Top 10 Online Paralegal Certificate Programs
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Certifications & Continuing Education Online for Paralegals
Paralegals work closely with attorneys to handle a huge array of legal responsibilities. One of the most popular ways to become paralegal is through a certificate program. Usually taking one year or less to complete, online paralegal certificate programs offer a quick and convenient way for individuals to begin a career in law. The certificate program should teach students about various aspects of the law, how to conduct legal research and how to effectively provide administrative support to busy attorneys. If working in a law office seems intriguing, read on to find out how to become a paralegal through an online certification program.
Types of Online Paralegal Certificates
Though one of the most popular ways to become a paralegal is through the certificate program, there are also certifications available to those who are already working as paralegals. These certifications are not required, but offer an opportunity to stand out from the rest of the paralegals in the competitive workforce. Below are some of the reasons why a hardworking professional should pursue an online paralegal certificate program.
| Improve professional marketability There are two major credentialing bodies for paralegals: the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Both offer voluntary certifications that paralegals can use to prove a requisite level of knowledge. In order to help prepare for these examinations, students may enroll in an online paralegal course which will cover concepts, skills and information on a certification examination. | Maintain paralegal certification Assuming a paralegal has obtained a voluntary certification from a credentialing body such as the NALA or the NFPA, they will need to maintain the credential by taking continuing education classes. Because some of these required classes can be taken over the Internet, online paralegal classes can be a convenient way to maintain certification without having to disrupt the busy schedule of the law office. | |
| Become a paralegal The biggest reason to take an online paralegal certification class is to obtain a certificate, which is usually required to work as a paralegal. Many schools offer paralegal studies programs delivered completely online that can allow students to obtain their certificate in just a few months. Courses will cover an array of substantive legal subjects such as criminal law and family law, as well as office skills and legal researching techniques. | Obtain advanced certifications Depending on the voluntary certification already obtained, more advanced certifications are also available. For example, the NALA offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification program, which includes courses of approximately 20 hours in length in a wide range of subjects, such as e-discovery, family law, estate planning, alternative dispute resolution, trial practice, trademarks and personal injury. | |
| Learn more about a particular legal specialty Sometimes a paralegal may want simply want to learn more about a specific legal subject. Perhaps they are working for a new attorney in a different legal area and want to understand the big picture. Or maybe they want to switch practice areas and feel learning more about another area will help their chances of moving to another job. Either way, online paralegal classes can be a fast and easy way to learn more and demonstrate a genuine interest about a particular legal area. |
Featured Online Paralegal Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Spotlight: 10 Online Paralegal Programs
Budding paralegals are in luck, as there are plenty of online certificate programs to choose from. Each school may have its own specific curriculum, but most programs will be very similar and teach the same general topics and skills. The following list spotlights 10 high quality programs that offer paralegal certificates online.
MOOCs & Free Certification Courses for Paralegal Studies
For those who simply want additional knowledge and training about legal issues, it isn’t necessary to pay tuition. Many classes are offered for free, with an official credential available after payment of a nominal fee. These classes generally won’t count toward the requirements to become a paralegal, but they will offer useful knowledge during a paralegal’s practice.
| Course | Offered by | Length | Outcome | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance in Office 365: eDiscovery | edX | 4 weeks | Verified Certificate | |||
| Contract Law: From Trust to Promise to Contract | edX | 8 weeks | Verified Certificate | |||
| International Law | edX | 8 weeks | Verified Certificate | |||
| Diploma in Legal Studies | ALISON | 10-15 Hours | Diploma, certificate or PDF | |||
| Legal Studies – Adversary Trial System | ALISON | 2-3 Hours | Diploma, certificate or PDF | |||
| Introduction to Copyright Law | MIT OpenCourseWare | Self-paced; originally offered as a four-week course | Students will learn the basics of copyright law in the United States, as well as comprehensive research skills | |||
| Ethics and the Law on the Electronic Frontier | MIT Open CourseWare | Self-paced; originally offered as a 12-week course | Explains how the law, policy and technology all interact regarding use of the Internet | |||
| Inventions and Patents | MIT Open CourseWare | Self-paced; originally offered as a 9-week course | Students will gain an understanding of how the patent system was created and evolved in order to balance the rights of inventors and members of society | |||
| Understanding the Origins of Crime | Open2Study | 3 hours | Students will examine criminal behavior within the context of evolution |
Featured Online Masters Paralegal Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Apps & Podcasts for Paralegals
As is true with attorneys, paralegals will usually benefit for getting up-to-date news regarding the legal profession and finding new ways of working more efficiently. That’s where apps and podcasts come in, providing a quick and easy method of becoming more productive and learning new things.
Apps
The practice of law is largely focused on working as efficiently as possible. Getting work done, especially billable work while away from the office, is always a huge plus. Smartphone apps are very useful in improving productivity and consequently, profitability. The following is a list of apps that all paralegals should consider using.
Westlaw
Free See Description
Lawyer ON GO
Free (iOS) and $19.99 (Android) See Description
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (LawStack’s FRCP)
Free See Description
Paralegal Pocket Guide & Prep
Free See Description
Podcasts
There’s a reason lawyers call their job “practicing” the law – there’s always something new to learn and understand. The legal profession is also ripe with courtroom stories that are sure to entertain. The following is a list of podcasts that are likely to be worth a listen.
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Episode 233: Adam Markel of New Peaks Discusses Transforming His Relationship to the Practice of Law
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