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Advanced Paralegal Certification Specialties

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the paralegal profession is your ability to specialize in specific sections of laws or industries. While you may not be required to obtain a certification in order to work within a specialty industry, obtaining a quick paralegal certification is considered the best way to clearly demonstrate the depth of your working knowledge within the realm of its specialization.

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is one of the most well-respected certifying bodies offering certification specialties within the paralegal field. It’s important to note that the eligibility requirements for each specialization may vary. As of April 2016, there are a total of 26 various practice areas you may obtain a certificate in.

NALA Advanced Paralegal Certification Specialties

The-National-Association-of-Legal-AssistantsAs mentioned earlier, there are a total of 26 specializations you may become certified in. If you’re searching for a way to truly transform your career and enhance your marketability to employers, completed an appropriate certification may be your ideal choice. The following are some of the most popular certification specializations offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants:

Contracts Management and Contracts Administration | Paralegals with this certificate are able to specialize within the realm of contracts for a variety of industries. This is an excellent certificate for those who work in the real estate and insurance industries as contracts consist of much of the legal work within these professions.

Social Security Disability | Whether you work in a private law practice or in the government sector, a certificate in social security disability is an excellent way to progress and demonstrate your professionalism within this scope of practice.

Trial Practice | If you’re employed by a trial lawyer, then completing this certification examination greatly enhances your understanding and proficiency within this unique scope of law. Because trial lawyers are often under strict deadlines, completing this certification can boost your efficiency in research and communication skills.

Trademarks | Those who are employed in the trademark industry should actively seek out this certification as it clearly demonstrates your proficiency within the often complex work dealings in the trademarks industry.

Personal Industry | The National Association of Legal Assistants offers two personal injury certifications specializations. These include Personal Injury Core Course, which covers the more generalized industry of the personal injury legal field. Those who are looking to enhance their understanding and ability within this scope of practice should complete the 9 Practice Area Courses within the Personal Injury certification.

Commercial Bankruptcy | Those who are employed in the legal financial industry may wish to further enhance their marketability to the commercial financial sector by completing this certification course. Within this scope of practice you’ll sharpen your ability to navigate the complex commercial bankruptcy legal practice industry.


National Association of Legal Assistants Paralegal Certification Eligibility Requirements

Whether you’re looking to enter the exciting field of a paralegal or wish to enhance your progression within this career field, a paralegal certification offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants is an excellent avenue to explore. This nationally recognized paralegal certificate clearly demonstrates your ability and talent within this dynamic profession. Because of this, many employers require paralegals to obtain this certificate in order to be considered for a promotion or even placement within the law firm.

The Certified Paralegal examination offered by NALA covers five primary knowledge and skill sections. These include: Communications, Ethics, Judgment/Analytical Ability, Legal Research as well as Substantive Law. Upon successfully completing this certification examination, your skills and ability to succeed in this profession is clearly demonstrated.

NALA-ManualIf you’re interested in taking the National Association of Legal Assistants Paralegal Certification, then you must ensure you meet its various eligibility requirements. As with other national paralegal certifications, there are many ways one can become eligible to sit for the examination. These include:

1.) Obtaining a bachelor’s degree within the realm of paralegal studies (also referred to as legal assistant studies). This pathway doesn’t require any work experience or additional certifications.

2.) Completing a bachelor’s degree in any field of study and completing a paralegal studies certificate program.

3.) Earning a bachelor’s degree in ny field of study as well as holding a minimum of one year work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant. However, if you’ve completed a minimum of 15 hours of legal courses, you may substitute the one year work experience.

4.) Completing an associate degree in paralegal studies, which does not require additional work experience or paralegal training.

5.) Successfully completing a paralegal studies program accredited by the American Bar Association. In order to meet this eligibility requirement you must complete a minimum of 60 or more credit hours; with 15 of these hours covering substantive legal topics.

6.) If you only have a high school diploma or a GED, you may quality to sit for the NALA Paralegal Certificate by holding a minimum of seven years work within the legal setting as a paralegal or a legal assistant. Along with the work experience, you must have also completed a minimum of 20 continuing education credits within the realm of legal studies within a timespan of two years prior to sitting for the certification examination.