Top 10 Corporate Counsel Certifications

Certifications are essential for a corporate counsel in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge and experience in the field. They provide evidence of a person's understanding of the legal system, their ability to apply legal principles, and their commitment to staying up-to-date with changes in the law. Having certifications can also give potential employers more confidence that a potential candidate is well-versed in the laws and regulations relevant to their job. Additionally, many employers will require certain certifications before they are willing to hire someone for a corporate counsel position. Finally, certifications can help distinguish an individual from other applicants in competitive job markets.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Corporate Counsels and explain how they can help to advance a corporate counsel's career.

What are Corporate Counsel Certifications?

Corporate counsel certification is a voluntary program designed to recognize attorneys who have achieved a high level of professional expertise in the practice of corporate law. This certification is awarded by the American Bar Association (ABA) and requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in key areas of corporate law, including business transactions, securities regulation, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.

Having this certification can help attorneys gain recognition as an expert in their field. The ABA’s Corporate Counsel Certification Program provides lawyers with a pathway to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in order to be recognized as leaders in the corporate legal industry. It also serves to benefit employers by providing them with access to highly qualified lawyers who are better equipped to meet their needs.

In addition, having this certification can open up new career opportunities for those seeking advancement within the profession. As more companies become aware of the benefits associated with employing certified attorneys, those holding the designation will be more likely to receive promotions or other career advancements. Finally, this certification can also help lawyers differentiate themselves from their peers and increase their chances of being hired or retained by potential clients.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a corporate counsel, consider obtaining certification through the National Association of Corporate Counsel (NACC). Certification demonstrates expertise and offers many benefits, including access to exclusive resources and discounts on NACC products and services.

Related: What does a Corporate Counsel do?

Top 10 Corporate Counsel Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Corporate Counsels today.

1. Certified Corporate Counsel (CCC)

Certified Corporate Counsel (CCC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The CCC designation is designed to recognize corporate counsel who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in corporate law. It is intended to provide assurance that corporate counsel are qualified to advise on legal matters involving their employers.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements: be employed as an in-house lawyer for at least two years; have at least five years of experience in corporate law; and pass a comprehensive written examination. The exam covers topics such as securities laws, corporate governance, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and other areas related to corporate practice.

The process typically takes three months from the time of application submission to completion of the exam. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining CCC certification varies depending on whether you are an NACD member or non-member. For members, the fee is $1,500; for non-members it is $2,000.

2. Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)

Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) is a certification program offered by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). The CCEP is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in compliance and ethics. It is the only globally recognized certification for compliance and ethics professionals.

The CCEP requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of compliance, ethics, risk management, and regulatory issues. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college, or having at least five years of relevant experience in compliance and/or ethics-related positions.

To apply for the CCEP, you must complete an online application form on the SCCE website. This includes providing information about your education, work experience, and any other relevant qualifications you may have. Once your application has been approved, you can then register for the exam.

The cost of the CCEP program varies depending on whether you are a member of SCCE or not. Non-members pay $595 USD for the exam fee plus a $100 USD processing fee; members pay $395 USD plus a $100 USD processing fee.

3. Certified Legal Manager (CLM)

Certified Legal Manager (CLM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). It is designed to recognize and reward legal professionals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies necessary for effective management of law firms, corporate legal departments, and other legal organizations.

The CLM program consists of two components: an online assessment and a comprehensive exam. The online assessment covers topics such as financial management, personnel management, strategic planning, technology, and risk management. The comprehensive exam includes both multiple-choice questions and essay questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge in these areas.

In order to become certified, candidates must successfully complete both components of the CLM program within two years. Candidates must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least three years of experience in legal administration or related fields.

The cost for the CLM program varies depending on the type of membership held with ALA. For non-members, the cost is $595 USD; for members, it is $495 USD; and for student members it is $295 USD.

Once certified, CLMs are required to recertify every five years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits approved by ALA in areas related to legal management or administration.

4. Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US)

The Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) is a certification offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in U.S. privacy laws and regulations, as well as the ability to apply them in practical settings. The CIPP/US credential is widely recognized as a benchmark for privacy professionals who work with U.S.-specific legal frameworks and requirements.

To get the CIPP/US certification, you must first complete an online training course provided by IAPP and pass the corresponding exam. The training course covers topics such as U.S. privacy law, data security, risk management, and international data transfers. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

The cost of obtaining the CIPP/US certification depends on whether you are an IAPP member or not; members receive discounts on the cost of training courses and exams. For non-members, the cost of taking the training course and passing the exam is approximately $1,500 USD; for members, it is around $1,000 USD.

5. Global Compliance Certification (GCC)

Global Compliance Certification (GCC) is a certification program that provides organizations with the assurance that their products, services, and processes meet international standards of quality and safety. The certification is based on a rigorous assessment process that evaluates an organization’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

The duration of the certification process varies depending on the complexity of the organization’s operations. Generally, it takes anywhere from three to six months to complete the certification process. The cost of obtaining GCC certification also varies depending on the size and scope of an organization’s operations.

To obtain GCC certification, organizations must first submit an application to a certified body or registrar. Once approved, they will then need to undergo an audit conducted by a qualified auditor who will evaluate their compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. After successful completion of the audit, organizations will receive their GCC certificate which is valid for three years before renewal is required.

6. Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP)

Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of regulatory and compliance management. The certification is administered by the Regulatory Compliance Association (RCA), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of regulatory compliance.

The CRCP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of regulatory requirements, compliance processes, and risk management principles. To obtain the CRCP credential, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as ethics, legal issues, organizational structure, operational procedures, and risk assessment.

The exam typically takes between two and three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD.

To be eligible for the CRCP credential, applicants must have at least three years of experience in regulatory or compliance roles within their organization. Additionally, they must have completed at least 20 hours of continuing education in regulatory or compliance related topics within two years prior to taking the exam.

Once certified, CRCPs are required to maintain their credentials by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to remain in good standing with RCA.

7. International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Certifications

The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the privacy profession. The IAPP offers certifications for those looking to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of data protection and privacy.

The IAPP offers three levels of certification: Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT). The CIPP/E is the most comprehensive certification, covering European data protection laws, regulations, and principles. The CIPM focuses on developing managerial skills related to implementing and managing privacy programs, while the CIPT focuses on technical knowledge related to data security technologies and methods.

To obtain any of these certifications, candidates must pass an exam administered by the IAPP. Exam preparation materials are available from the IAPP website. Depending on the level of certification desired, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year or more to prepare for the exam.

The cost for taking an IAPP certification exam varies depending on whether you are an IAPP member or not. For members, exams range from $325-$425 USD per exam. For non-members, exams range from $475-$575 USD per exam.

8. American Bar Association Law Practice Management Certification Program

The American Bar Association Law Practice Management Certification Program is a voluntary program that recognizes attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the management of their law practice. The program is designed to help attorneys develop and maintain the skills necessary to run a successful, efficient, and ethical practice.

The certification process involves completing an online application, passing a written exam, and submitting evidence of professional development activities related to law practice management. The entire process takes approximately six months to complete.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an online application and pay the $500 fee. Once the application is approved, applicants have six months to take and pass the written exam. After passing the exam, applicants must provide evidence of at least 10 hours of professional development activities related to law practice management within the past three years. Examples of eligible activities include attending continuing legal education seminars, participating in webinars or podcasts on law practice management topics, or writing articles related to law practice management.

Once all requirements are met and approved by the ABA Law Practice Division’s Certification Committee, applicants will be awarded their certification as an ABA-Certified Law Practice Manager (CLPM). The cost for this certification is $500 plus any additional fees associated with required professional development activities.

9. American Board of Certification in Business Litigation

The American Board of Certification in Business Litigation (ABCBL) is a voluntary certification program for attorneys who specialize in business litigation. It is designed to recognize attorneys who have achieved a high level of expertise and experience in the practice of business litigation. The ABCBL certification is granted to attorneys who demonstrate a mastery of the legal principles and procedures applicable to complex business litigation matters.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the process of obtaining ABCBL certification. In order to qualify, an attorney must meet certain educational, professional experience, and character requirements. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as civil procedure, evidence, contracts, torts, and other areas related to business litigation.

In order to apply for ABCBL certification, an attorney must first submit an application along with the required documentation and fees. The application fee varies depending on the type of certification being sought (e.g., general practice or specialized practice). After submitting the application materials, applicants will be invited to take a written examination which consists of multiple choice questions and essay questions related to business litigation topics.

Once the applicant has successfully passed the written examination, they will be required to participate in an oral interview with members of the ABCBL board of directors. During this interview, applicants will be asked questions about their experience in business litigation matters as well as their knowledge of applicable law and procedure.

The cost for obtaining ABCBL certification can vary depending on several factors including whether or not you are seeking specialized certification as well as any additional fees associated with taking the written examination or participating in the oral interview process. Generally speaking however, it typically costs between $2,000 - $3,000 USD for most applicants seeking general practice ABCBL certification.

10. American Board of Certification in Taxation

The American Board of Certification in Taxation (ABCT) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and experience of tax professionals. It is administered by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). The ABCT certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in taxation, as well as their commitment to ethical standards and continuing education.

It typically takes at least one year to complete the requirements for the ABCT certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination, and agree to adhere to a code of ethics. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in the field of taxation or related areas.

To get certified, applicants must first register with NATP and pay a $200 registration fee. They then need to complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience. Once all materials are received, NATP will review them and determine if the applicant meets the criteria for certification. If approved, applicants will be required to take a two-part exam which covers topics such as federal income tax law, tax preparation techniques, accounting principles, business law, ethics, and more.

Once applicants have passed both parts of the exam they will receive their ABCT certification from NATP. The total cost for getting certified is approximately $600-$700 which includes registration fees ($200), exam fees ($300-$400), and any additional study materials needed ($100).

Do You Really Need a Corporate Counsel Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s goals and circumstances. For those who are already employed in a corporate counsel role, a certificate may not be necessary or even desirable. However, for those who aspire to work as a corporate counsel or advance in the field, a certificate can demonstrate commitment and knowledge of the profession and provide an advantage when competing with other applicants.

A Corporate Counsel Certificate program provides specialized training that is tailored to the specific needs of corporate attorneys. It covers topics such as legal ethics, contracts, business law, and dispute resolution. Earning this certification may also give graduates access to more advanced job opportunities and higher salaries than those without the certification. Additionally, some states may require attorneys to hold certain certifications in order to practice law within their state.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a Corporate Counsel Certificate will depend on his or her individual goals and circumstances. For those seeking employment or advancement in the field of corporate law, a certificate can be beneficial in demonstrating commitment and knowledge of the profession as well as providing an advantage over other applicants.

Related: Corporate Counsel Resume Examples

FAQs About Corporate Counsel Certifications

Q1. What is a Corporate Counsel Certification?

A1. A Corporate Counsel Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated their ability to practice law in the corporate environment. The certification is granted by the American Bar Association (ABA) and requires completion of an approved program, passing of an examination, and meeting other specific criteria.

Q2. How do I become eligible for a Corporate Counsel Certification?

A2. To become eligible for a Corporate Counsel Certification, you must have at least five years of experience practicing law in the corporate environment and have completed an approved program or course related to corporate counsel practice. You must also pass an examination administered by the ABA and meet other specific criteria as outlined by the ABA.

Q3. How long does it take to receive my Corporate Counsel Certification?

A3. Generally, it can take up to six months from application submission to receiving your certification after successful completion of all requirements and approval from the ABA.

Q4. Is there a fee associated with receiving my Corporate Counsel Certification?

A4. Yes, there is a fee associated with getting your certification which includes application fees, exam fees, and any other administrative fees required by the ABA for processing your application and granting your certification.

Q5 What are some benefits of having a Corporate Counsel Certification?

A5 Having a Corporate Counsel Certification demonstrates both your knowledge and expertise in legal matters related to corporate practice as well as providing you with additional credibility when representing clients in court or providing advice on legal matters within the corporate environment. In addition, it can open up more career opportunities for you as many employers look favorably upon candidates who hold this certification when making hiring decisions