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Paralegal Programs in Louisiana

There are no requirements for paralegal education in Louisiana. There is a voluntary paralegal certification in Louisiana that includes completion of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal Exam and the Louisiana Certified Paralegal Exam. Eligibility to sit for the NALA CLA/CP Exam includes specific paralegal education requirements that can be found below.

There are four schools offering American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs in Louisiana. There are a number of nationally or regionally accredited online paralegal programs as well as campus based programs offered throughout the state. Read on to learn more about your options and the variety of paralegal programs in Louisiana.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs

Paralegal Education: What to Look for in a Paralegal Program

Though paralegal certification in Louisiana is voluntary, it is highly respected and recognized by employers as well as the Louisiana Paralegal Association and Louisiana State Bar Association. The NALA CLA/CP Certification demonstrates a high level of professional achievement in the paralegal field, as does the Louisiana Certified Paralegal designation. Salary surveys conducted throughout the country consistently find that Certified Legal Assistants and Paralegals are paid higher salaries than non-certified Legal Assistants and Paralegals. So, it may be a wise decision to attend a paralegal program that will meet the eligibility requirements set by NALA to sit for the CLP/CP Exam.

According to the NALA website, eligibility requirements to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) CLA/CP exam include graduation from a legal assistant or paralegal program that is :

• An American Bar Association approved program or
• An associate degree program or
• A post-baccalaureate certificate program in legal assistant studies/paralegal studies or
• A bachelor's degree program in legal assistant studies/paralegal studies or
• A legal assistant program which consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours (900 clock hours or 90 quarter hours) of which at least 15 semester hours (225 clock hours or 22.5 quarter hours) are substantive legal courses

A bachelor's degree in any field plus one year's experience as a legal assistant/paralegal will also meet the eligibility requirements for the NALA CLA/CP exam. Successful completion of at least 15 semester hours (or equivalent) of substantive legal assistant courses will be considered equivalent to one year's experience as a legal assistant.

One of the more important actions to take is to contact employers you may like to work for and ask them what they look for when hiring a paralegal including education and work experience. This will give you a better idea of the demand in the work place and what will make you a more competitive candidate for paralegal positions.

An ABA approved paralegal program has gone through a rigorous approval process to meet the specific requirements set by the ABA for paralegal education. These programs must also maintain their level of education to maintain approval by the ABA. An ABA approved program is an excellent choice. Not all ABA programs are convenient for students. Alternatives to ABA approved paralegal programs that will meet most employers demands as well as certification exam eligibility requirements can be found in Louisiana. Read more about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs.

If an ABA approved program is not conveniently located or economically viable, the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) recommends attending a paralegal program that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and or a member of the AAfPE. These programs offer legitimacy recognized by employers and paralegal/legal assistant associations around the country. The AAfPE also recommends earning an associate's or bachelor's degree with a major, minor or concentration in paralegal/legal assistant or a post-secondary certificate or a master's in paralegal.

Here you will find paralegal programs that are either ABA approved, AAfPE member schools and/or schools that are regionally or nationally accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Louisiana

= Editor Recommended Program

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in Louisiana - Campus Based

Herzing College: These are ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Legal Assisting/Paralegal, Legal Studies

2400 Veterans Blvd., Suite 410
Kenner, LA 70062
PH: 504-733-0074

Louisiana State University: ABA approved program. According to LSU, most students entering this program already have their bachelor's degree. There are some exceptions, so contact the university to learn more.

Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal Studies

177 Pleasant Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
PH: 225-578-6760

Tulane University: ABA approved programs

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Minor, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans LA 70118
PH: 504-865-5555

University of New Orleans - Metropolitan College: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Non-Degree Credit Certificate | Paralegal Studies

226 Carondelet, Suite 310
New Orleans LA 70130
PH: 504-539-9500