Top Four Certifications for Paralegals in 2024

The legal field has undergone, albeit at a slower rate than some other industries, significant changes over the past several years.  Some of these changes include a greater number of attorneys working from home and clients demanding lower costs for the same work.

To meet these changes and demands, attorneys – and the legal profession as a whole – have placed a greater reliance on their paralegals and the work they expect them to perform. This in turn presents a tremendous opportunity for paralegals to expand their careers.  But if you are a paralegal looking to stand out, one of the best ways you can do that is to obtain one of several recognized certifications, which demonstrate to the profession and potential employers that you possess the requisite skills and knowledge they are looking for.

Below, you will find four top paralegal certifications in 2024 that will help you build professional credibility and stand out among your peers.

1.      Professional Paralegal by NALS

The National Association for Legal Support Professionals, or NALS, was established nearly 100 years ago and provides education and networking to paralegals, legal assistants and other support staff.  NALS also provides a wide range of certification courses.  NALS’ most robust certification is the Professional Paralegal Certification, which is designed for those who have graduated from an ABA-approved legal/paralegal studies program, or who have a minimum of 5 years of paralegal/legal assistant experience. This certification, once obtained, demonstrates to the industry that you have an advanced knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the preparation of legal documents.

2.      Certified Paralegal by NALA

NALS is not the only organization that offers certifications for legal professionals and paralegals.  The National Association of Legal Assistants, or NALA, offers its own range of certifications.  One of the most recognized NALA certifications is the Certified Paralegal certification – which is recognized not only within the United States, but also internationally. This particular certification demonstrates your comprehensive knowledge and competency as a paralegal by evaluating you on various aspects of the legal system, including legal research, ethics, and substantive law.

3.      Advanced Certified Paralegal by NALA

In addition to the Certified Paralegal certification, NALA also offers an advanced version of the certification which is designed to build on the Certified Paralegal program and focuses on advancing your understanding as a paralegal in more specific areas of the law, rather than just testing a more general understanding.  If you are looking to work within a particular area of law, you should strongly consider this certification.

4.      PACE Registered Paralegal by NFPA

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, or NFPA, is another association aimed at training and offering instructions to its members.  They too offer several certifications, including the PACE Registered Paralegal Certification.  This certification is designed for more experienced paralegals and signals to other legal professionals that you have an advanced knowledge of procedural and substantive law, ethics, communication, and judgment skills.

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