To succeed in their roles, aspiring paralegals need to develop essential skills in research, organization, technology, and interpersonal communication. Fortunately, there are various pathways to acquiring these paralegal skills.
Associate Degrees
An Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies provides training for individuals wanting to perform substantive legal work as paralegals or legal assistants under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Those who graduate are typically well-equipped to work in various legal settings where legal processes are required, including public service, governmental agencies, and the judicial system.
While many institutions offer associate degrees in paralegal studies, students, especially international students, tend to start at community colleges, such as Anne Arundel Community College. Community colleges usually provide more opportunities to take classes at a more affordable rate. Moreover, individuals taking community college classes can typically transfer the credits earned to a four-year college or university.
Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies is a four-year program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the paralegal's role and specific insights into various areas of the law. Students also develop solid legal research and writing skills during their studies, providing them with a broader knowledge base. This can lead to more job options, better pay, and career longevity.
While paralegal studies programs are designed specifically for prospective paralegals, they can also lead to other careers related to the law, such as a legal staffing recruiter, contracts administrator, or legal researcher. This program's typical courses include legal ethics and theory, constitutional law, litigation, dispute resolution, negotiation fundamentals, criminal justice, social science, business administration, and torts.
Graduate-Level Education
For those looking to pursue a more advanced degree, obtaining a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is a great option. An MLS degree is known to help individuals strengthen their legal foundation and basic legal concepts. In addition, while MLS students come from various backgrounds, they often share the goal of obtaining familiarity with the law and exploring targeted fields of work or study.
When a person pursues a Master of Legal Studies degree, they have the option of tailoring their degree to their specific interests, which means they can take classes in the following areas:
It is important to understand that obtaining a Master of Legal Studies degree differs from earning a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree. While a JD degree is necessary to practice law, an MLS degree helps individuals better understand fundamental legal concepts that can be applied to various legal careers. It is also critical to note that an MLS degree does not qualify individuals to practice law, and the courses taken in an MLS program cannot be transferred to a Juris Doctor program. However, an MLS program can provide individuals with knowledge of legal concepts, which can benefit their careers.
If you would like more information about MLS degrees, please check out the following institutions: Arizona State University and the University of Miami.
Certificates and Non-Degree Programs
Legal certificate programs offer specialized education and training in different areas of law. They can improve a person’s legal understanding and increase their chances of finding a position in a specific legal field.
Obtaining a legal certificate can also help individuals progress in their legal careers by showcasing their skills and knowledge to potential law firms, lawyers, and other employers. Furthermore, legal certificates can give a person an advantage in the job market. Law firms and other legal organizations often prefer candidates who have completed specialized legal training and obtained education in a field related to the legal industry, as it demonstrates their commitment to the field and their willingness to go beyond the minimum requirements. Moreover, legal certificates can help individuals stand out from the competition, especially those with similar qualifications. Still, they may need to gain the specialized knowledge and skills that a person acquired when they obtained a certificate.
However, before choosing a legal certificate program, individuals must consider their overall interests, goals, budget, and experience and look for programs that offer training in areas that will benefit them, such as family law, criminal law, or corporate law. Some universities that offer legal certificate programs include Texas A&M University and Northwestern University. While the specifics of each program will depend on the organization, in general, these programs focus on training in numerous legal fields.
Is a Paralegal Certificate the Same Thing as a Paralegal Certification
It is crucial to differentiate between a paralegal certificate and a paralegal certification, as these terms are not interchangeable and have separate meanings.
A paralegal studies certificate is usually offered after completing a bachelor’s degree in another area and may be referred to as a graduate certificate. This certificate indicates that a student has taken legal specialty courses in addition to other general education courses. In comparison, paralegal certification is awarded when a paralegal has completed a certification exam and meets other requirements of the certifying organization. This certification formally recognizes that the paralegal meets established requirements and can use the special designation of “certified paralegal.”
Two national paralegal organizations that provide these certifications include NALA, The Paralegal Association, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA). However, the criteria for each examination will vary, so it is important to visit each association site to learn more about certification.
