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Certification and Licensure for Paralegals

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published March 19, 2014

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

Certification is a voluntary process undertaken by two national organizations (NALA and NFPA) and four state organizations to recognize those individuals who have met specified qualifications set forth by those organizations. NALA has established the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam, which can be taken by anyone regardless of whether they have paralegal experience. NFPA has established the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE), which requires a minimum of two years of paralegal experience, a bachelor's degree, and completion of a paralegal program at an accredited school. NALA also offers a Certified Legal Assistant Specialist (CLAS) certification in one of the following areas: bankruptcy, civil litigation, corporate law, criminal law, intellectual property, probate, or real estate law. Only CLAs are qualified to sit for the CLAS exam. Some states, such as California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, have state-specific certification exams.

For more information about the CLA exam, go to www.nalanet.org and click on "Certification." To find out more about the PACE exam, go to www.paralegals.org and click on "PACE."
 
  • Are paralegals encouraged to take the CLA or PACE exams in your area?
  • If so, what reasons are given for taking either of these exams?
  • When is it suggested you take them?
  • Does your state have a state-specific certification exam or is one being considered?
  • If your state has such a program, what are the specifics of that program?

While certification comes from a non-governmental organization, licensure comes from the government. At this point, paralegals are not subject to any kind of licensing, but the issue itself is very controversial. In 1986, an ABA Committee on Professionalism suggested limited licensing of paralegals to perform such specific functions as drafting simple wills, doing real estate closings, and handling certain kinds of tax matters. In 1995, the ABA established a Commission on Non-lawyer Practice, which conducted hearings around the country regarding the issue of non-lawyer practice and its effects on society and the legal system. In its final report, the Commission recommended the expansion of the paralegal role and suggested that each state decide for itself whether it wanted to adopt limited licensing for paralegals.

In assessing the wisdom of licensing paralegals, the states have had to consider the serious problem of the unavailability of legal representation for the poor and many of the middle class. Many people cannot afford to hire an attorney even to handle relatively straightforward matters. These cases are not economical for attorneys to handle and can be easily handled by paralegals. On the other hand, serious ramifications can result from paralegals providing inadequate legal services. Another reason some question the wisdom of licensing paralegals is that consumers may find it difficult to assess when it is appropriate for a paralegal rather than an attorney to do the work. Furthermore, the cost of establishing a licensing scheme intricate enough to address such concerns may outweigh any advantages gained by creating licensed paralegals. Several states have considered limited licensing proposals, but none have adopted them to date.

NALA and NFPA have taken opposing positions in reference to licensing. While the NFPA has drafted a Model Act for Paralegal Licensure and has proposed the creation of a State Board of Paralegal Practice to regulate paralegal practice, NALA has opposed attempts to license independent paralegals. NALA is concerned that the licensing of independent paralegals could lead to licensing of traditional paralegals and that such licensure could lead to direct confrontation with attorneys.

Even those who agree that licensing is commendable question the nature of the standards that should be set. For example, what kind of degree, if any, should be required? What kind of accreditation should be required of the educational institution granting the degree? How much specialized education should be required? Some differences exist in regard to what agency or institution should be responsible for administering paralegal licensure. Should it fall within the purview of the courts or should an independent licensing agency be established? What kind of licensing test should be used? Who should develop it? Who should grade it? These administrative issues further complicate the licensing issue.

Paralegal jobs are available in your area if you're looking. Click here to see them.

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

  • Immigration law
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Insurance defense
  • Family law
  • Trusts & estates
  • Municipal law
  • And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

  • Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
  • Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
  • Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
  • Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

  • Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
  • Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
  • Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
  • Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
  • Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
  • Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.

? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

About LawCrossing

LawCrossing has received tens of thousands of attorneys jobs and has been the leading legal job board in the United States for almost two decades. LawCrossing helps attorneys dramatically improve their careers by locating every legal job opening in the market. Unlike other job sites, LawCrossing consolidates every job in the legal market and posts jobs regardless of whether or not an employer is paying. LawCrossing takes your legal career seriously and understands the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.LawCrossing.com.
Gain an advantage in your legal job search. LawCrossing uncovers hidden positions that firms post on their own websites and industry-specific job boards—jobs that never appear on Indeed or LinkedIn. Don't miss out. Sign up now!

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