It is also recommended that you have basic computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and fundamental keyboarding skills. A strong grasp of English grammar conventions, such as spelling, punctuation, and composition, is also recommended. After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity ride or die couples to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Becoming a paralegal is an easy way to introduce yourself to the field of law while also earning experience and money. Paralegal certificates vary widely in length, from as little as six courses to as many as 30-plus credits. One reason for such a range is because programs are designed for students who have different academic backgrounds. Make sure you meet a program’s academic qualifications and that a program’s length works for you before applying. The majority of students in the LSU Paralegal Studies Program have already earned a bachelor’s degree, and it is recommended that students complete their bachelor’s degree before earning a paralegal certificate. However, students are considered for admission without a bachelor’s degree if they meet certain requirements.

The LSU Paralegal Studies Program began in 1982 and is a college-level, noncredit program for nontraditional students leading to a Certificate of Paralegal Studies. The program obtained approval by the American Bar Association in August 1993 and is the only ABA-approved, noncredit certificate of paralegal studies in Louisiana. According to the American Bar Association, paralegals can become eligible for employment through education, training, or work experience. Since there are less than 300 ABA-approved paralegal programs in the U.S., many people may be unable to access one. Fortunately, LSU’s ABA-approved paralegal program is online, so students all across Louisiana can apply to this program. In order to earn the paralegal certificate, a student must take six required courses, two paralegal electives, the internship, and the online legal ethics seminar.

We would be happy to be a part of molding your future law career! For a rewarding career in law, join the LSUA Paralegal Studies program and become a legal professional in as little as a year. Being a paralegal can give you a great avenue to help those who are less fortunate or in need of help. Depending on your firm’s area of expertise, you will have different opportunities to serve others as a paralegal. If you work for a personal injury lawyer, you could help injured people. If you are working for a law firm with a specialty in environmental law, you could help animals whose homes are destroyed by unlawful pollution or deforestation.

McNeese State University is a public institution based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Established in 1939 as the Lake Charles Junior College, the school is a Louisiana State University system member. The school’s terrorism, preparedness, and security concentration was one of the first in the nation.

Students will complete the program in April 2022 with a vast understanding of judicial systems, legal opinions, research, legal memoranda, ethical standards, and much more. The ABA does not approve undergraduate certificate programs and online paralegal programs, though these programs certainly have their place. Schools seeking ABA approval for their paralegal programs must complete an exhaustive series of self-evaluation reports to ensure they operate in compliance with ABA Guidelines.