answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the certification for paralegals.

Although most employers do not require certification, earning voluntary certification from a professional national or local paralegal organization may offer advantages in the labor market. Many national and local paralegal organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by requiring students to pass an exam. Other organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by meeting certain criteria such as experience and education.

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification that require various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. NALA certification is for a period of five years and 50 hours of continuing education is required for recertification. According to the NALA, as of September 4, 2009, there were 15,652 Certified Paralegals in the United States. NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum-based program offered on the internet.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least 5 years of paralegal experience and meet one of three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, including the completion of 18 hours of continuing education.

In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.

Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or a specialized area of law.

Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The NALA, the NFPA, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

No, it cannot. One of the only universal requirements for admission to law school is a Bachelor's degree. So a paralegal certificate would be an asset because it demonstrates your interest (and possibly your acumen) in the field of law, but nothing can 'get you into law school' except perhaps a very rich and influential relative.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

There are many community colleges that offer paralegal studies. Read the below carefully and follow through on the link provided for a search of which schools offer the program.

You can obtain this information by going to www.collegeboard.com/splash/ and using the sites College MatchMaker search engine, or you can also click on the related links section (College Board) indicated below this answer box, which will take you directly to the site. You can research colleges and universities by name, or by programs of study, or by geographical location, size, or combinations of part or all of them etc. The site will provide you with a list of institutions based on your request. It will give you the schools background, accreditation, degree offerings, programs of study, entrance requirements, tuition and fees, room and board, athletic programs etc. and a link to each institutions official web page. Make sure the college or university has a regional accreditation (most important). Practice navigating this site. It will be well worth the time and effort.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Most entrants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.

Although most employers do not require certification, earning voluntary certification from a professional national or local paralegal organization may offer advantages in the labor market. Many national and local paralegal organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by requiring students to pass an exam. Other organizations offer voluntary paralegal certifications by meeting certain criteria such as experience and education.

The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification that require various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. NALA certification is for a period of five years and 50 hours of continuing education is required for recertification. According to the NALA, as of September 4, 2009, there were 15,652 Certified Paralegals in the United States. NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum-based program offered on the Internet.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least 5 years of paralegal experience and meet one of three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, including the completion of 18 hours of continuing education.

In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.

Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or a specialized area of law.

Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The NALA, the NFPA, and a few States have established ethical guidelines for paralegals to follow.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Yes.... You can pretty much go to Law School with any degree. A paralegal degree enhances your chances

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Yes. There is a certification level that you need to have acquired to be a paralegal. If you wish you can continue past that and receive a higher degree as in other professions.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

While it is possible, lawyers prefer individuals with formal training in paralegal studies.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Yes you can. Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can you get a job as a paralegal with an associate in art degree?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What jobs can i get with an associate's degree in paralegals?

An associate degree in paralegal studies sets you up for an entry level paralegal job.


Is a college degree required to get a paralegal job?

A college degree is not required to get a paralegal job. A paralegal needs plenty of experience. It's also good for the paralegal to take some courses or classes.


Where can you get a job in North Carolina if you have an associate's degree?

It depends on what you have an associate degree in.


What job can you get with an associate's degree in English?

what job can a person get with an English degree


Information on paralegal degree?

There are a lot of schools offering a paralegal degree. One of them is Everest University. The main job of a paralegal individual is to assist the lawyers in their legal work. It will take you 1 year to get the degree and the tuition fee is 1,255.00 dollars per semester.


What would I need to do to qualify for a paralegal job?

One needs a college or a university degree for a paralegal job. One also needs skills like people skill, listening skill, speaking skill and many more skills for a paralegal job.


Will jobs accept me with only an associate degree?

Yes, you can get a job with only an associate degree. That is not all, you can even get a high paid job if you would search and apply, but you can be locked into a particular job with an associate's degree so you can rethink about getting your bachelors.


What job can you get with a general associate's degree?

With a general associate's degree, one can get a job as an administrative assistant. One can also get a job as a bank teller or customer service representative.


What job can you get with associate's degree in?

This depends entirely on the career field you choose, the associate degree is considered the entry-level degree for most industries.


The Four Types of Paralegal Degrees?

A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant, is as vital to a lawyer as a nurse is to a doctor. The paralegal is responsible for many tasks to assist the lawyer in their cases. A paralegal can investigate the information for a hearing, trial or closing. They can also interview and prepare clients for hearings and trials. Depending on how large the law firm is will determine the salary of a paralegal. In May of 2004, the median salary of a paralegal was anywhere from $31,040 to $49,950. This salary also depends on the level of education and degree obtained. There are different levels of education to become a paralegal. The four types of degrees are associate’s degree, certificate, diploma and an online degree. The associate’s degree can be a great way to begin a paralegal career. With an associate’s degree, the expected pay is $8,000 more than someone with a high school diploma. Obtaining an associate’s degree when already in the field can expect to receive a pay raise. A certificate in paralegal is a good option for those who are looking to further their career. Certification can be done either online or on campus so it is convenient to take the course while still working full time. In some cases a law firm will require a paralegal to maintain up-to-date certification. A diploma program is the best choice for someone who did not complete high school. Most employers require a diploma to be able to work. There are now many colleges that allow students to take the courses online. Having a diploma is vital in becoming a paralegal. Getting an online degree to become a paralegal is becoming widely popular. This is the best way for someone who has to maintain a full time job and go to school at the same time. This type of degree is becoming more common among adults that want a career change or advancement. Whichever type of degree that is chosen, there is a course for everyone in every type of situation. Paralegal schools are available to anyone who aspires to become a paralegal or stay current in the field.


What job can you get with an associate's degree in Corrections?

Corrections Officer


Is an associate degree required for an office works job?

An associate degree is helpful, but not always required for an office job. If you have all of the skills necessary, and can prove yourself, you may still be able to get the job.