Continuing Legal Education for Paralegals

Written by Mike Robinson7 minutes well spent
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Paralegal CLE requirements
Paralegal CLE requirements

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In the legal industry of today, a paralegal must stay on top of their game. This means seeking out continuing legal education (CLE) that will keep them there. CLE classes are an excellent vehicle for paralegals who want to stay abreast of the latest in legal developments, technology, and vital paralegal skills.

If continuous learning is important for attorneys—and it most definitely is—then it is equally important for paralegals. Having CLE credits under their belt is an excellent way for paralegals to demonstrate their expertise and commitment. With the right strategy for choosing CLEs, paralegals can also use these courses to fill any gaps in knowledge or skills.

Are you a paralegal who would like to quickly level up your skills and knowledge? Sign up for one of our free CLE webinars, which could provide CLE credits in most states.

Benefits of paralegal CLEs

CLEs provide paralegals with a host of advantages in the modern legal industry. The following are some of the top benefits of paralegal CLEs.

Enhancing professional skills

Paralegals can utilize CLEs to boost their professional skills and their overall performance as a legal professional. They can learn overviews of different areas of law, as well as the latest developments in those areas.

A paralegal can also learn practical skills, such as legal research, document management, and trial preparation. The proper use of technology is a critical aspect of a paralegal’s day-to-day activities, and CLEs can provide updated knowledge here as well.

Staying up-to-date with rules and regulations

Court rules and regulations are the bread and butter of paralegal practice, especially since paralegals often need to know these in more detail than attorneys. After all, it is generally the paralegal dealing with the logistics of court filings, service of documents, even the proper formatting of legal documents. Taking CLEs is an excellent method of keeping up to date on these requirements.

Meeting continuing education requirements

Many non-governmental organizations provide certifications for paralegals so they can demonstrate they have the requisite knowledge and skills for the job. In order to maintain these certifications, these organizations will generally require a paralegal to complete a certain number of CLEs every few years. The exact requirements will differ between certifying organizations.

As for governmental requirements, California is currently the only state that directly regulates paralegals. Since 2000, California has required those holding themselves out as paralegals to meet certain requirements on education, experience, and continuing education. Every two years, California paralegals must complete (1) four hours of CLEs on legal ethics and (2) four hours of CLEs in general law or an area of specialized law.

Networking with other legal professionals

Paralegal networking

Some CLEs for paralegals will take the form of in-person seminars or workshops, while others may be presented as live webinars. Since these courses allow you to interact with your instructors or your peers, they also present the opportunity for paralegals to network with other legal professionals.

While a CLE is not expressly a networking event, you can always keep in touch with those you make some connection with during the class. Moreover, many networking events and conferences, such as the Clio Cloud Conference, offer CLE-eligible sessions.

Paralegals should not ignore the potential for business development with networking. Per Clio’s latest Legal Trends Report, referrals from other legal professionals generate the most potential client leads, according to thirty-five percent of law firms. While attorneys are traditionally the ones seeking these leads, paralegals bringing in clients could make themselves invaluable to their practices.

Popular topics covered in paralegal CLEs

Paralegal CLEs cover an array of topics, with those listed below being some of the most popular.

Ethics

The legal profession cannot operate effectively without rigorous ethics in place, and this applies to paralegals as much as attorneys. CLEs on ethics tackle such topics as privilege, client confidentiality, billing, and more. It is for good reason that California requires half of paralegal CLE hours to go towards the study of ethics.

Skills development

CLEs for paralegals can also focus on the development of specific skills, such as legal research, legal writing, and the paralegal’s role at trial. Some of these skills will apply to distinct areas of law.

For example, learning how to deal with medical records or Medicare liens would be more applicable to paralegals working in personal injury or medical malpractice.

Technology in the legal field

The constant evolution of the use of technology in law requires that paralegals stay on top of the latest tech tools. The skill-based CLEs will necessarily also focus on the common tech tools in use.

A paralegal can also take CLEs focused on emerging technology, at Clio we offer free CLE’s each month—check them out. According to the latest Legal Trends Report, AI has the potential to automate 69% of hourly billable work now performed by paralegals, but an AI-trained paralegal may be able to combat this trend.

Read more on how the adoption of AI in the legal industry will impact the role of paralegals in this blog: Will AI Replace Paralegals?

Specialized legal areas

Paralegals work in many areas of the law, which means paralegal CLEs must also focus on that same variety of practice areas. Even considering a few different areas—consider probate law, workers compensation, and criminal law—can demonstrate how different the requisite skills and knowledge bases will be.

How paralegal CLEs boost professionalism

Paralegals need to maintain a sense of professionalism, and CLEs can help them do so in a variety of ways.

The legal industry is in a constant state of evolution, and CLEs can help paralegals to keep on top of things. It goes without saying that there are regular changes in laws, regulations, and court rules, and these changes alone pose a challenge for legal professionals.

Adding to these challenges, the intersection of technology and the law means paralegals need CLEs to remain updated on the best use of the latest tech tools.

Taking CLEs and keeping up with your paralegal certification requirements is a demonstration of your commitment to being a serious legal professional. Law firms and other employers are sure to take notice of this demonstration. Use CLEs to ensure your professional growth and continued career success.

Tips for making the most of your CLE

Paralegal CLE online courses

The following are some important ideas to help maximize the impact of your CLEs.

Choosing relevant courses

Avoid the route of taking whatever paralegals CLEs are available in order to simply meet your certification or state-imposed requirements. Instead, take courses that focus on the areas of law you work in, as well as the skills you use most often.

In order to minimize costs, seek out free CLE credits wherever possible.

Be sure to consider your current level of skills and knowledge and how to fill any gaps. If you need education on eDiscovery, the use of technology at trial, or data privacy, for example, choose your CLEs accordingly.

Track your credits

Take care to track your paralegal CLE credits so that you have a record of maintaining your certification and meeting any state CLE requirements. This record may also come in handy to demonstrate to potential employers that you have been continuing to take CLEs in between any mandatory reporting times.

Networking opportunities

We have already discussed how networking with other legal professionals is one of the many benefits of continuing legal education for paralegals. However, to enjoy this benefit, it is incumbent on paralegals to seize those networking opportunities.

This means opting for some CLEs that are either in-person or participatory virtual events, giving you the chance to interact with instructors and attendees. It also means remaining engaged, communicative, and friendly during these events, then taking the initiative to touch base after the events.

Remember, there is no need to be shy about reaching out to these colleagues post-event. You already have something important in common—these are legal professionals who, like you, have committed the time and effort to better themselves professionally.

Final thoughts on paralegal CLEs

Ongoing legal education is critical for the modern paralegal. If you embrace paralegal CLEs for your career advancement and personal growth, you will improve your chances of successfully navigating the legal industry.

If you’re looking for the right CLE courses to achieve your career goals, be sure to check out Clio’s online courses, many of which provide CLE credits for paralegals and other legal professionals.

What are the requirements for paralegal continuing education?

The various organizations that certify paralegals have differing standards for the continuing education required to maintain certification, but they generally include taking a certain number of hours of CLE courses on a periodic basis. California requires paralegals to complete eight hours of CLE courses every two years.

How many hours of continuing education do paralegals need?

The exact hours of continuing education required by paralegals, and the time period in which those hours are required, will differ between the various paralegal-certifying organizations. In California, the only state to directly regulate paralegals, eight hours of paralegal CLEs are required every two years, consisting of  (1) four hours on legal ethics and (2) four hours in general law or an area of specialized law. 

What are some accredited paralegal continuing education programs?

Paralegal CLE courses are offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALS), the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI)

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