Top 10 Legal Advisor Certifications

Certifications for legal advisors are an important part of the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and experience in a specific area of the law. The certification can help distinguish one legal advisor from another, as well as provide potential employers with evidence that a particular lawyer is qualified to handle their legal matters. Additionally, certifications can give employers assurance that the lawyer they hire has met certain standards set by the certifying organization. By providing proof of expertise, certifications also help to protect both parties involved in a legal engagement. Finally, certifications may be necessary in order to practice in certain jurisdictions or areas of law, making them essential for those looking to expand their career opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how different certifications for Legal Advisors can contribute to career advancement and professional development.

What are Legal Advisor Certifications?

Legal advisor certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of legal advising. Legal advisors are professionals who provide advice and assistance to clients on legal matters. They specialize in a variety of areas, such as corporate law, estate planning, contracts, family law, immigration law, and many others.

Having a legal advisor certification can be beneficial for both clients and the legal advisors themselves. For clients, it offers assurance that their legal advisor has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide them with accurate advice and services. For legal advisors, having a certification can help them stand out from other professionals in their field and demonstrate their commitment to quality service. It also helps them stay up-to-date on current laws, regulations, and industry trends so they can better serve their clients. In addition, many states require certain types of certifications for certain types of practice areas or for attorneys who want to work as independent contractors or consultants.

Overall, obtaining a legal advisor certification can help individuals become more successful in their chosen profession by showing potential clients that they have the skills needed to handle complex cases effectively and efficiently. It also helps demonstrate an individual’s commitment to providing quality services while keeping up with changing laws and regulations in the field of law.

When selecting a legal advisor, make sure to verify their certification. Check with the relevant professional organizations or regulatory bodies in your jurisdiction to ensure that the advisor is properly certified and has the necessary qualifications to provide you with sound legal advice.

Related: What does a Legal Advisor do?

Top 10 Legal Advisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Legal Advisors today.

1. Certified Legal Advisor (CLA)

A Certified Legal Advisor (CLA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a rigorous course of study and passed an examination in the area of legal advice. The CLA designation is awarded by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is recognized as a mark of excellence for attorneys, paralegals, and other legal professionals.

The ABA’s Certified Legal Advisor program requires applicants to complete a comprehensive course of study that covers topics such as civil procedure, trial practice, evidence law, contracts, torts, professional responsibility, ethics, and more. Once the coursework has been completed, applicants must then pass an examination administered by the ABA.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for becoming a CLA. During this time period, applicants must take classes at an accredited law school or participate in online courses offered by the ABA.

In order to become certified as a CLA, applicants must pay an application fee to the ABA. This fee varies depending on where you are applying from and how long it takes you to complete your studies. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$500 for the application fee alone.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for certification as a CLA, you will receive your certificate from the ABA in recognition of your achievement. This certificate will serve as proof that you have met all necessary criteria and are now eligible to provide legal advice in accordance with your state’s laws.

2. Certified Legal Consultant (CLC)

A Certified Legal Consultant (CLC) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed an intensive program of study in the field of law. The CLC designation is granted by the American Bar Association and is recognized in all 50 states.

To become a CLC, applicants must complete a rigorous course of study that includes topics such as legal research, legal writing, civil procedure, criminal law, evidence, and ethics. Upon completion of the program, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Bar Association.

The CLC program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The cost for the program varies depending on the institution offering it; however, most programs cost around $2,000-$4,000.

In order to become a CLC, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by the American Bar Association. These include having at least three years of experience practicing law or working in a related legal field; passing a criminal background check; and completing at least 12 hours of continuing legal education each year. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in their chosen specialty area and be able to provide references from other lawyers or judges who can attest to their qualifications.

Once all requirements are met and an applicant has passed the exam administered by the American Bar Association, they will receive their official designation as a Certified Legal Consultant (CLC).

3. Certified Legal Manager (CLM)

Certified Legal Manager (CLM) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skill, and experience in the management of legal services.

To obtain the CLM certification, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria include having at least five years of experience in legal management or a related field, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

The exam consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as legal ethics, business law, human resources management, financial management, and technology. The oral exam focuses on problem-solving skills and communication abilities.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the CLM program. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for obtaining the CLM certification varies depending on your ALA membership status. For members of ALA, the cost is $1,000 plus applicable taxes; for non-members it is $2,000 plus applicable taxes.

4. Certified Business Lawyer (CBL)

Certified Business Lawyer (CBL) is a professional certification offered by the American Bar Association (ABA) that recognizes lawyers who have achieved a high level of expertise in business law. The CBL designation is designed to recognize lawyers who have demonstrated proficiency in areas such as corporate law, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, tax law, and other related fields.

It typically takes at least three years of practice in business law to become eligible for the CBL certification. To be eligible for the CBL certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including: having an active license to practice law; being a member in good standing with the ABA; completing at least three years of practice in business law; and passing the Certified Business Lawyer Exam.

The exam consists of two parts: an online multiple-choice test and an essay portion. The online test covers topics such as contracts, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, taxation, bankruptcy, intellectual property rights and more. The essay portion requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge by writing on a specific topic related to business law.

The cost of taking the CBL exam varies depending on the jurisdiction where it is taken but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD.

5. Professional Legal Adviser (PLA)

A Professional Legal Adviser (PLA) is an individual who provides professional legal advice to individuals and businesses. The PLA is typically a lawyer, but may also be a qualified legal consultant or other qualified individual.

The length of time it takes to get a PLA depends on the complexity of the situation and the availability of the adviser. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for an individual or business to find and secure the services of a PLA.

To get a PLA, individuals or businesses should first research available advisers in their area, either through online searches or by asking for referrals from friends, family members, or colleagues. Once they have identified potential advisers, they should contact them directly to discuss their needs and determine if the adviser is suitable for their particular situation. They should also ask about fees and payment arrangements before making any commitments.

The cost of hiring a PLA varies depending on the type of advice needed, as well as the experience level of the adviser. Generally speaking, experienced lawyers will charge higher fees than less experienced ones. Additionally, some advisers may offer discounted rates for certain types of cases or clients.

6. International Legal Advisor Certification (ILAC)

International Legal Advisor Certification (ILAC) is a certification program offered by the American Bar Association (ABA) that provides a comprehensive overview of international legal practice. It is designed to give attorneys the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective legal advice in an international setting. The program consists of four courses: International Law, International Business Transactions, International Dispute Resolution, and International Trade.

The ILAC program takes approximately two years to complete, depending on the number of courses taken and the amount of time spent studying for each course. To get certified, attorneys must successfully pass all four courses with a grade of at least 75%. Additionally, applicants must have at least three years of experience practicing law in an international context.

The cost for obtaining ILAC certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors such as travel expenses. Generally speaking, it can range from $10,000 to $15,000 USD.

7. Chartered Legal Executive (CLEx)

Chartered Legal Executive (CLEx) is a professional legal qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). It is a UK-wide qualification that enables legal professionals to practice law independently.

The CLEx is an alternative route to becoming a lawyer, and it can be achieved in two stages: CILEx Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice, and CILEx Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice. The Level 3 diploma can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, while the Level 6 diploma typically takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

To become a Chartered Legal Executive, you must first complete a CILEx approved training contract or other suitable work experience. You must then pass the relevant exams at both levels, as well as demonstrate your competence through completion of practical assignments. Once you have successfully completed all requirements, you will be eligible to apply for Chartered status with CILEx.

The cost of studying for the CLEx varies depending on your chosen provider; however, it typically costs around £3,000–£4,000 for the Level 3 diploma and £5,000–£6,000 for the Level 6 diploma.

8. Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP)

Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) is a certification program that recognizes professionals in the litigation support field who have achieved a high level of professional excellence. The CLSP credential is awarded to those who demonstrate expertise in the areas of e-discovery, legal technology, and litigation support. This certification is offered by the Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists (ACEDS).

To earn the CLSP designation, applicants must pass a rigorous examination that covers topics such as e-discovery processes, data security, legal technology, and project management. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least two years of experience in litigation support or related fields.

The exam typically takes around four hours to complete and costs $395 for ACEDS members and $495 for non-members. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLSP certification within two weeks.

In addition to passing the exam and having two years of experience in litigation support or related fields, applicants must also adhere to a code of ethics set forth by ACEDS. This includes maintaining confidentiality when handling client information and adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an ACEDS member or not. For ACEDS members, it costs $395 for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with membership. Non-members pay $495 for just the exam fee alone.

9. Certified Corporate Counselor (CCC)

Certified Corporate Counselor (CCC) is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in providing legal advice and services to corporations. The CCC designation is awarded by the National Association of Corporate Counsel (NACC), a professional association for corporate attorneys.

To get the CCC, one must first become a member of the NACC. Then, applicants must complete an online application and submit it with their resume, references, and transcripts from law school or other relevant courses. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as corporate structure, ethics, contracts, taxation, securities law, and more.

The CCC designation requires up to three years of experience in corporate law practice and can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete depending on the applicant’s level of experience.

The cost for obtaining the CCC designation varies based on the applicant’s membership status with the NACC. For members who have been in good standing for at least three years prior to applying for certification, the fee is $1,500; for non-members it is $2,000; and for those who are renewing their certification every five years it is $750.

10. Accredited Estate Planner (AEP)

Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) is a professional designation given by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). The AEP designation is awarded to estate planners who have met the highest standards of education, experience and ethical conduct.

The AEP designation requires that candidates meet certain educational requirements, pass an examination, and complete continuing education courses. To be eligible for the AEP designation, candidates must have either a Bachelor’s degree in law or a Master’s degree in taxation or estate planning from an accredited institution. Candidates must also have at least three years of full-time experience in estate planning or related areas.

The process of obtaining the AEP designation typically takes about six months to complete. Candidates must first submit an application to NAEPC which includes proof of their educational qualifications and work experience. Once their application is approved, they can register for the exam and pay the required fee. After passing the exam, they will receive their certificate from NAEPC acknowledging them as an Accredited Estate Planner.

The cost for obtaining the AEP designation varies depending on whether you are a member of NAEPC or not. For non-members, it typically costs around $750-$1,000 to take the exam and become certified as an Accredited Estate Planner. For members of NAEPC, there may be discounts available that reduce this cost significantly.

Do You Really Need a Legal Advisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the context of your situation. Generally, a legal advisor certificate is not required in order to provide legal advice. However, depending on the type of legal advice you are providing, it may be beneficial or even necessary for you to have one.

For example, if you are providing legal advice to individuals or businesses in relation to specific matters such as wills and trusts, then it would likely be beneficial for you to obtain a certificate from an accredited institution that gives you the authority to do so. This will help ensure that your clients receive quality advice and that they understand the implications of any decisions they make. Additionally, having a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment and level of expertise when it comes to providing legal advice.

In some cases, having a legal advisor certificate may be an absolute requirement for certain types of legal services. For instance, in some jurisdictions lawyers must be certified before they can practice law or represent clients in court proceedings. In other cases, certification may be voluntary but highly recommended in order to provide certain types of services or gain access to certain resources.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a legal advisor certificate depends on what kind of services you are offering and where you are located. If there is any doubt as to whether or not certification is necessary in your jurisdiction, it is best practice to consult with an experienced lawyer who can advise you accordingly.

Related: Legal Advisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Legal Advisor Certifications

1. What is a Legal Advisor Certification?

Answer: A Legal Advisor Certification is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have completed an approved course of study in the legal field. The certification is designed to demonstrate that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of the law and can provide accurate legal advice.

2. How do I become certified as a Legal Advisor?

Answer: To become certified as a Legal Advisor, you must complete an accredited course of study in the legal field. This typically involves completing courses from an accredited college or university, passing examinations, and having practical experience in the legal profession.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Legal Advisor?

Answer: Becoming a certified Legal Advisor allows you to gain recognition for your expertise and knowledge in the legal field. It also provides you with additional credibility when providing advice to clients and can help open up more job opportunities in the industry.

4. How long does it take to receive my Legal Advisor Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to receive your certification will depend on the program that you choose to pursue and how quickly you complete your studies and examinations. Generally, it should take no more than one year to complete all requirements for certification.

5. Is there any continuing education required after receiving my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits each year or every two years depending on your program's requirements. These credits generally involve attending seminars, workshops, or other educational activities related to the legal field.