• A mastery of procedural skills and communication
skills.
• An advanced knowledge of procedural law, the law library, and the
preparation of legal documents.
• A working knowledge of substantive law and the ability to perform
specifically delegated substantive legal work under an attorney’s
supervision.
• The ability to interact on a professional level with attorneys, clients,
and other staff.
• The discipline to assume responsibility and exercise initiative and
judgment while adhering to legal ethical standards at all times.
• The same high standard of ethical conduct imposed upon
members of the Bar.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of legal terminology and procedures, as well
as procedural and substantive law.
• The ability to assume responsibility, exercise initiative and judgment,
and prepare substantive legal documents within the scope of assigned
authority.
• Attaining this goal demonstrates dedication to professionalism and
acceptance of the challenge to be exceptional. Personal motivation is
necessary to attain such a goal.
Paralegal Examination Eligibility
Any person who has Five years’ experience performing
paralegal/legal assistant duties (a candidate may receive a partial waiver of
one year if he or she has a post-secondary degree, other certification, or a
paralegal certificate; a candidate with a paralegal degree may receive a
two-year partial waiver).
The Paralegal Exam Covers
PART 1: Written Communications
PART 2: Legal Knowledge and Skills
PART 3: Ethics and Judgment Skills
PART 4: Substantive Law
Paralegal Examination Guidelines
All four parts of the examination must be taken on the
first attempt with the exception of current PLS’s in which only Part 4 in
Substantive Law is needed. If you do not pass the entire examination on the
first attempt, but do pass one or more parts, you may retake the part (or
parts) you failed. All failed parts must be retaken at the same time.
Those passing the exam will receive a certificate which is valid for five
years. Recertification is required every five years and may be achieved
through the accumulation of continuing legal education hours and activities.
Paralegal Examination Dates
- March: First Saturday
- July: In conjunction with NALS regional
conferences held in the month of July only
- September: Last Saturday
Paralegal Application Deadlines
- March: Postmarked by January 1
- July: Postmarked by June 15
- September: Postmarked by August 1
Paralegal Examination Fees
For Current PLSs
Members: $150
Nonmembers $200
For Non-PLS
Members: $200
Nonmembers: $250
Retake fees
Members: $50 per part
Nonmembers: $60 per part
