Top 11 Litigation Assistant Certifications

Certifications for a litigation assistant are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has met certain standards of knowledge and skill in the field. Certifications provide assurance to employers that a potential employee is qualified to perform the tasks required of them. They also give employers confidence that an employee won’t need extensive training before they can begin performing their job duties. Certifications can be used as evidence of professional competence when applying for jobs, and may even make an applicant more attractive than someone without certification in the same area. Additionally, certifications can increase an employee’s earning potential, as some employers may offer higher salaries or bonuses to those with certification.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Litigation Assistants and explain how they can help enhance a litigation assistant's career.

What are Litigation Assistant Certifications?

Litigation assistant certification is a specialized training program that focuses on the skills needed to be an effective litigation assistant. This certification can provide legal professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist attorneys in all aspects of civil litigation, from filing documents to researching case law. With this certification, legal professionals can become more knowledgeable and proficient in the area of litigation support and provide greater value to attorneys and their clients. They will be better prepared to handle a variety of tasks related to civil litigation, including document management, preparing pleadings and motions, scheduling depositions and hearings, organizing exhibits for trial or arbitration, summarizing depositions, and reviewing discovery documents. Additionally, certified litigation assistants are better positioned for advancement within their organization or career opportunities in other firms or organizations.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a litigation assistant certification program, research the specific requirements and qualifications of potential employers to ensure that you are meeting all of their expectations. Additionally, take advantage of any resources offered through the program such as mock trials or internships to gain valuable experience.

Related: What does a Litigation Assistant do?

Top 11 Litigation Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Litigation Assistants today.

1. Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP)

Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS). The CLSP certification is designed to recognize professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of litigation support.

The CLSP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field of litigation support, as well as passing a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as legal terminology, eDiscovery concepts and processes, document review management, data mapping and analysis, project management, and more.

To obtain the CLSP certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume and proof of experience. Once approved by ACEDS, applicants will be able to register for the CLSP exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at a testing center.

The cost for the CLSP certification program is $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to an online study guide as well as a practice test which can help prepare applicants for the actual exam. Additionally, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

2. Certified Litigation Paralegal (CLP)

Certified Litigation Paralegal (CLP) is a professional certification for paralegals who specialize in litigation. The CLP designation is awarded by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and demonstrates that a paralegal has achieved a higher level of competency in the field of litigation.

To become certified, an applicant must have at least two years of full-time experience as a paralegal, or its equivalent, and must successfully complete an exam administered by NALA. The exam covers topics such as legal research and writing, discovery, trial preparation, ethics, and courtroom procedures.

The cost to take the exam is $395 for NALA members and $495 for non-members. It usually takes about four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you pass the exam, you will be granted the CLP designation and can use it on your resume or business cards.

3. Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP)

A Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) is a professional who has been certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This certification recognizes individuals who have attained a high level of expertise in the legal field. The CLA/CP certification is designed to demonstrate that a paralegal has achieved the highest standards of excellence in their profession.

To become a CLA/CP, an individual must meet certain requirements, including having a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a paralegal or legal assistant and completing at least 45 hours of continuing legal education courses. Additionally, applicants must pass the NALA's comprehensive examination.

The process typically takes about three months to complete. To begin, an applicant must submit an application to NALA and pay the required fees. Once accepted, applicants will receive study materials and access to online practice exams. After studying for the exam and taking it, applicants will receive their results within four weeks of taking it.

The cost for becoming a CLA/CP varies depending on whether you are already a NALA member or not. For non-members, the fee is $375; for members, the fee is $325. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking continuing legal education courses or purchasing study materials.

4. Certified Electronic Discovery Specialist (CEDS)

Certified Electronic Discovery Specialists (CEDS) are professionals who specialize in the management and processing of electronically stored information (ESI) for litigation and investigation purposes. This includes the collection, preservation, processing, review, analysis, production and presentation of ESI.

The CEDS certification is offered by the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS), a division of the International Association of Privacy Professionals. It was created to provide an industry-recognized credential to demonstrate expertise in eDiscovery.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CEDS certification program. The program consists of two parts: self-study and an online exam. The self-study portion requires applicants to read six books on eDiscovery topics and complete a series of assignments. Once applicants have completed the self-study portion, they can register for the online exam which covers topics such as data collection and preservation, legal holds, document review processes and more.

The cost for the CEDS certification program is $1,995 USD plus applicable taxes.

5. Certified Document Reviewer (CDR)

Certified Document Reviewer (CDR) is a certification program offered by the American Board of Document Examiners (ABDE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of document examination. The program requires applicants to pass an exam and complete a rigorous training program.

The exam consists of two parts: written and practical. The written portion covers topics such as document analysis, handwriting identification, paper science, and other related topics. The practical portion involves actual document examination, including handwriting comparison and other forms of analysis. Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills in order to be certified.

The ABDE offers two levels of certification: Certified Document Examiner (CDE) and Certified Document Reviewer (CDR). CDE certification requires applicants to pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 80% or higher. CDR certification requires applicants to pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 90% or higher. Both certifications require continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain active status.

It typically takes three months from application submission to receive results from the ABDE for CDE or CDR certification. The cost for both certifications is $350 USD plus applicable taxes/fees.

6. National Association of Legal Assistants’ Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (NALA-PACE)

The National Association of Legal Assistants’ Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (NALA-PACE) is a comprehensive exam that assesses the knowledge and skills of experienced paralegals. The exam is designed to ensure that paralegals have the necessary qualifications to practice in their respective jurisdictions. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering a variety of legal topics, including civil litigation, contracts, criminal law, family law, real estate law, and torts.

The NALA-PACE exam typically takes four hours to complete and can be taken at any approved testing center across the United States. To take the exam, applicants must first submit an application through NALA's website and pay the required fee of $295. Once approved by NALA, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the test with Prometric Testing Services. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official certification as a Certified Paralegal (CP).

7. National Federation of Paralegals’ Certified Paralegal Examination (NFPA-CPE)

The National Federation of Paralegals’ Certified Paralegal Examination (NFPA-CPE) is a certification exam administered by the National Federation of Paralegals (NFPA). This exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of paralegals in the areas of legal research, writing, analysis, and other related topics. The NFPA-CPE is an online exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Test takers have three hours to complete the exam.

In order to take the NFPA-CPE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being a member of the NFPA for at least one year prior to taking the exam, having completed at least 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university, or having two years of full-time paralegal experience.

The cost to take the NFPA-CPE is $175 for members and $275 for non-members. It typically takes 4–6 weeks after submitting your application before you can take the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official NFPA Certified Paralegal certificate within 4–6 weeks.

8. American Institute for Paralegal Studies’ Litigation Certification Exam (AIPLS-LCE)

The American Institute for Paralegal Studies’ Litigation Certification Exam (AIPLS-LCE) is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of paralegals in the area of litigation. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as legal research, legal writing, civil procedure, evidence, trial practice and procedure, and alternative dispute resolution.

In order to take the AIPLS-LCE, applicants must have completed an approved paralegal studies program or have at least two years of experience working as a paralegal in the field of litigation. Applicants must also submit an application form and pay a $150 fee.

The AIPLS-LCE takes approximately three hours to complete. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within four weeks. Those who pass the exam will receive their certification from the American Institute for Paralegal Studies. It is important to note that this certification does not guarantee employment as a paralegal; however, it may help demonstrate proficiency in the field of litigation to potential employers.

9. National Association of Legal Professionals’ Litigation Support Certification Program (NALP-LSCP)

The National Association of Legal Professionals (NALP) Litigation Support Certification Program (LSCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved proficiency in the field of litigation support. The program is designed to ensure that those who are involved in litigation support activities possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties.

The LSCP consists of three levels: Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP), Advanced Certified Litigation Support Professional (ACLSP), and Master Certified Litigation Support Professional (MCLSP). Each level requires a different set of qualifications, such as experience, education, and/or certifications. The CLSP is the entry-level certification and requires two years of relevant work experience or one year of relevant work experience plus an associate degree or higher in a related field. The ACLSP requires five years of relevant work experience or three years of relevant work experience plus a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. The MCLSP requires ten years of relevant work experience or seven years of relevant work experience plus a master’s degree or higher in a related field.

To obtain any level of LSCP certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by NALP. This exam covers topics such as legal research, document management, e-discovery, trial presentation software, project management, and other areas related to litigation support. Individuals must also demonstrate their knowledge through written assignments and/or case studies that are evaluated by an independent panel of experts.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on the level being sought; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 per exam. Additionally, there is an annual fee associated with maintaining each level of certification which ranges from $50-$100 per year depending on the level held.

In total, it can take anywhere from two to ten years to obtain all three levels of certification depending on one’s educational background and work experience.

10. American Board of Trial Advocates’ Paralegal Certificate Program (ABOTA-PCP)

The American Board of Trial Advocates’ Paralegal Certificate Program (ABOTA-PCP) is a comprehensive program that provides paralegals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective trial advocates. The program is offered in partnership with the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and is designed to help paralegals gain the necessary skills to be successful in the courtroom.

The ABOTA-PCP consists of four courses: Introduction to Civil Litigation, Depositions, Discovery, and Trial Practice. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online or through a combination of online and in-person instruction. The total duration of the program is approximately three months, depending on how quickly you complete each course.

In order to obtain your ABOTA-PCP certification, you must successfully complete all four courses within one year from when you register for the program. You will also need to pass a final exam at the end of each course in order to receive your certificate.

The cost for the ABOTA-PCP program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. The online version costs $1,495 while the in-person version costs $2,495. This fee includes access to all four courses as well as any materials needed for completion of the program.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed your final exams, you will receive your official ABOTA-PCP certification which can be used towards professional development opportunities and job advancement opportunities within the legal field.

11. American Bar Association's Approved Paralegal Education Programs and Certifications

The American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Education Programs and Certifications are designed to ensure that paralegals have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the legal field. The ABA requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework, which typically takes two years to complete, in order to be eligible for certification.

In order to receive ABA approval, paralegal programs must meet certain standards set by the ABA. These standards include: having an appropriate curriculum; providing students with hands-on experience; offering courses that cover topics such as legal research, writing, interviewing techniques and more; and having faculty members who are qualified and experienced in their respective fields.

Once enrolled in an ABA approved program, students can apply for certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). NALA offers three levels of certifications: Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) and Master Paralegal (MP). Each level requires its own set of qualifications and criteria.

The cost for an ABA approved paralegal program varies depending on the school or institution offering it. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000 - $15,000 per year. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking certification exams or obtaining other materials needed for the program.

Overall, obtaining an ABA approved paralegal education is a great way to get started in the legal field. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the law while also giving them hands-on experience they need to succeed as a paralegal.

Do You Really Need a Litigation Assistant Certificate?

The decision to pursue a litigation assistant certificate is ultimately up to the individual. There are some pros and cons associated with obtaining this type of certification, and it is important to consider both before making a decision.

On the one hand, having a litigation assistant certificate can open many doors in terms of career opportunities. It can demonstrate to potential employers that you have a strong understanding of legal terminology, procedures, and protocols. Additionally, having this credential may give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess the same level of knowledge and experience.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks associated with obtaining a litigation assistant certificate. These include the time and money it takes to complete the program as well as the fact that it may not be necessary for all types of positions. Furthermore, since most employers require several years of experience in order to qualify for higher-level positions, having a certificate may not be enough to get you into these roles without additional qualifications and experience.

Overall, whether or not you need a litigation assistant certificate depends on your personal goals and career aspirations. If you are looking for entry-level positions or want to gain more knowledge about legal processes then pursuing this type of certification may be beneficial for you. However, if you already have several years of experience in the field then it may not be necessary for your current situation. Ultimately, it is important to carefully weigh all options before making any decisions regarding your professional development path.

Related: Litigation Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Litigation Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Litigation Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Litigation Assistant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the legal field related to litigation support. This certification may involve gaining experience in areas such as document management, court filing procedures, legal research, trial preparation and other related skills.

2. How do I become certified as a Litigation Assistant?

Answer: To become certified as a Litigation Assistant, you must complete an approved course of study or training program in the area of litigation support. Most programs involve completing courses in areas such as document management, court filing procedures, legal research, trial preparation and other related skills. After completion of the program, you must pass an exam to receive your certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Litigation Assistant?

Answer: Becoming a certified Litigation Assistant can offer several benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries and greater credibility in the industry. Additionally, having this certification can provide you with more confidence when working on complex litigation projects or interacting with clients and colleagues.

4. How much does it cost to become certified?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the type of course or program you take to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for certification. Generally speaking, most programs range between $500 - $1500 for tuition and fees associated with taking the required courses and exams needed for certification.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how quickly you complete your coursework or training program requirements needed for certification. Typically, it takes approximately 6-12 months to complete all requirements for becoming a certified Litigation Assistant depending on the individual's pace of learning and dedication to their studies.