Vol. 29, No. 4 #8 (August 2006). Why Paralegal Certification Counts.

• Author: By Debra J. Monke, CLAS

Wyoming Bar Journal

2006.

Vol. 29, No. 4 #8 (August 2006).

Why Paralegal Certification Counts

WYOMING LAWYERAugust 2006/Vol. 29, No. 4Why Paralegal Certification CountsBy Debra J. Monke, CLAS

Designation as a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), or Certified Paralegal (CP) is more than the pinnacle of professional achievement for individual paralegals. It is also a sound indication of proficiency to the attorneys, firms, and organizations that hire them. Since the CLA program was launched by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) in 1976, it has become widely recognized as the definitive credential for paralegals. More than 26,000 individuals have participated in the program, and 13,509 paralegals are on the certification rolls today.

How Certification Helps

Voluntary certification programs are an esteemed tradition in most professions, and have been described as the single most important movement in the area of human resources.(fn1) Usually established and administered by a profession's association, certification programs help individuals proceed from education and training into the real-world challenges of paralegal work. Certification programs influence career preparation as continuing career development.

These programs affirm the knowledge, skills, and expertise to perform at a high professional level. Paralegal certification also speaks volumes about individual dedication and commitment to stay abreast of developments in the legal field.

Certification programs are valuable to employers at all levels, whether large or small businesses, corporations, or sole proprietorships. Three important ways that certification programs help those who hire paralegals are:

1. Assisting hiring decisions - No interview or single assessment tool can predict performance on the job with complete reliability, but certification is a compelling indication of strong commitment to a chosen career and the ability to meet real-world standards.

2. Verifying educational background and experience - Certification programs provide the professional education and experience documentation that many employers need, but do not have time to check.

3. Helping develop recognition and incentive programs - As models for employee training plans, certification programs build confidence and competence in all employees, and they

help employers provide greater service to clients. Certification programs are easily adaptable for employee training and development programs designed by employers.

Differences

Certification programs are unique to the professions they serve, and they are different from other qualification programs. They differ from licensing programs, for example, on several important levels. Licensing is the means by which a government permits a person to do something. The purpose of licensing programs is to protect the public from incompetent practice by requiring a valid license to work. This is unrelated to the purposes of certification programs.

Certification programs recognize high standards of knowledge and skills. There are many certification programs in professions that are not licensed, such as the paralegal profession. Other certification programs in occupations that are licensed serve as a valuable and needed way for licensed professionals to distinguish themselves from others.

Professional certification programs are not the same as...