Is there a difference between an associates in Paralegal Studies and a Paralegal Certificate?

I hope this is not a stupid question but I keep reading that the minimal qualifications are an associates degree and a paralegal certificate. I am working on my associates degree in paralegal studies right now. Will I still need a paralegal certificate too? Im so sorry if this is a stupid question but I am confused! Thanks, Jennifer

No, there is no difference.

Thanks! :)
Sorry again about that question!

MH in San Jose, California said: No, there is no difference.

Every degree program I've heard of issues a paralegal certificate with the degree? The paralegal certificate is generally ABA approved. Are you receiving an American Bar Association paralegal certificate along with your degree, Jennifer? If not, I'd say there's quite a difference.

Every degree program I've heard of issues a paralegal certificate with the degree. The paralegal certificate is generally ABA approved. Are you receiving an American Bar Association paralegal certificate along with your degree, Jennifer? If not, I'd say there's quite a difference.

(corrected)

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Every degree program I've heard of issues a paralegal certificate with the degree. The paralegal certificate is generally ABA approved. Are you receiving an American Bar Association paralegal certificate along with your degree, Jennifer? If not, I'd say there's quite a difference.

(corrected)

Unfortunately, I am not receiving an ABA approved paralegal certificate. I have done so much research on the paralegal profession and schooling and I had no schools around me that offered an ABA paralegal certificate. Plus, I am traveling right now and I am away from my hometown. So I am attending an online school working on an associates degree in Paralegal Studies. I hope by receiving an Un-ABA approved degree or certificate I have not closed a lot of doors!

Will you graduate with the degree only or will ANY paralegal certificate accompany your degree?

Any paralegal certificate is better than none, but more doors open with an ABA certificate.

As far as I know, I will only receive the degree.
The school says after graduating from the program you are able to sit for the NALA exam.

You should sit for that exam. I understand the NALA CLA credential is a big deal in Texas.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: You should sit for that exam. I understand the NALA CLA credential is a big deal in Texas.

Yeah, I plan on it.
Right now I am living in Texas but am from Louisiana, which is where I plan on working.
Either way, I'm going to take the exam.

A good way to determine actual, local paralegal hiring requirements is to review the classifieds, major job boards, local job boards and paralegal bios on firm websites. Same for pay.

Best of luck with the rest of your school.

Thanks for the Good Luck wishes!
I need all I can get :)
I have looked at a lot of job postings.
Some want people with ABA certficates, some want people with a bachelor's degree, and some want people with an associates, but ALL want paralegals with experience. Thats going to be my hardest dillema to get through. I have been thinking about volunteering for a local advocacy center for the elderly and disabled in Louisiana. Maybe that will help?

You can try it. Absolutely, getting that first paralegal job is an SOB.

Yeah, I figure some experience in the field will benefit me, even if it is by volunteering and it's not detailed work. Can't hurt! Well, thankyou for all of your help :)

You bet. Good luck. And I wish you well in the legal profession.

One other suggestion for you, Jennifer. Apply to every opening, even if they ask for experience. Although it's rare, you just might hit the place at the right time. Good luck.

Ok, Thanks! All of them want so much experience though. Like 7 years!

Do it anyway. To be sure, it's frustrating. Also send letters of interest and your resume to firms. Getting a legal job is hard, so be prepared. Once again, best of luck.

Jennifer Hebert in Portland, Texas said: I hope this is not a stupid question but I keep reading that the minimal qualifications are an associates degree and a paralegal certificate. I am working on my associates degree in paralegal studies right now. Will I still need a paralegal certificate too? Im so sorry if this is a stupid question but I am confused! Thanks, Jennifer

Yes, there is a difference between an Associate's degree and a certificate. An Associate's degree is a 2 year college degree, usually from a college or university that is regionally accredited by a NEA approved educational institution. There are some for-profit companies that offer 'Associates' degrees; be sure to verify their accreditation status or you may wind up with a somewhat expensive 'piece of paper'. There are many paralegal degree programs who have also received ABA approval. Those programs usually issue a certificate upon completion of the college degree that states you completed an ABA approved program.

There are also some ABA approved paralegal certificate programs, which do not result in receiving a college degree (2 or 4 year). These programs vary from 6-18 mos. in length, and upon completion, you'll receive a Paralegal Certificate.

A 'certificate' should not be confused with 'certification'. Certification requires passing a nationally recognized certification exam such as NALA's CLA/CP or PACE's RP exams. Those advanced certification programs require some combination of paralegal education and/or work experience in order to take them.

Employer preference for ABA approval, certification, and general education requirements vary regionally and from job market to job market. Your biggest hurdle is work experience. I recommend volunteering with any local pro-bono, legal aid, or advocacy office. You may also want to try an entry level secretary position to get your foot in the door and learn basic legal practices and procedure. Good Luck!

Good answer, though I disagree with getting a secretary job. IMO it's bad psychology. You'll always be thought of as a secretary and may never be allowed to advance to paralegal.

In my area, a paralegal degree is either an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. A paralegal certificate is generally earned by someone who already has a degree in another field. I have a degree in Economics and a paralegal certificate. In essence, the certificate is an endorsement on the bachelor's degree. Hope this helps

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Good answer, though I disagree with getting a secretary job. IMO it's bad psychology. You'll always be thought of as a secretary and may never be allowed to advance to paralegal.

I respectfully disagree. I started out as a legal secretary with a sole practitioner, and am now the senior litigation paralegal at one of the oldest, most prestigious firms in town. Hard work, going the extra mile, excellent work product, professionalism, and taking the initiative to learn new things on my own earned me the respect of other paralegals and attorneys I've become acquainted with over the years.

Did you have a paralegal certificate when you started as a legal secretary? Did the sole practitioner give you paralegal responsibilities? How many times did you have to change jobs before you arrived at your current position?

Also, please note that I used "may" in my response - not "will."

I stand by my comments. In my experience, many people who are hired for a certain position cannot advance, no matter how hard they work, how many extra miles they go, how good their work may be, how professional they are, how much initiative they demonstrate, or how much respect they engender.

"Did you have a paralegal certificate when you started as a legal secretary?" No.

"Did the sole practitioner give you paralegal responsibilities?" Yes.

"How many times did you have to change jobs before you arrived at your current position?" One.

I know many paralegals who began as secretaries; some have paralegal degrees or certificates, some do not. What they all have in common are the characteristics I outlined in my previous post. I find these paralegals are generally more well-rounded in terms of being able to function in any capacity or do any task, which makes them very valuable to their employers and co-workers.

As with anything there are no absolutes; but an individual who works hard, goes the extra mile, produces excellent work product and professionalism, and takes the initiative will advance and succeed more often than not.

Jane Do Girl in Milton, Florida: "Did you have a paralegal certificate when you started as a legal secretary?" No.

"Did the sole practitioner give you paralegal responsibilities? Yes.

"How many times did you have to change jobs before you arrived at your current position? One."

So, essentially, you wore a paralegal hat as well as a secretary hat - which is common in small firms. You were lucky to have been given a chance to do paralegal work so you could put it on your resume, enabling you to market yourself to your next firm as a paralegal. Although I think most legal secretaries do at least some paralegal work, they aren't recognized for it. I've seen that as a source of tension between paralegals and legal secretaries.

I stand by my comments, again. My experience in three industries is to get the position one wants one has to be hired into the position. Promotions and upgrades are rare.

"As with anything there are no absolutes; but an individual who works hard, goes the extra mile, produces excellent work product and professionalism, and takes the initiative will advance and succeed more often than not."

No, these people will usually be taken advantage of because these contributions. The employer won't want to move them up because of fears the person cannot be replaced. I've experienced it and have seen it elsewhere.

No, these people will usually be taken advantage of is precisely because of these contributions. The employer won't want to move them up because of fears the person cannot be replaced. I've experienced it and have seen it elsewhere.

I was wondering if there was a difference between getting a paralegal certificate
than a paralegal degree. Is the time frame for both different and if so what is it?

I am thinking of going into the investing business and would like to know
which one would be benificial to me as far as getting this done.

I was also told if considering an online course to make sure that it is ABA approved
so I am having a difficult time deciding on which course to choose. Any advise would be appreciated.

Some colleges offer two-year or four-year Paralegal Studies degrees. Paralegal certificates are sometimes awarded with these degrees. Free-standing, non-collegiate paralegal schools award paralegal certificates. My paralegal school required a four-year degree for entrance.

My advice is a paralegal certificate won't really help you. You would be better served if you obtained a financial planning credential, e.g., C.F.P. Paralegal certificates are more for nonlawyer legal assistants who work with lawyers. The only paralegal program courses that could help you might be Business Organizations, Commercial Law and, possibly, UCC. You really don't need to know legal research or litigation. Not enough is discussed in Estates and Probate to help you. You would waste your time and money if you went to paralegal school only to take those courses.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I began my College majoring in Psychology, but after my Junior year at A&M, I choose to take another path towards the paralegal field. After receiving an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies I started working for the first firm that would take me, i.e. it is a SOB to even get a paying internship little less getting an actual full time paralegal position. I have now been a paralegal for three (3) years working for an Insurance Defense Firm. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. Basically, I am just wanting to work somewhere that will better utilize me more in legal research, writing and document review. As crazy as it sounds, I love to review and summarize voluminous production that has been propounded on my attorney by Plaintiffs counsel in most of our cases.

Any ideas?

I began my College years majoring in Psychology, but after my Junior year at A&M, I choose to take another path, more towards the paralegal field.

After receiving an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies I started working for the first firm that would hire me. i.e. it really is a SOB to even get a paying internship little less getting an actual full time paralegal job.

I have now been a paralegal for three (3) years working for an Insurance Defense Firm. Do not get me wrong, I like my job. Basically, I am just wanting to work somewhere that will better utilize me more in research, writing and document review. As crazy as it sounds, I love to review and summarize voluminous production that has been propounded on my attorney by Plaintiffs counsel or drafting page/line summaries on deposition transcripts.

Any ideas?

different fields for paralegals in Dallas, Texas: "After receiving an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies I started working for the first firm that would hire me. i.e. it really is a SOB to even get a paying internship little less getting an actual full time paralegal job...."

Or even an unpaid internship, at least around here, while I was in paralegal school.

"I am just wanting to work somewhere that will better utilize me more in research, writing and document review. As crazy as it sounds, I love to review and summarize voluminous production that has been propounded on my attorney by Plaintiffs' counsel or drafting page/line summaries on deposition transcripts."

So, you work on the dark side? :D I can say that; I worked for a plaintiffs' firm.

My two cents would be that with your contacts you might find something at an insurance company. As you know, insurance companies transmit huge volumes of meds to their counsel. Perhaps you can interest a carrier in your abilities. Also, try comp carrier(s). They are very meds-intensive.

Finally, my experience is depo digesting, as you have described it, may be obsolete. The court reporters my ex-firm used always provided condensed depos, with four pages to one page. I'm sure that for this reason I never had to digest a single depo in nearly seven years of litigation.

Hope this helped a little.

It's likely that your Paralegal Associates Degree is also a certificate. You should research your states laws on paralegal regulation. Some states require certification and are specific as to who can call themselves a paralegal. Other states have no regulation at all. Chances are your associates degree in Paralegal Studies will be sufficient. It will help if your program is ABA approved as well, but I'm not sure if its required under your states laws. A little research can answer a lot of your questions.

Phoenix in West Babylon, New York: "[U]nless it is a job that is trying to exclude non college grads **by asking for an ABA paralegal certificate.**"

Accordingly, I stand by my "blanket" statement.

Thank you for posting.

One more point to add. Most ABA schools require a college degree for admission unless you are earning the certificate along with a degree.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: One more point to add. Most ABA schools require a college degree for admission unless you are earning the certificate along with a degree.

I am aware of that in most cases they require an associate or a 4 year degree for entrance into a certificate program.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: One more point to add. Most ABA schools require a college degree for admission unless you are earning the certificate along with a degree.

Are you an ABA Paralegal, and if so why are you a displaced worker?

If I have a 4 year degree from Columbia or NYU I seriously doubt that my regionally accredited paralegal certificate will keep me from landing a good paralegal job. It is all about marketing yourself, keeping in mind that some of those same employers who say that they only want ABA program graduates will a lot of non ABA grads on staff. So network, make friends in high places and don't let job requirements deter you. Enroll in a program that is right for you, be it a regionally accredited program or an ABA approved program.

Yes, there is a difference. A degree in paralegal studies or paralegal technology, typically an Applied Science degree, incorporates not only the legal training but the core classes - math, english, - required in a typical degree program. Most attorneys are now learning to distinguish between these programs and as such, are becoming more selective when evaluating "paralegal" candidates and their qualifications.

Additionally, a "certificate" program is often a short program, usually 12-16 weeks, rather than the typical 2-year associates track. It IS NOT a degree. Many institutions offering these programs are not approved by the ABA or AAfPE and as such, will not qualify you for the CLA or PACE exam.

You need to choose carefully before you commit to a program from an unaccredited institution. Often, the cost is equal to or greater than that of an accreditited 2-year institution and if you choose wrong, you'll have nothing to show for your efforts when you're done.

Phoenix in West Babylon, New York: "Are you an ABA Paralegal...."

Yes.

"[A]nd if so why are you a displaced worker?'

Because that's how life works sometimes.

Phoenix in West Babylon, New York: "If I have a 4 year degree from Columbia or NYU I seriously doubt that my regionally accredited paralegal certificate will keep me from landing a good paralegal job. It is all about marketing yourself, keeping in mind that some of those same employers who say that they only want ABA program graduates will [????]a lot of non ABA grads on staff."

.....but don't go whining why you were not hired if the job posting said "ABA Paralegal Certificate Required."

Once again, an ABA paralegal certificate is the highest grade paralegal certificate obtainable. With an ABA certificate one is eligible for any paralegal job that requires a paralegal certificate.

Don Kovaleski in Nashville, Tennessee said: Yes, there is a difference. A degree in paralegal studies or paralegal technology, typically an Applied Science degree, incorporates not only the legal training but the core classes - math, english, - required in a typical degree program. Most attorneys are now learning to distinguish between these programs and as such, are becoming more selective when evaluating "paralegal" candidates and their qualifications.

Additionally, a "certificate" program is often a short program, usually 12-16 weeks, rather than the typical 2-year associates track. It IS NOT a degree. Many institutions offering these programs are not approved by the ABA or AAfPE and as such, will not qualify you for the CLA or PACE exam.

You need to choose carefully before you commit to a program from an unaccredited institution. Often, the cost is equal to or greater than that of an accreditited 2-year institution and if you choose wrong, you'll have nothing to show for your efforts when you're done.

You can qualify to sit for NALA's CP or CLA exam with a non ABA certificate as long as it is a 900 hour program.

Is there a certain certificate that is considering more prestigious or more saught out than the other? i.e. NALA - CLA, CP or AAP - AACP or NFPA - PP, RP

It may depend on the state. At one time, and perhaps now as well, CLA was a big deal in Texas. On the other hand, in Colorado, and, perhaps, other states, these credentials carry little weight. Some states regulate paralegals and you may need a particular credential to comply with the regs.

A good way to start is to look at job postings, ads and paralegal bios for your locale. If your research reveals a particular credential prevails, chances are that credential would give you an advantage.

I have 20 years of litigation support legal sec'y experience; I'm re-entering the job market after taking some years off to finish raising my kids - would a lawfirm consider my 20 years as enough experience to hire me as a legal sec'y/paralegal?

I should think that twenty years of litigation support experience would be more than enough for you to be hired.

On the other hand, with all that experience you could be deemed as overqualified and/or too old. I'm sure I've been deemed as either or both with my eleven years of paralegal experience after changing careers in my early-mid forties.

Wait 'til you start looking. You're gonna find there are few openings around here for legal secretaries - nothing like what you may have seen before you took time off. I can remember from not that long ago when the Post Sunday classifieds had five or more new openings each week for legal secretaries.

Good luck. The Denver Bar Association website, www.denbar.org/employment/index.cfm?JobType=LegalStaff, seems to list the better jobs.

What about a Canadian who completed and obtained an Associates Degree in Paralegal from an american online school? 3.0 grade average

Best thing would be for you to review local ads for paralegals and online paralegal bios to determine authentic hiring requirements in your area.

You need to go to a school that is regionally accredited, whether for a certificate or a degree. A certificate from a regionally accredited school usually means that you have taken many legal courses. An associate's degree, by contrast, requires you to take general studies, such as science, math, economics, foreign language, etc., stuff that is not really relevant to the career. I also read in Legal Assistant Today magazine that certificated paralegals tend to make higher salaries than paralegals who have degrees with a major in paralegal studies. This is due to the superior training in a regionally accredited certificate program.

WOLI Graduate in Nanuet, New York said: You need to go to a school that is regionally accredited, whether for a certificate or a degree. A certificate from a regionally accredited school usually means that you have taken many legal courses. An associate's degree, by contrast, requires you to take general studies, such as science, math, economics, foreign language, etc., stuff that is not really relevant to the career. I also read in Legal Assistant Today magazine that certificated paralegals tend to make higher salaries than paralegals who have degrees with a major in paralegal studies. This is due to the superior training in a regionally accredited certificate program.

Hey I am planning on taking either the Paralegel A.A.S Degree Program at an ABA approved local college or the ABA approved certificate program here in NY. Which would benefit me more due to the fact that I am graduating this semester from an 4 year university with a degree in History and Business.

I am not sure about going to law school and I feel becoming an paralegal with get me into the field and help me decide on my future.

Which would A: most likely pay more? cert or AAS

and B: which would be more useful in obtaining a job? Cert or AAS

You will be getting a four-year college degree, so your ticket is punched there. No harm or foul if you want the two-year paralegal degree and certificate, but if they cost extra money, don't spend it. Just get the paralegal certificate. Either way, you're covered.

The degree and certificate are your essentials and everything you need to get started in the wonderful world of law.

I like your majors and I like that you'll be getting an ABA certificate.