Legal Assistants


Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security > Legal Assistants > Licensing / Certification
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Legal Assistants

Legal Assistants - Licensing / Certification

Certification is optional. Those desiring certification must meet experience and/or educational requirements. In order to be certified, paralegals must:

  • pass the Certified Legal Assistant exam, and
  • have a bachelor's degree in any field OR
  • have graduated from an approved paralegal program

Persons who pass this examination may use the designation Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). Certification must be renewed every five years. This designation is a sign of competence in the field and may enhance employment and advancement opportunities.

For more information contact:

National Association of Legal Assistants
7666 East 61st Street, Suite 315, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74133
Phone: 918.587.6828, Fax: 918.582.6772
E-mail: nalanet@nala.org

The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) is administered through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. In order for paralegals to be certified, they must:

  • have a minimum of four years' experience as a paralegal OR
  • have a bachelor's degree and completion of a paralegal program with a state approved school and two years' experience as a paralegal

Passage of this exam offers an advanced level of professional recognition. Those who pass this exam and maintain the continuing education requirement may use the designation PACE - Registered Paralegal or RP. This credential must be renewed every two years through continuing education. For more information contact:

National Federation of Paralegal Associations
9100 Purdue Road, Ste. 200, Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 317-454-8312 Fax: 317-454-8322
E-mail: info@paralegals.org
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.