Hi all. I am hoping that someone can help. I am trying to find a good online paralegal school… I am hearing good things about Washington Online Learning Institute and it is regionally accredited but I am trying to find out if it is also ABA approved… Does anyone have any idea? I couldnt find it on the list of ABA approved websites on abanet.org… I could really use some advice! Thanks all
Jennifer
There is no ABA paralegal program that is completely online.
What most employers are looking for is a candidate with experience and a degree. If you meet those two requirements, then a certificate course in paralegal studies will suffice, irrespective of whether or not the program is ABA approved.
For example, Duke University offers an online paralegal certificate program and they feel their reputation speaks for itself. Hence, they are not seeking ABA approval.
WOLI offers certificate paralegal programs (not degrees) and you will receive a thorough foundation in paralegal studies through them.
Paralegal
Member, AAPI
thanks for the info… One other thing Im wondering about, after finishing the course with WOLI, will I still be eligible to get CLA certification? From the NALA website, it says that you have to go to an ABA approved school in order to be eligible to take the testing… Is it difficult to get a job without this certification? I apppreciate your help!
Jen,
On the point of certification, when a student graduates from an accredited paralegal program, the school is essentially “certifying” that the student has completed all of the course requirements and is awarded a certificate of completion or a degree.
For example, in California, the title paralegal is regulated under law. If you graduate from a regionally or nationally accredited paralegal program with 24 units (credits) of law related courses, you are certified as a paralegal and can use that title. See: Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code, Section 6450 (c)(2).
There is no higher educational standard than an award from a regionally or nationally accredited vocational school, college or university. Unlike paralegal associations selling certifications, those accredited institutions have met rigorous educational and testing standards, in order to award credentials in the form of certificates or degrees.
There are many excellent paralegal programs being offered by vocational schools, colleges and universities. You don’t need to be certified to work as a paralegal. What employers are looking for is work experience and educational markers in the form of academic certificates or degrees issued from an accredited institution. That IS the standard.
If you feel that the Washingtom Online Learning Institute offers an excellent program of study, then base your decision on that. There are also many paralegal associations to choose from, as there are certifications. Find the one that fits your needs.
Paralegal
Member, AAPI
thanks again for all the info!
Continuing along the lines of Shannon’s recommendation, for those of you interested in pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, I would recommend the bachelor’s path.
The reason is that most associate degrees in paralegal studies are based around 60 credits, with 30 or more credits devoted to “general education” studies, and the remaining credits devoted to legal studies.
By comparison, an undergraduate certificate paralegal program is usually built around 30 credits, wherein “all subjects” are law related. Thus, an associate’s degree and certificate path will have about the same number of credits devoted to law related studies.
Obviously, there are exceptions and some certificate programs are shorter (under 15 credits), while others are longer (30 or more credits). You should also inquire if your certificate credits can be applied towards a degree, assuming you elect to do so down the line.
The 4-year bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies is usually built around 120 credits. As such, it will have more studies in law related subjects than either the associates or certificate path. Hence, my advice is to opt for a bachelor’s degree from the outset, since you will end up with more law related studies.
For those of you with just a foundation certificate in paralegal studies, another approach is to look for an “advanced certificate” course - on top of your foundation certificate - which will let employers know that you are serious about your profession. Most of these advanced study programs pertain to specialized areas of the law, which will also enhance your resume.
My choices:
<ol>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in paralegal degree (120 credits)</li>
<li>Or paralegal certificate (foundation) with advanced paralegal credential (certificate) (combined credit 60-90 credits). </li>
<li>Or paralegal certificate (24-30 credits)</li>
</ol>
Always choose a program that is either regionally or nationally accredited. All schools should list the name of the organization they are accredited by. You should also check the school’s accreditation against the organization that accredited them, to ensure it is not a fabrication.
Paralegal
Member, AAPI