Do you want to expand your legal knowledge? Or deepen your expertise in a specific legal niche? You might be interested in doing this without having to enroll in law school. Are you a Master in Legal Studies (MLS), student who wants to increase the value of your degree. You might be eligible for a legal certificate. A legal certificate can give you formal recognition of your legal knowledge in as little as one semester, and at a fraction of the tuition cost as a master’s or law degree.

What is a Legal Certificate Programme?

Certificate is not the same thing as certification. Certification is a badge or license that is issued for certain occupations. A legal certificate is a general term that indicates advanced legal knowledge and skills. There are many legal certificate programs offered by schools. Some can be completed online in a week and earn continuing legal education credits. Others can be earned concurrently with graduate degrees.

Legal certificates are generally offered by law schools. They require an undergraduate degree. Some programs are specifically designed for students who do not intend to practice law. Some programs are designed for professionals in engineering and science fields where knowledge about intellectual property law may be useful. An externship is possible depending on the program that a student chooses. Candidates often receive a certificate of completion when they have completed a certificate program.

Types of Legal Certification Programs

There are many legal certificate programs available. Some programs are focused on a specific legal niche such as law and technology, clean energy, or law and technology. Some others focus on more general areas of law, such as corporate law.

Paralegal Certificates and Outcomes

Paralegal certificates are for paralegals or those who want to become paralegal , which is non-attorneys who perform legal tasks. It should not be confused with a paralegal certificate. This certifies that you have passed a paralegal exam and met any other requirements. The American Bar Association approves a variety of paralegal education courses. While most require a bachelor’s in law to apply, some programs are open to students with a two-year associate or significant work experience. Learn about court systems, court procedures and legal ethics. You will also learn how to conduct online legal research. Internships are an option in some certificate programs.

Legal Studies Certificates and Outcomes

A legal studies certificate is designed for those who do not intend to become licensed lawyers. It often focuses on one area or industry such as cybersecurity, bank regulations, and provides a deep understanding of applicable laws and regulations. Some universities permit undergraduates to enroll in additional courses that count towards a legal studies certificate. Some schools accept applications from paralegals and legal-related professionals.

Certificates in Specific Areas of Law & Outcomes

There are legal certificates available for Master of Legal Studies students and non-attorneys. However, there are also programs that are appropriate for practicing lawyers, such as Juris Doctor (J.D.). Master of Laws (LL.M.). students. Some schools allow you to earn multiple legal certificates simultaneously. Some courses can count towards more than one certificate. Certificates can be earned in many specialties of the law. These include:

• Technology and law
• Environment, energy, and natural resources
• Media
• International trade
• Human resources
• Tribal law
• Intellectual property
• Constitutional law
• Entrepreneurship
• Estate planning
• Local and state taxation

The pros and cons of legal certificates

A legal certificate program can help you make a career decision based on your professional goals. A legal certificate program can offer the following benefits:

• Concentrate your learning on the legal topics that are most important to you
• You can apply regardless of whether you are an undergraduate, enrolled at law school, a practicing lawyer, or a professional outside of the legal field.
• Earning a law degree is less expensive than obtaining one
• As full-time degree programs, it does not require years of education.

However, there may be some drawbacks. You could argue that certificate programs don’t provide the same depth of knowledge as advanced degree programs. We have compared certificate programs to common legal degrees programs in order to help you weigh their pros and cons.

Legal Studies Certificates vs. Master’s Degrees In Legal Studies

A legal certificate can typically be completed in one to three years. A legal certificate is often less expensive than a full-time degree program. By adding classes to your master’s program, you might be able to earn additional legal certificates. For those who do not intend to be licensed to practice law, a master’s degree is in legal studies. It can be a Master of Legal Studies (MLS), or a Master of Science in Legal Studies. An MLS degree requires a bachelor’s degree. This usually takes between one and two years.