Working for Paralegals in California
Currently does not exist any licensing or certification requirements for paralegals in Califronia. Still, if you want to stand out from other applicants for a job, you should consider seeking one of the following voluntary certifications: Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Registered Paralegal (RP).
In order to become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), most Californians choose to take the CLA exam. Prior to attaining the CLA title, you should: secure the standards of the National Association of Legal Assistants, and take and pass a two day Certifying Board of Legal Assistance exam.
It is necessary of an aspiring RP to take the PACE written by the NFPA. In order to renew your certification, you must finish 50 hours of approved continuing legal education credits within a five year period.
You can become certified as a California Advance Specialist (CAS) Becoming a Registered Paralegal (RP) In order to be known as a Registered Paralegal (RP), individuals must write and pass a test developed by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) known as the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE).
Certification must be renewed every two years by showing proof of completion of 12 hours of approved continuing legal education credits within this time period.
