Start Your Career with a Paralegal Certificate Online

Online legal education opportunities have surged due to technological advancements and a changing world. It is now easier than ever to complete your education from anywhere in the world and on your schedule. You can expand your knowledge and pursue career opportunities from the comfort of your home. Online classes are a great way to take courses at your convenience, with flexible options and plenty of online resources.

This article will introduce you to the benefits of pursuing your paralegal certificate online and highlight important factors to help you make an informed decision, such as the importance of accreditation, what employers think of online paralegal certificates, how long the process takes, and the advantages to taking your courses online.

What Will You Learn in an Online Paralegal Certification Program?

Online paralegal programs feature comprehensive curriculums that teach students a wide range of legal courses they will utilize in the field, such as legal research and legal writing, contract law, civil litigation, family law, legal ethics, tort law, criminal law, and other areas of law. Each paralegal course will expand students' legal knowledge, skill, and provide students with more knowledge about the legal system. Paralegal certificate students will receive proper training and a strong education in legal principles that will prepare them for a demanding career as a paralegal or legal assistant at a law firm or government agency. Students will also learn practical skills development that will prepare them to work in a fast-paced environment with the knowledge to manage law firm case files, assist their attorneys with trial preparation, and draft a wide range of legal documents.

An online paralegal certification program provides students with an inside view of the legal profession and gives them the tools to succeed in their paralegal career path. Students learn how to communicate with their legal teams, which provides them with a comprehensive understanding of professional responsibility and legal ethics, which is increasingly important in the ever-changing landscape.

Boston University has published an 8-video series to YouTube which provides a preview to their online certificate in paralegal studies curriculum.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Paralegal Certification?

The time it takes to get an online paralegal certification can vary depending on the program chosen, the amount of time a student can devote to their studies, and the flexibility of the courses. Online paralegal programs are designed to be flexible and tailored to allow students to set their own pace. Many students have other commitments, such as work and family, so it may take some longer than others. Most students can obtain their online paralegal certification in as little as 14 weeks or up to two years.

Students should enroll in a program that best fits their schedules and work towards their certification part-time or full-time. Many students need more time to obtain their certificate and may opt to go slower and work around their schedules.

How Do You Know if an Online Paralegal Certificate Program is Right for You?

If you are considering enrolling in an online paralegal certificate program, you must consider many factors, such as your availability, comfort level with technology, and your time-management skills. Online programs differ from in-person programs in that students must possess self-discipline and be entirely responsible for their own progress.

Determining your schedule and how much time you can dedicate to participating in online classes, discussions, and paralegal coursework is an important criteria. While an online paralegal certificate program may be flexible to work with your schedule, it still requires a meaningful commitment.

Online courses require a minimum amount of technical expertise, though students must gauge their proficiency and ensure they have a reliable internet connection and a comfortable place to study. If you don’t have a quiet workplace, you will want to find a place you can use, such as a coffee shop, library, or office space.

What are Some Advantages of an Online Paralegal Program?

You may wonder if you should attend a traditional university in person experience or an online paralegal program. Online learning is perfect for students who want a legal education but have jobs or family obligations that take priority. Flexibility and freedom are hard to beat when the other option is attending classes in person.

Another advantage of being an online student is the cost. Attending online classes can be more cost-effective than in-person learning. You can save money by not dining out or picking up caffeine, especially if you are studying from home. Online courses feature extensive digital libraries right at your fingertips, as well as textbooks, legal databases, and online research tools that are usually freely available to students.

Many online paralegal programs attract teaching assistants and adjunct professors from different locations and legal practice backgrounds that can provide students with a wealth of information that enriches their learning experience.

How Will Potential Employers View an Online Paralegal Degree?

The question of how potential employers and attorneys view an online paralegal degree has been debated since online learning was introduced. Employers in general have an increasingly favorable view of online paralegal degrees, especially those from accredited programs. There may be circumstances that prevent you from attending a traditional in-person program such as family commitments or other employment, and the stigma that some employers had even just a decade ago toward online education seems to be easing. Employers value the training and experience gained from online education if it is from a well- respected, fully-accredited institution in the legal field that maintains high standards. Further, many businesses are moving staff into remote-first staffing models and may be more open to hiring remote workers with an online paralegal degree.

This is where research into online paralegal programs proves helpful by choosing a program with a stellar reputation. Students should gain practical legal experience through internships and externships to strengthen their resumes before starting their new careers. Conducting research helps new paralegals gain the necessary knowledge and exposes them to different areas of law to see which ones interest them.

Where Can You Find Out Which Online Paralegal Certification Programs Are Accredited?

Accredited online paralegal certification programs are easy to locate. One source many use to check the accreditation of an online program is the American Bar Association (ABA), an accrediting body in the legal field. Anyone can check a program's accreditation by going to the ABA website, which lists accredited paralegal programs from universities and online programs.

You can also search regional accrediting associations such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and College to find a list of accredited online paralegal certification programs. These organizations accredit institutions based on their overall educational quality, which allows future students to make informed decisions when choosing a paralegal program. Attending an accredited paralegal program provides students with more opportunities such as the ability to participate in federally funded programs and graduates will also qualify to further their education at other accredited institutions. You can also review the Department of Education’s (DOE) or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation’s (CHEA) website for lists of other accrediting bodies.

What is the Importance of Accreditation for Online Paralegal Certification Programs?

Accredited online paralegal certification programs are evaluated by accrediting bodies in areas such as faculty, program curriculum, student support programs, and graduate outcomes. This designation ensures that programs are consistent and continually strive to improve their students and shows that the programs meet established standards set by the accrediting institutions. Program accreditation helps students in other areas beyond certification, such as the availability of scholarships or financial aid, student assistance, and even employer reimbursement programs.

Further, students attending an accredited online paralegal certification program may be able to transfer their credits to another program. For example, credits earned toward a certificate program at an accredited school can be used to satisfy some of the requirements for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in legal studies.

What are the Benefits of Being a Certified Paralegal?

A paralegal certification gives you an advantage in the legal field. If you want to call yourself a paralegal in California, you will have to meet that state’s educational or experience requirements. Additionally, if you work in Utah or Washington, you may need to obtain licensure in those states depending on the specific job duties you will be performing.

Although being a formally certified paralegal may not be required, it does carry with it certain benefits. Becoming a certified paralegal demonstrates many of the skills that employers find desirable in job candidates such as a strong work ethic and self-management skills. Being a certified paralegal shows you understand the value of education, which is incredibly important in the legal field.

Paralegal certification is a great way to market yourself as committed to your career as a professional and competent paralegal. While being a certified paralegal does not guarantee job placement, it does a great job of expanding your potential opportunities in the legal field, such as in a law firm, government agency, or other career path.

Studies show that certified paralegals earn higher salaries when compared to paralegals without certification. One of the reasons why certified paralegals make a higher salary than non-certified paralegals is due to the fact that certification is not required and obtaining a certification shows to employers that you wish to learn more voluntarily. Certification may also allow you to negotiate better pay and benefits with law firms and other organizations.

How Much Does Accreditation Affect the Cost of Online Paralegal Certification Programs?

Accredited online paralegal certification programs often have higher prices than non-accredited programs since the university program must meet specific standards, which can raise the cost of education. Students at accredited schools can access state and federal financial aid, giving these schools incentives to keep their tuition high and few reasons to lower their costs. Students foot the bill, maintaining their accreditation via higher tuition costs. Paralegal students who attend an accredited university approved for Title IV funding in the U.S. have many financial aid options such as Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Direct Subsidized Loans.

Also, many universities offer financial aid that can assist students with the costs of attending. However, pursuing an accredited online paralegal certification program offers you some benefits over an unaccredited program.

What Can You Do with a Paralegal Certificate Earned Online?

Completing your paralegal certificate online opens up a wide variety of career options in the legal field. You can follow a traditional paralegal career path, work in a law firm or government agency, go an alternate route and work in non-profit organizations, or become a freelance paralegal and take advantage of the gig economy—many paralegals who have earned their paralegal certificate online work remote jobs from anywhere.

An online paralegal certificate alone may not be a guarantee to obtain your dream career; you will have to work hard to make connections with individuals in the industry, especially since you are not attending class in-person. Still, a paralegal certificate can provide you with opportunities that may not have been available to you otherwise.

Recommended Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

How We Selected the Best Online Paralegal Certification Programs

We evaluated online paralegal certification programs across the U.S. and used an assessment that included cost, course offerings, graduate satisfaction, and other metrics. We have selected 7 top programs based on our evaluation.

We considered specific characteristics that played a significant role in our evaluation process. These factors included:

• the price of the program,

• availability of scholarships,

• access to preparatory courses,

• flexibility in study options (such as self-paced learning),

• job placement assistance, and

• partnerships with prominent employers in the legal industry.

Our top picks surpassed the competition in multiple areas, such as allowing students to enroll part-time or full-time, offering student aid to pay for enrollment, and offering self-paced study options for busy students.

Featured

LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

The LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is based on semesters and can be paid as you take the courses. The approximate tuition cost is $5,075 to $5,200 plus books.  Enrolled students cannot obtain Pell Grants or financial aid but can apply for bank loans through continuing education loans.

The LSU Paralegal Studies Program is ABA-approved and features professors with extensive legal knowledge. LSU has a wide range of resources for those entering the paralegal profession, as well as a law school on campus.

The LSU Paralegal Studies Program equips students with essential skills to succeed in the paralegal field. Students will learn to compose precise and compelling legal memoranda, employing accurate citation formats. They will gain a thorough understanding of the organization and functioning of both state and federal judicial systems. By closely examining and summarizing published legal decisions, students will develop the ability to analyze legal opinions. Effective communication skills will be honed through client and witness interviews. Ethical guidelines specific to the paralegal profession will be explored and clearly articulated. Moreover, students will grasp foundational principles of business organizations and contract law. They will master the art of conducting comprehensive legal research, utilizing primary and secondary sources. Lastly, students will acquire the knowledge necessary to navigate civil lawsuits and skillfully prepare relevant legal documents.

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Cal State East Bay Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

The CSU East Bay Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is ABA-approved and has a tuition cost of approximately $6,910, which includes WestLaw access to assist with legal studies. They offer an online asynchronous program that lasts for eight weeks and does not have scheduled class meetings so that you can finish your work at your own pace. It also offers an online synchronous program that features live class expected sessions for paralegal students once a week for an eight-week program. The program can be fully completed in one year and is a great way to learn more about the legal system and legal research.

The Cal State East Bay Paralegal Studies Certificate Program provides students with a comprehensive educational foundation that prepares them for successful careers in various organizational settings as paralegals. The program adheres to the educational requirements outlined in the State of California Business and Professions Code section 6450 et seq. Students will gain a deep understanding of the organizational structure of both state and federal court systems. Through rigorous coursework, students will develop invaluable skills in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and professional legal research and writing. They will acquire a comprehensive understanding of civil lawsuits and the expertise to assist in the discovery process and the preparation of pertinent legal documents. The program also offers assistance in securing employment within the paralegal field, along with opportunities to engage with paralegal professional associations. Upon completion of the program, students will possess the knowledge and confidence to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards in their paralegal careers.

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USD Paralegal Program

The USD School of Law Paralegal Online Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association and offers synchronous online availability, as well as employment assistants to all graduates of the program. It has an extensive law library for legal studies and a well-rounded faculty offering high-level paralegal training.

Some loans and grants are available to enrolled students who have already obtained their bachelor’s degrees. Private loans and veterans' benefits may be available to any student who qualifies. The total cost of tuition can be made in monthly installment contracts. Students are required to complete twenty-four semester units at a cost of $285 per unit for a total price of around $6,840.00.

The USD School of Law Paralegal Certificate Program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive as a paralegal in the public and private sectors, contributing to the efficient delivery of legal services. Through their online certificate program, students will develop practical skills essential for a successful paralegal career. They will gain a solid foundation in key areas of law, enabling them to effectively carry out tasks under attorney supervision. Ethical considerations and the paralegal's role within the legal landscape will be introduced. Students will become proficient in fundamental legal concepts, terminology, and court structure. Moreover, they will master the art of conducting comprehensive legal research and analysis. Emphasis will also be placed on familiarizing students with appropriate technology usage within the legal environment.

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Phoenix College Paralegal Studies Program

Phoenix College offers many options for students wishing to become paralegals, such as an associate degree and paralegal certificate. You can pursue an associate in applied science or a Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Phoenix College.

Tuition is based on the credits needed for each program at a rate of $85 per credit for Arizona residents. You will need 40 credits for the Certificate of Completion and 62-67 credits for the Associate of Applied Science degree. Grants and student loans may be available to qualifying students.

The Phoenix College Paralegal Studies Certificate program provides students with the skills to excel as a paralegal. Students will analyze and address ethical challenges faced by paralegals, presenting recommended courses of action. Students will acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and a professional mindset to pursue career opportunities in the paralegal field. Practical application of this knowledge includes drafting various legal documents such as civil complaints, answers, motions for summary judgment, discovery documents, memorandums of law, legal correspondence, and contracts.

Students will conduct meticulous legal research, summarizing results accurately and citing authority according to accepted legal citation standards. They will also demonstrate proficiency in analyzing tort cases under Arizona law, evaluating causes of action, defenses, and potential damages. Additionally, students will gain the ability to assess the utility, form, and function of legally recognized forms of business organizations, drafting appropriate documents for filing with the relevant government entities. Utilizing industry-standard technology, students will perform pre-trial and in-trial litigation support tasks efficiently and accurately, reflecting the demands of a professional law office setting.

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St. Petersburg College Paralegal Studies Program

St. Petersburg College offers a Paralegal Studies Certificate and a Paralegal Studies B.A.S. Degree and is approved by the ABA. This program is excellent for students with a bachelor’s degree and can build upon established skill sets. Paralegal students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

The SPC Paralegal Studies Certificate program focuses on equipping students with advanced critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for effective problem-solving. Students will demonstrate adept use of communication and organizational skills within and beyond the legal system. Proficiency in technical skills, including legal research and writing, will be cultivated to ensure success in the legal profession. Students will exhibit the capability to provide professional and ethical legal services, tailored to cultural and local contexts. Moreover, they will showcase an advanced knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the American legal system.

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Edmonds College Paralegal Program

The ABA approves the Edmonds College Paralegal Program and has a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for their paralegal careers. They offer both paralegal degrees and a paralegal certificate course. The Advanced Certificate Paralegal Program takes nine months to complete and has an average cost of $4,399.

The Edmonds College Paralegal Certificate Program equips students with the skills to excel as paralegals under the guidance of licensed attorneys. Students will develop analytical reasoning and critical thinking abilities essential for performing substantive paralegal work. They will gain a comprehensive understanding of the state and federal court systems, as well as the entire civil litigation process from pretrial to appeal. Students will learn the art of conducting thorough legal research using both online platforms and physical resources, including the accurate preparation of court-approved legal citations. Effective strategies for organizing and executing various legal writing projects, such as legal correspondences, memoranda, transactional documents, and litigation documents, will be taught in a professional format, style, and tone.

Strong oral communication skills, including collaborative interaction with diverse clients, colleagues, and professionals, will be honed. Additionally, students will acquire essential legal technology skills for efficient document management, production, review, analysis, and electronic discovery. The Edmonds College Paralegal Certificate Program will also address the ethical and professional responsibilities applicable to paralegals and attorneys, emphasizing the role of paralegals in providing legal services to the public. Furthermore, students will receive guidance on career management, including researching employment opportunities, crafting effective employment packages, and presenting themselves positively during job interviews.

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University of California Los Angeles – UCLA Extension Paralegal Studies Certificate

The UCLA Extension Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is ABA approved and helps paralegal students learn the skills they need for a successful paralegal career. The program is online with remote teaching and has both a five-month and eleven-month program depending on student needs and availability. Students can expect to pay approximately $7,995.00 for tuition and around $1,000.00 for textbooks and class materials. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

The UCLA Extension Paralegal Certificate Program offers candidates exceptional, ABA-approved instruction delivered by experienced legal professionals such as judges, attorneys, and paralegals. The program focuses on imparting comprehensive knowledge in substantive and procedural law, sharpening legal analysis skills, and cultivating practical paralegal abilities. Candidates will gain a deep understanding of the role, function, and ethical obligations of paralegals in diverse legal settings. Additionally, the online paralegal certificate program equips candidates and graduates with valuable resources, guidance, and strategies for effective career planning and continuous professional growth within the legal field.

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Final Thoughts

Starting your legal career with a paralegal certificate online is now easier than ever. Online paralegal programs offer students a flexible schedule that can be completed at their own pace that fits their busy schedules. It’s important to research and read reviews before committing to an accredited online paralegal certificate program to ensure that it meets industry standards and has produced successful paralegals in previous years.

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