Do You Want A Career as a Paralegal in the State of California?
If you desire Paralegal career in California you should know what is required of you. Technically, in regards to licensing or certification there are not any requirements in which you must meet. However, since there are so very many paralegals already employed in California along with so many more seeking employment in the state, you should, on your own, earn one of two certifications to enhance your career opportunities. These two voluntary certifications mentioned are the Certified Legal Assistant, or in short the CLA, and the Registered Paralegal or RP.
Certified Legal Assistant: The CLA is the more opted choice of most Californians. If you so choose to obtain your own CLA certification you will need to take a two-day exam. You can get this examination from the Certifying Board of Legal Assistance. This exam satisfies the requirements defined by the National Association of Legal Assistants. Renewal of certification after 5 years is a mandate. Within a five-year period, you must finish 50 hours of approved continuing legal education credits in order to satisfactorily complete your renewal. You could also get your certified as a California Advance Specialist (CAS).
Registered Paralegal: If you want to become a Registered Paralegal (RP), it is first required of you to write and pass the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). This a test formed by the National Federation of Paralegal Associates (NFPA). Proof of completion of 12 hours of approved continuing legal education credits, in which are to be done so within the two-year frame, must be presented, to renew the certification. Renewal is required every 2 years.
