Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
Like most states, Louisiana does not define nor regulate the paralegal profession. Optional certification exists that requires education or experience, but getting paralegal training is up to you, the Louisiana paralegal student. Because of the vital legal work performed by paralegals in Louisiana while assisting attorneys in all fields of law, gaining some type of specialized education is virtually a must. If you would like to see for yourself how to become a paralegal in Louisiana, keep reading.
Specialized post-high school education is not required for paralegals in Louisiana. However, many employers of paralegals will not hire anyone who is not a graduate of some type of college program, whether it is an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved paralegal studies program, a non-approved program, or a degree program in another field.
Louisiana Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Featured Programs:
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Liberty University - Online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Rasmussen College - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Liberty University - Online Juris Master – American Legal Studies
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school by U.S. News & World Report - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, Bachelor's Required
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law - Online Master of Legal Studies Program, Bachelor's Required
American University - Online Master of Legal Studies- No GRE/ LSAT Req'd, Five Concentrations Available, Bachelor's Required
ABA-approved paralegal studies programs in Louisiana are:
If you completed an ABA-approved program of paralegal studies, you likely completed an internship as part of the requirements. If you did not, it is a good idea to find your own paralegal work experience opportunity in Louisiana, either on a paid or unpaid basis. Gaining experience before entering the work force is vital to getting the best paralegal jobs in Louisiana. Places to look in Louisiana include:
The Louisiana State Paralegal Association created a new, optional certification system for paralegals in the early 1990s. This certification is wholly optional for Louisiana paralegals. To qualify for the state’s certification examination, you must either already be a Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal (CLA or CP) through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) (which involves passing NALA’s examination) or meet one of the following criteria:
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The Louisiana Certified Paralegal examination is held over a two-day period. The Louisiana State Paralegal Association announces dates and times of the exam annually. The LCPexam tests the following sections:
Additionally, you must choose four substantive law topics from this list of eight topics. You will be tested on the four topics you choose:
Louisiana paralegals are found within law groups, private law practices, larger corporations and smaller businesses. Examples of Louisiana employers of paralegals could include:
Good work! You are now a paralegal in Louisiana! If you are a Louisiana Certified Paralegal, remember to maintain your certification through completing continuing legal education every five years. You must complete 2.5 CLE units of Louisiana substantive and/or procedural law, plus .5 CLE units of ethics courses every five years.
Consider joining a Louisiana organization for paralegals, such as the following:
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