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Is a Paralegal Certificate Worth It?

Yes, a paralegal certificate is worth earning. It’s one of the fastest ways to start a career in law. You can finish in as little as 10 months, earn more money, and work in a field that’s growing fast. 

What Is a Paralegal?

A paralegal supports lawyers and helps law offices run smoothly. Think of it this way: if lawyers are like doctors, paralegals are like nurses. They are the backbone of the legal world. 

Paralegals work in many places, including: 

  • Law firms 
  • Government agencies 
  • Businesses and corporations 
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Courts 
  • Real estate companies 

What Does a Paralegal Do Every Day?

Here’s what a typical paralegal might do at work: 

  • Prepare legal documents for attorneys 
  • Research cases and gather facts 
  • Draft court motions and legal forms 
  • Communicate with clients 
  • Make phone calls on behalf of lawyers 
  • Collect and organize important documents 
  • Take notes during trials 

Recommended: Paralegal Certification vs. Degree: What’s the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions About Paralegal Certificates

What is a paralegal certificate?

A paralegal certificate is a credential you earn after completing a set of paralegal courses. It shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge to work in a law office. 

How long does it take to earn a paralegal certificate?

It typically takes 6 to 12 months to earn, depending on your schedule and the program you choose.  

At BU, our Paralegal Studies Undergraduate Certificate can be finished in 10 months and is completely online.  

Is the paralegal job market growing?

The paralegal field is large and stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 376,200 paralegal jobs in the United States. While the field isn’t projected to grow rapidly, it’s a well-established profession with consistent demand; about 39,000 new job openings are projected in the United States annually.1  

Openings arise regularly as experienced paralegals retire or move into other roles. It’s a solid career choice for anyone looking for long-term stability in the legal field. 

Recommended: Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant: What’s the Difference?

Do I need a paralegal certificate to get hired?

Not always, some employers will hire candidates with only a high school diploma. But many law firms prefer candidates who have earned a paralegal certificate. Having one gives you a clear advantage in a competitive job market. 

4 Big Benefits of Earning Your Paralegal Certificate

1. You’ll Earn More Money

Employers who require a paralegal certificate will pay more for it. The national median salary for paralegals is $61,010, according to the BLS. Industry data also shows that certified paralegals earn meaningfully more than those without credentials, giving your certificate real earning power from day one. 

2. You’ll Stand Out from Other Job Applicants

Today’s job market is competitive. A paralegal certificate sets you apart. It tells employers you’re serious about working in law. It also shows you took the time to build real skills and that matters. 

Earning your certificate can also put you halfway to an Associate’s degree. So, if you decide to keep learning later, you’ll already have a head start. At BU, you can transfer your undergraduate paralegal certificate directly into the Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

3. It Looks Better for the Law Firm

Law firms want clients to trust them. Having certified, trained staff makes a firm look more professional. This increases client satisfaction and gives you an edge when applying for jobs. 

4. You Can Work in Many Different Fields

You don’t have to work in a traditional law firm. Paralegals are needed in: 

  • Corporate offices — helping with compliance and HR 
  • Real estate companies — drafting property contracts 
  • Government agencies — supporting public legal work 
  • Non-profits — handling advocacy and legal aid 
  • Remote roles — some employers now hire paralegals who work from home 

Remote work is now common in the paralegal field. According to a study published by the American Bar Association, 82% of paralegals work remotely in some capacity, and nearly one in three work fully remote. Only 14% of paralegals work entirely in-office. If flexibility matters to you, paralegal work delivers it.2 

What Classes Will You Take?

You’ll take a mix of core classes in any undergraduate paralegal certificate program; intro to law, legal research & writing, civil litigation, legal ethics, etc. 

At Bryan University, the Paralegal Studies Undergraduate Certificate is 30 credits and covers: 

  • Artificial Intelligence for Legal Practice 
  • Legal office technologies and software 
  • Overview of the legal system 
  • Overview of the paralegal profession 
  • Civil litigation process 
  • Legal research and writing 
  • Personal injury law 
  • Family law 
  • Criminal law 
  • Business law 
  • Introduction to the roles of Notary Public and Certified Process Server 
  • One reimbursement option included: up to $300 for registering as a Notary Public or Process Server OR if eligible, one exam attempt for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam 

These courses use real legal templates and simulated law office assignments. That means you’ll be ready to work from day one, not just ready to study more. 

Who Should Earn a Paralegal Certificate?

A paralegal certificate is a great fit if you: 

  • Want to start a new career without spending years in school 
  • Are interested in law but don’t want to become a lawyer 
  • Want a job with flexibility and variety 
  • Are looking for steady career growth 
  • Want to earn more than a high school diploma alone allows 

Recommended: ABA Approval vs. ABA Accreditation: Do You Need ABA Approval for a Paralegal Program?

Is a Paralegal Certificate Worth It?

Yes. A paralegal certificate is one of the smartest ways to enter the legal field quickly. You’ll earn more, stand out to employers, and have access to jobs in many industrie; all within about 10 months. 

If you’re ready to start, call the Bryan University admissions team today at 1-888-768-6861 or explore our programs online

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Paralegals and Legal Assistants.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Department of Labor, 2025, www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm. ↩︎
  2. Mitchell, Keeley P. “The Landscape of Remote Paralegals and Legal Assistants.” American Bar Association, 2024, www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/blog/landscape-of-remote-paralegals/. ↩︎

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