Best Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

An online certificate program differs from an online paralegal degree in many ways. For instance, an online certificate program usually takes less than a year to complete while an online degree takes at least two or more depending on the degree level. What is also different between the two types of programs is that students who are enrolled in the online certificate program can complete the program at their own pace with website support, including labs and video tutorials, and usually there are no deadlines for taking exams. There is also opportunity in the online certificate program for students to have a one-on-one interaction with experienced instructors that may otherwise not be possible in a degree program.

Accreditation for online paralegal certificate programs is used to ensure that colleges and universities maintain high standards and that these institutions give a high-quality education to their students. Some of the main accrediting bodies for this field are the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). The ACCSC is an accrediting body that is used by post-secondary and trade schools as well as schools that offer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. It is also recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The COE is an accreditation body for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is now recognized as a national accrediting agency. Schools that are accredited with the COE offer education in the technical fields.

There are many benefits to enrolling in an online paralegal certificate program, including the increased flexibility of completing courses while in your own home and at your own time. Such a program also allows students to quickly be employed by law firms or government and administrative agencies as a paralegal. There also exists the option to continue to law school or obtain a master's degree in legal studies, business law, or criminal justice. An online paralegal certificate program can also benefit students by saving them time and money. If students want to enter the workforce in this field after obtaining the certificate, then this is the best option for them, as completing this program typically takes under one year making them usually more affordable than the multiple years a degree requires.

There are many career opportunities after completing an online paralegal certificate program as graduates will then have an adequate amount of paralegal training. During these programs, students will be exposed to topics on the U.S. legal system, litigation, and legal analysis. They will gain a thorough understanding of these subjects and become competent in understanding the different stages of litigation and forms of evidence as well as gaining experience in interviewing clients. After graduation they will be able to fully assist lawyers and become employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, finance and insurance firms, and government agencies. They may work within these organizations as a corporate paralegal, litigation paralegal, legal analyst, paralegal specialist, legal assistant, or litigation or law clerk. There are slight differences between these professions, especially between a law clerk and a paralegal.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Paralegals and legal assistants are career paths in general for students after they have completed the certificate program. Those employed in these professions will perform many duties mainly to support lawyers, which can include investigating a current case, drafting and filing documents relevant to the case, taking notes during trials, scheduling interviews of clients and witnesses, and conducting legal research. The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants is $52,920, and this profession is expected to grow by 10% during 2019-29.

Corporate Paralegal

Corporate paralegals are paralegals who perform specific duties, including preparing legal contracts, reviewing documents, attending corporate meetings, and updating files. After completing a certificate program in this field, the graduate will be able to perform these duties with the specific skills they have acquired, especially those dealing with communication, both verbal and written, as well as completing tasks under pressure. They will also be proficient in computer skills and relevant software needed to perform these tasks.

Litigation Paralegals

Another specific career option for those that have completed an online paralegal certificate program is a litigation paralegal. They mainly conduct all the research for lawyers and maintain documents as well as assist in depositions, prepare for the witnesses, and close out case documents. Skills that are necessary for this profession include excellent communication skills, attention to detail, analytical and computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Once an online paralegal certificate program is completed, some schools allow graduates from any institution to transfer as many of their earned credits as possible towards an associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. Other schools allow graduates from an online paralegal certificate program who already possess a bachelor's degree to use their earned credits towards law school or a master's degree in legal studies or criminal justice. The benefits of completing a certificate program as opposed to transferring those courses for credit, however, are that certificate programs allow students to work one-on-one with instructors who are in many cases experienced lawyers or paralegals. Students attending a certificate program also have the advantage of being educationally supported through trial tests, mock exams, and legal documents templates. After completing a certificate program, graduates will be qualified to take exams in order to be certified and ready for employment. This would not be possible if students were to take courses only for credit.

Course topics and curriculum for an online paralegal certificate program across often include those required to introduce students to the paralegal field, along with topics on civil litigation and criminal law. As electives the students can attend courses in torts, civil litigation, criminal law and procedures, real estate law, family law, legal research and writing, and wills, trusts, and estates. Along with learning these topics in the classroom, students can focus on the practical, such as one-on-one instruction for interviewing and attending resume writing workshops, so that they can prepare for their job search.

Criminal Law and Procedures

In the course of criminal law and procedures, students will learn about the U.S. criminal justice system. They will learn about crimes, how the accused are defended under the U.S. Constitution, and how they tie into their role as a paralegal. The different types of crimes studied include those involved in murder, kidnapping, and human trafficking as well as property crimes.

Legal Research and Writing

The legal research and writing course will teach students about the fundamentals of legal research and the types of writing used in this profession. Students will learn how to analyze, incorporate, and cite case and statutory laws, as well as other authorities, in legal documents. They will learn how to draft some of those documents, such as legal memoranda and briefs. Skills in proofreading and editing legal documents will also be acquired during this course.

An online paralegal certificate typically takes under one year to complete. In some cases, and if students are enrolled full-time, it can take four months to complete the program. Depending on the school, students can be enrolled for courses that are offered online or in person. Students who register for online courses are considered part-time, which can take nine months to complete as opposed to four months with in person classes. Part-time enrollment in the program is usually taken by students who work full-time or cannot commit to a full-time curriculum. The program for full-time enrollment generally starts in August and end in January. Classes for part-time students typically start in the fall and end in May.

In order to choose an online paralegal certificate program, there are many factors to consider, including the cost, location, and program format and length. Cost is a factor that can vary considerably. Depending on the location and how far away a student's chosen institution is from their home, costs added for transportation is another important factor to consider if a student takes any classes in person. Part-time students typically complete the program in one year, but full-time students can take considerably less time. For students who would like to have the possibility to continue with their education after completing the certificate program, they should check whether they would be able to apply their acquired credits towards a higher degree, including a bachelor's and master's. Final choice of a program should only be made once all of these factors are considered.

In order to get into an online paralegal certificate program, there is an application process that must be followed by first completing an online application with the associated fee. Official transcripts must also be submitted from all institutions in addition to transfer credits or other certificate courses that might have been taken. Students must be 18 years of age, be fluent in English, be competent in computer skills, possess an email account, be able to pay the tuition on time, and have access to a computer. Depending on the school, reference letters may be required. Typically, only a high school diploma is required for this program, but there are schools that require at least an associate degree. Professional experience is usually not required for admission, but experience in the paralegal field would complement the coursework.

The cost of an online paralegal certificate program varies widely. Some programs can cost between $1,299 and $6,995. Additional fees are sometimes not included, with books costing an additional $500-$1,000. In some schools there is an additional payment plan fee associated that is required. As courses will be online, an efficient computer and webcam and headset with microphone is required along with the necessary software such as Microsoft Office. Fees for this equipment and tools should also be considered into the cost of an online program in this field.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources for Online Paralegal Certificate Programs

For students enrolled in an online paralegal certificate program, there are financial aid and scholarships available to help with costs of completing such a program. All students should apply for the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the deadline usually in June; however, it varies depending on the state in which you have enrolled in. Keep in mind that some schools do not allow students to submit the FAFSA for certificate programs. For those with high academic scholarship, students can apply to the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) with awards up to $500 annually to paralegal students who are enrolled full-time or part-time.