Top 10 Litigation Manager Certifications

Certifications for a litigation manager are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job successfully. Certifications also provide employers with tangible evidence of an individual’s qualifications, which can be used to assess whether or not someone is suitable for a certain role. Additionally, certifications can help to differentiate individuals from their peers, making them more attractive candidates for jobs. Finally, certifications can help a litigation manager demonstrate their commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Litigation Managers, and explain how they can help propel a litigation manager's career.

What are Litigation Manager Certifications?

Litigation Manager Certification is a credential offered by the Association of Litigation Management (ALM) that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competence in managing and leading litigation-related activities. The certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as legal strategy, case management, budgeting, risk assessment, and litigation technology. This certification helps organizations ensure that they are hiring qualified professionals who understand the complexities of managing litigation-related activities. It also provides those with the certification a competitive edge in the job market. By having this certification, individuals can show potential employers that they have the necessary skills to handle the challenges associated with litigation management and that they have dedicated themselves to improving their professional capabilities in this area. Additionally, it allows organizations to benchmark their own practices against industry standards and ensure that their litigation management operations are as efficient as possible.

Pro Tip: When considering a litigation manager certification, make sure to research the specific requirements for the course, as well as any prerequisites that may be required. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of training and experience you will gain from the program, as well as any potential career opportunities that may become available upon completion.

Related: What does a Litigation Manager do?

Top 10 Litigation Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Litigation Manager (CLM)

Certified Litigation Manager (CLM) is a professional certification program sponsored by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). The CLM program was created to recognize and promote excellence in the practice of litigation management. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a level of competency in the field of litigation management, and has obtained the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage legal matters.

The CLM program consists of three parts: a written examination, an oral examination, and an ethics assessment. The written exam covers topics such as case management, cost containment, discovery management, document production, trial preparation and more. The oral exam focuses on areas such as client relations, communication with opposing counsel, court procedures and more. The ethics assessment requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of ethical considerations when managing legal matters.

It typically takes around six months to complete all three parts of the CLM program. To get started, you must first register for the CLM program through ALA’s website. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials including sample questions and answers for each part of the exam. You can then schedule your exams at any time within six months from registration date.

The cost for registering for the CLM program is $750 USD for ALA members or $1125 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to all study materials as well as one attempt at each part of the exam. If you need additional attempts at any part of the exam, there is an additional fee per attempt which varies depending on which part you are attempting again.

2. Certified Legal Manager (CLM)

Certified Legal Manager (CLM) is an advanced professional certification for legal managers. It is offered by the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA). The CLM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of legal management.

The CLM program consists of three parts: an online exam, a portfolio review, and a comprehensive final exam. The online exam covers topics such as law office administration, finance and accounting, personnel management, technology, marketing and business development, risk management, and ethics. The portfolio review assesses the individual’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Finally, the comprehensive final exam tests the individual’s overall understanding of legal management principles.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all three parts of the CLM program. To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Legal Manager, individuals must first become members of ALA and submit an application for certification. Once accepted into the program, they will need to complete all three parts within two years or less in order to receive their certification.

The cost for becoming a Certified Legal Manager varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of ALA. For members, there is an initial fee of $100 plus annual membership dues that range from $50-$250 depending on your membership type. Nonmembers must pay an additional fee of $500 plus annual dues ranging from $100-$500 depending on your membership type.

3. Certified Paralegal Litigation Manager (CPLM)

Certified Paralegal Litigation Manager (CPLM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize paralegals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of litigation management. The CPLM certification is offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

The CPLM certification requires applicants to pass an examination that covers topics such as legal ethics, case management, discovery, trial preparation, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To become certified, applicants must also have at least three years of experience working in the legal field and demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter through a portfolio review.

The cost for the CPLM exam varies depending on whether or not you are an NFPA member. For non-members, the cost is $350; for members, it is $250. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application and portfolio materials.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and submitted all required documents, you will receive your CPLM certificate in approximately six weeks. You will then need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

4. Advanced Certified Litigation Manager (ACLM)

Advanced Certified Litigation Manager (ACLM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Certified Litigation Managers (ACLM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced litigation managers. The ACLM certification is an internationally recognized standard that demonstrates a mastery of legal management principles and practices.

The ACLM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in litigation management. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as risk management, budgeting, project management, ethics, client relations, dispute resolution, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

To become certified as an Advanced Certified Litigation Manager (ACLM), applicants must first submit an application along with their resume and other supporting documents. Once approved, they will be required to pay a fee for the exam and any applicable course materials. Depending on the provider, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their ACLM certification which is valid for three years before renewal is required. Renewal involves completing continuing education courses related to litigation management or passing another comprehensive examination.

5. Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP)

Certified Litigation Support Professional (CLSP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of litigation support. The CLSP certification is offered by the Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS), a professional organization dedicated to providing education and training in the area of electronic discovery.

To become certified, individuals must complete a comprehensive online course that covers topics such as eDiscovery fundamentals, data collection and preservation, document review, and legal technology. Upon successful completion of the course, candidates must pass a proctored exam administered by ACEDS.

The online course typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete depending on how much time you can devote to studying each week. The cost for the course is $1,495 USD plus applicable taxes. After completing the course and passing the exam, there is an additional fee of $295 USD for certification maintenance which must be paid annually in order to maintain your CLSP certification status.

6. Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP)

Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) is a certification program designed to help professionals in the risk management field demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities. The CRMP certification is offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI), an international organization that promotes professional development and education in risk management.

The CRMP certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in risk management or related fields. Applicants must also complete a comprehensive online course and pass an exam covering topics such as risk assessment, risk control, and risk financing.

To get the CRMP certification, applicants must first register with GRMI and pay the required fee. Once registered, they will receive access to the online course materials and can begin studying for the exam. It typically takes about three months to complete the entire process from start to finish.

The cost of obtaining the CRMP certification varies depending on factors such as your location and whether you choose to take an online or in-person course. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 USD for the entire process.

7. Project Management Professional – Legal (PMP-Legal)

Project Management Professional – Legal (PMP-Legal) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes professionals who demonstrate their expertise in legal project management. It is designed to help legal professionals gain the skills necessary to manage projects effectively and efficiently, while meeting the unique needs of the legal industry.

The PMP-Legal certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience managing legal projects, as well as 35 contact hours of formal project management education. To apply for the certification, candidates must submit an application form, provide proof of experience and education, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as project planning, execution, monitoring and control, stakeholder management, risk management, and more.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the PMP-Legal certification process from start to finish. Candidates should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the exam in order to prepare adequately for it.

The cost for obtaining PMP-Legal certification varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For nonmembers, there is an application fee of $405 USD plus an additional $405 USD fee for taking the exam. For members of PMI, there is an application fee of $350 USD plus an additional $375 USD fee for taking the exam.

8. Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)

Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the fields of compliance, ethics, and corporate governance. The CCEP credential is intended for those who are responsible for developing, implementing, or managing a compliance or ethics program within an organization.

The CCEP certification process requires applicants to complete an application and pass a written exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that assess the applicant’s knowledge of the core principles of compliance, ethics, and corporate governance. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to continuing education by attending at least one SCCE-approved training event per year.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. To get started, applicants should visit the SCCE website to review eligibility requirements and submit an application form. Once approved, applicants will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CCEP certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CCEP certification varies depending on whether you are an SCCE member or non-member. For members, it costs $595 USD; for non-members it costs $795 USD.

9. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Certificate in Business Valuation and Litigation Services (AICPA CBVLS)

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Certificate in Business Valuation and Litigation Services (AICPA CBVLS) is a professional certification program designed to provide CPAs with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform business valuation and litigation services. The AICPA CBVLS program consists of four courses: Introduction to Business Valuation, Advanced Business Valuation, Litigation Services, and Professional Standards & Ethics. Each course is offered online or in-person.

The program takes approximately one year to complete, depending on the student’s individual learning pace. To get the AICPA CBVLS, applicants must meet certain education and experience requirements as established by the AICPA. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field from an accredited college or university; at least two years of professional experience in business valuation or litigation services; and they must pass all four courses with a grade of 70% or higher.

The cost for the AICPA CBVLS program varies depending on which courses are taken online or in-person. The total cost for all four courses ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

10. International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy Certification Program

The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy Certification Program is a comprehensive, three-day training program designed to help attorneys develop the skills necessary to become successful trial lawyers. The program provides instruction in all aspects of trial practice, from pre-trial preparation and jury selection to opening statements, direct and cross examination, closing arguments, and post-trial motions.

The IADC Trial Academy Certification Program is offered twice a year in different locations around the country. It typically takes three days to complete the program and includes lectures, demonstrations, and simulations. Participants must attend all sessions in order to receive their certification.

To get certified through the IADC Trial Academy Certification Program, attorneys must first be members of the IADC or an affiliated organization. Attorneys can then apply for admission to the program by submitting an application form and fee. The fee for the program is $1,500 per person or $2,500 per team of two or more people.

Do You Really Need a Litigation Manager Certificate?

The decision to pursue a Litigation Manager Certificate depends on the individual's career goals and prior experience. For someone who is already working in the legal field, such as a paralegal or legal assistant, the certificate can be beneficial to further their career. The certificate demonstrates an understanding of legal procedures, which can help advance an individual’s career prospects and give them an edge when applying for positions.

For those who are just starting out in the legal field, however, it may not be necessary to obtain a Litigation Manager Certificate. Instead, they should focus on gaining practical experience through internships or other entry-level positions. This will provide them with a better understanding of the industry and allow them to develop their skills without needing to invest time and money into obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs to obtain a Litigation Manager Certificate depends on their specific circumstances and what they hope to achieve in their career. For those looking to move up in the legal field more quickly, obtaining a certificate may be worthwhile; for others, it may not be necessary.

Related: Litigation Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Litigation Manager Certifications

1. What is a Litigation Manager Certification?

Answer: A Litigation Manager Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage litigation processes within an organization. The certification program covers topics such as legal research, case management, document management, trial preparation, and more.

2. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Litigation Manager?

Answer: Becoming a certified Litigation Manager can help you gain valuable skills in managing litigation processes, which can help you advance your career in the legal field. It also demonstrates your commitment to excellence in the industry and helps to increase your credibility with employers and clients.

3. How do I become a certified Litigation Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Litigation Manager, you must complete an accredited course of study that includes learning objectives related to managing litigation processes. After completing the coursework, you must pass an examination administered by an approved testing center to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified varies depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam and preparing for it. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months up to two years or more depending on individual circumstances.

5. Is there any continuing education required after becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, continuing education is required in order to maintain your certification status. This includes attending seminars or workshops related to litigation management or taking additional courses or exams related to the subject matter covered by the original certification program.