Paralegal Diploma

Despite some confusingly generic uses of the word ‘diploma’ in the context of paralegal studies, the Paralegal Diploma occupies a specific place in the range of paralegal qualifications on offer. It can be studied through community colleges, business or vocational schools, and some of the larger universities.

Like the Paralegal Certificate, it is designed especially for individuals who already have a degree in a related subject but who wish to ‘convert’ to a paralegal career. It may also be taken, at the discretion of the educational body which offers it, without a previous degree but perhaps with some experience in the paralegal field instead.

While the Paralegal Certificate can be obtained in a matter of months, the Paralegal Diploma course normally lasts between a year and 2 years. Generally speaking, it is more comprehensive than the Certificate course, offering a broader foundation in the skills required of paralegals.

A student wishing to pursue a course leading to the Paralegal Diploma is well advised to check how it is viewed by law firms and the like in their area. In theory, no formal training at all is required for being a paralegal: a large part of the rationale behind becoming qualified is to impress potential employers. Since the Diploma course represents a greater commitment in both time and money than the Certificate, and does not confer a degree like some of the other programs, it is important that the student should be confident that they have made the right choice.