Are you an aspiring paralegal in Central Maryland looking to take your career to the next level? You have come to the right place! In Maryland, there are a variety of certificate programs and degree programs available to help you prepare for a career in paralegal studies. These programs can help you stand out from the competition in the labor market and give you the opportunity to sit for voluntary national certification exams. It is important to research your options carefully, as not all programs are approved by the United States Bar Association (ABA) or offered by accredited educational institutions. Maryland is home to some of the largest companies in the world, such as Lockheed Martin, Constellation Energy, and Black & Decker, which are also major employers of legal assistants.
Additionally, renowned law firms like Venable LLP and Miles & Stockbridge PC offer excellent professional opportunities for both new and experienced paralegals. The Maryland Paralegal Association (MAP) provides membership to students and professional paralegals who live or work in Maryland. A formal education is essential for paralegals who want to make an impression on law firms in the public and private sectors of law. The MAP recommends several options for obtaining national certification, such as the Paralegal Basic Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competence Exam (PACE), offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Legal assistants can also specialize in different types of law, such as criminal, family, immigration, real estate, etc. The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation has projected that 149 job openings for paralegals appear annually. The Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) paralegal program is one of only four Maryland college or university programs approved by the ABA. It will prepare you to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Kaplan University also offers an online degree in paralegal studies that helps students develop practical skills such as writing legal documents, legal research, interviewing, and using legal technology. The National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA) has been working since 1974 to develop and expand the paralegal profession by representing the interests of public and private sector paralegals in the broader legal field.
NCAPA encourages education and voluntary certification of paralegals and provides networks, support, and resources to its members. Paralegals may voluntarily choose to demonstrate their mastery of the field by becoming certified paralegals. If you are looking for specialized training programs in Central Maryland that can help you get started on your journey towards becoming a certified paralegal, there are plenty of options available!.
