How can I become a certified paralegal?
Paralegal or legal assistant is a person with a legal training that works for a lawyer or law firm. While Paralegal will help in legal research and prepare legal documents, it must not participate in the courtroom or charge for legal services. There are many ways to become a certified paralegal in the United States. In general, most certified paralleregals complete two- or four-year curriculum approved by American Bar Association (ABA) and also pass the certification examination. One of the popular routes is to receive an accredited two -year or four -year title in Paralegal Studies. Other students will decide to perform a certificate program in Paralegal Studies after completing another type of university studies. The last option is to complete the 60 -hour parallegal program that does not divide the title. It is important to verify that the program was approved before the application. Works as a paralegal for seven years along with a diploma in high school and 20 hours on the KrewDits in the field of legal education also qualify a person to pass the exam. Documentation of education and work history is required to become a certified paralegal.
Thecertification examination is carried out by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and is offered three times a year. Since 2011, the $ 250 exam fee for NALA members and $ 275 for non -members. The test can be switched in a two -year window for $ 60 per section. After a two -year window has expired, the examiner must send the application.
The test that will become a certified parallegal is submitted for two days. The applicant must be at least 70 percent for each of the five sections. These sections are legal research, ethics, judgment and analytical skills, communication and rights.
After passing the examination, certified parallegals must complete at least 50 hours of credits of continuing legal education (CLE) every five LETh. However, before logging in to any such programs, a person who hopes to receive Cle credits from a particular course or conference should confirm that any credits will be taken by NALA. The Cle Credit Proof must be submitted in time to remain certified.