NALA owns.
The NFPA, on the other hand, offers the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam. Unlike the one offered by NALA, this exam only lasts for four hours. It tests the takers knowledge on various legal topics that they have most probably tackled at school or have experienced on the job. Upon passing the Competency Exam, the paralegals can now call themselves PACE-Registered Paralegals, or the RP designation.
Both the NALA and NFPA are aiming to uphold to the paralegal professions Code of Ethics and seeks to advance and standardize the paralegal profession.
Graduating from a paralegal degree or program does not automatically make someone a certified paralegal. If someone wishes to get a paralegal certification, they must take up an exam from either the NALA or NFPA. Voluntarily applying for and taking up the certification exam is something every paralegals to take. Being able to flaunt the certified status in your profile could prove useful for you, career wise. This will pose and give you an edge over other candidates if you are applying for a paralegal job. Advanced paralegal studies could also serve you well if you wish to upgrade your career status, say, get a promotion. Of course, make sure you consider your means and resources when deciding to get a paralegal certification.