Obtaining a paralegal certification can be a very rewarding thing to do. It is not necessarily very difficult, but it can take some time and dedication to obtain. Classes for paralegal certifications are offered through a variety of educational institutions, from private four year universities to public two year community colleges and online college degree programs.
Paralegal certifications can be obtained through several different programs as well, from a certificate or associate’s program to a bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or even a Master’s program. There is no such thing as a licensed paralegal, however. All official paralegal documentation is presented in the form of a certification. Paralegal certifications are obtained through college degree programs only. A person cannot work as a paralegal without first obtaining the proper certifications. The certifications for paralegals differ from the United States to Canada, however, and paralegals cannot necessarily perform the same functions in both countries.
Paralegals certified in the United States, for example, are only considered legal assistants. They assist lawyers with the day to day work of upholding the law and preparing to represent cases in court. They cannot prepare legal documents or paperwork or give any sort of legal advice, for these things are reserved for actual lawyers. In Canada, certified paralegals are given an independent status apart from simply performing as an assistant to a lawyer. These paralegals can also become licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada, which allows Canadian paralegals to operate independently just as lawyers do and gives them the ability to provide certain legal services and sometimes to appear in court as legal representatives. This is usually only allowed in lower levels of court, however, as the higher courts are reserved for lawyers.
“obtaining a paralegal certification is rewarding”
Whichever country a paralegal chooses to operate in, obtaining a paralegal certification is a rewarding and often high paying opportunity for career advancement. Paralegal certification is voluntary after going through the requisite college courses to become a studied paralegal, however many jobs will only be offered to those paralegals that can provide proof of certification or registration.
Being registered or certified can also boost the hourly or salaried pay of any paralegal that has previously only been assisting a lawyer with paperwork and documentation. In the United States, paralegals must work under the direct supervision of a lawyer, so the rate of pay is often determined by the level of training or certification that the paralegal has previously obtained. In Canada, however, paralegals with the proper certification and registration are allowed to prepare certain legal documentation either on their own or under the direct supervision of a lawyer.
This means that the highest level of paralegal certification could lead to a completely independent career for the Canadian paralegal. In both the United States and Canada, obtaining a paralegal certification can lead to an independent and fulfilling career for the trained legal assistant.
