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Legal Certificates Guide and Reference List
What is a legal certificate? How is it different from a short course or a regular legal degree? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of legal certificates and a list of certificate programs available.
Legal Certificates
Oct 1, 2021-7 MIN READ
Are you interested in broadening your legal knowledge or deepening your expertise in a particular legal niche? Would you like to do that without necessarily enrolling in law school? Or are you a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) student looking to enhance the value of your degree? A legal certificate may be an answer.
In as little as one semester and for much less tuition than for a law or master’s degree, a legal certificate may offer you formal recognition for your specialized legal knowledge.
What is a Legal Certificate Program?
A certificate is not the same as certification, which is a professional badge or license for specific occupations. A legal certificate is a broad term that signals advanced legal learning and skills. Schools offer legal certificate programs that can differ greatly. They range from one-week online seminars that accrue continuing legal education credits to certificates that students can earn concurrently with their graduate degrees.
Generally, legal certificates are offered by law schools and require an undergraduate degree. Some programs are designed specifically for students who don’t plan to practice law. Others are aimed at professionals in fields such as engineering or science, where knowledge of intellectual property law and other legal issues may be valuable. Depending on which program a student selects, an externship may be required. Often, a certificate of completion is awarded to candidates when they complete a certificate program.
Types of Legal Certificate Programs
You have a broad range of legal certificate programs to choose from. Some concentrate on a narrow legal niche, such as law and technology or clean energy. Others focus on more general legal fields like corporate law.
Paralegal Certificates and Outcomes
A paralegal certificate is designed specifically for people who work as paralegals or want to become a paralegal—in other words, non-attorneys who handle legal tasks. Take care not to confuse it with a paralegal certification, which signifies that you’ve passed a paralegal exam or met other requirements set by the certifying organization.
There are a number of paralegal education programs that are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Most require a bachelor’s degree to apply, but some are open to students who hold a two-year associate degree or have significant legal work experience.
You can expect to learn about court systems, court procedures, legal ethics, conducting legal research online and more. Some certificate programs incorporate internships for hands-on learning.
Legal Studies Certificates and Outcomes
Designed for people who don’t plan to become licensed attorneys, a legal studies certificate often concentrates on a specific area or industry, such as cybersecurity or bank regulations, offering a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations.
Certain universities allow their undergraduates to take extra courses that count toward a legal studies certificate. Other schools allow applications from professionals who intend to pursue careers as paralegals or legal-related occupations.
Certificates in Specific Areas of Law and Outcomes
While there are legal certificates for Master of Legal Studies candidates and non-attorneys, there are also certificate programs for practicing attorneys, as well as Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) students.
Some schools will let you earn multiple legal certificates at the same time. Similarly, some courses may count toward more than one certificate. You can earn certificates in various specialty areas of the law. They include:
- Law and technology
- Environment, energy and natural resources
- Media
- International trade
- Human resources
- Tribal law
- Intellectual property
- Constitutional law
- Entrepreneurship
- Estate planning
- State and local taxation
Pros and Cons of Legal Certificates
Depending on your professional goals, earning a legal certificate can be an investment in your career. Possible advantages of a legal certificate program may include:
- Concentrating your learning in legal topics that matter most to you
- Qualifying to apply whether you’re an undergraduate, enrolled in law school, a practicing attorney or a professional outside the legal field
- Less costly than earning a law degree
- Does not require years of schooling as full degree programs do
But you may find that there are also some drawbacks. One could argue that certificate programs are limited and don’t cover the breadth of knowledge that advanced degree programs are known to. Below, we compare certificate programs with some common legal degree programs to help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
Legal Studies Certificates vs. Master’s Degrees in Legal Studies
A legal certificate can usually be completed in one to three semesters. It often costs less money than a full degree program. You might choose to earn one or more legal certificates by adding extra classes as part of your master’s program.
A master’s degree in legal studies, such as a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Science in Legal Studies, is a graduate degree for people who don’t plan to take the bar exam to practice law. You need a bachelor’s degree to earn an MLS, which usually takes one to two years.
Sponsored Online MLS and Law Programs
Master of Legal Studies
The online Master of Legal Studies program from American University Washington College of Law is designed for non-lawyers who could benefit from fundamental legal training but do not want to become practicing attorneys. The program offers industry-specific concentrations and certificates in Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology. Students who choose the Health Care Compliance track may be eligible to earn an additional certificate accredited by the Compliance Certificate Board (CCB). No GRE/LSAT required.
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE/LSAT scores required to apply
- Four tracks available: General MLS, Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
- Three certificates available: Business, Health Care Compliance, and Technology
Master of Studies in Law
In as few as 12 months, learn to advocate for integrity at your organization with a flexible, online M.S.L. in Corporate Compliance from Fordham Law School. No GRE or LSAT required. Choose a program track—general, human resources, financial services, or health care—to gain industry-specific knowledge.
- GRE, GMAT, and LSAT scores not required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Minimum two years’ compliance-related work experience recommended
Law Certificates vs. Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Lawyers who choose to earn a law certificate may gain a competitive edge. You may be able to earn a law certificate as part of your LL.M. degree, depending on the school.
A Master of Laws (LL.M.) is a one-year, in-depth graduate degree for those who already have a J.D. A Master of Laws is a way for lawyers to hone their expertise in a particular field. Some universities gear their LL.M. programs toward professionals who plan to teach law.
Certificates vs. Short Courses
Generally, certificate programs take longer to complete than short courses. While short courses are a way to enhance existing skills and broaden your knowledge, certificates often signify a deeper understanding of a topic area. You’ll usually receive a certificate of completion once you’ve finished a certificate program or short course.
Many universities and professional organizations offer short courses and seminars in a multitude of academic disciplines. Short courses tend to have a less strict application process than certificate programs. Courses usually run for a few days to weeks, instead of the months and semesters that certificate programs tend to require.
Short courses can be in the form of in-person workshops and lectures, covering a wide range of legal topics including business law, data law and beyond. Some even target professionals in leadership positions. Many short courses have a hands-on practical approach, teaching students advocacy skills and more. Short courses can be completed online too, allowing you to interact with classmates and professors in a virtual classroom. If you choose this option, you’ll likely be exposed to interactive course content, such as videos, quizzes and discussion forums, among other materials.
Certificate Programs Offered by ABA-Approved Law Schools
There are legal certificate programs run by law schools that are approved by the American Bar Association. They may carry more prestige than a certificate from a non-ABA approved program. But that may not always be true—or always matter.
Here is a comprehensive list of ABA-approved law schools offering legal certificate programs:
| Institution & Program | Concentrations | Location | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
The University of AkronCertificates at The University of Akron | Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Certificate in Health Law, Certificate in Litigation, Certificate in Constitutional Law | Akron, OH | Online |
The University of KansasCertificates at The University of Kansas | Certificate in Media, Law, and Technology, Certificate in Tax Law, Certificate in International Trade and Finance, Certificate in Business and Commercial Law, Certificate in Advocacy Skills, Certificate in Tribal Lawyer, Certificate in Social Justice, Certificate in Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Law | Lawrence, KS | Online |
Boston UniversityCertificates at Boston University | Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management & Compliance, Certificate in Estate Planning, Certificate in Financial Services Compliance, Certificate in International Business Law, Certificate in Legal English, Certificate in Transactional Skills, Certificate in Legal Research Skills for Practice | Boston, MA | Online |
Illinois Institute of TechnologyJ.D. Certificate Programs at Illinois Tech | Certificate in Business Law, Certificate in Criminal Litigation, Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law, Certificate in Financial Markets Compliance, Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Certificate in International and Comparative Law, Certificate in Labor and Employment Law, Certificate in Legal Innovation + Technology, Certificate in Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Certificate in Public Interest Law | Chicago, IL | Online |
University of CincinnatiCertificates at UC Cincinnati | Certificate in Legal Studies, Certificate in U.S. Law, Certificate in Fundamentals in U.S. Law | Cincinnati, OH | Online |
Cleveland State UniversityCertificates at Cleveland State University | Certificate in Health Care Law, Certificate in Health Care Compliance, Certificate in Intellectual Property, Certificate in Online Health Law, Certificate of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Certificate in eDiscovery Professional | Cleveland, OH | Online |
Drexel UniversityCertificates at Drexel University | Certificate in Financial Regulatory Compliance, Certificate in Criminal Law, Certificate in Cybersecurity and Information Privacy Compliance, Certificate in Health Care Compliance, Certificate in Higher Education Compliance, Certificate in Human Resources Compliance, Certificate in NCAA Compliance and Sports Law, | Philadelphia, PA | Online |
Georgetown UniversityCertificates of Specialization at Georgetown University | Certificate in International Human Rights, Certificate in Food and Drug Law, Certificate in U.S. Health Law, Certificate in World Trade Organization (WTO) Studies, Certificate in International Taxation, Certificate in Estate Planning, Certificate in Employee Benefits, Certificate in Employee Benefits, Certificate in State and Local Taxation, Certificate in Securities & Financial Law | Washington, DC | Online |
Georgia State UniversityCertificates at Georgia State University | Certificate in Health Law, Certificate in Advocacy, Certificate in Entertainment, Sports & Media Law, Certificate in Intellectual Property, Certificate in Legal Analytics & Innovation, Certificate in Public Interest Law & Policy, Certificate in Environmental & Land Use Law | Atlanta, GA | Online |
Mitchell Hamline School of LawCertificates at Mitchell Hamline School of Law | Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice, Global Arbitration Law and Practice | Saint Paul, MN | Online |
University of Nebraska-LincolnExecutive Certificates at University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Certificate in Cyber and Telecommunications Law, Certificate in Cyber and Cyber Security Law, Certificate in Space Law | Lincoln, NE | Online |
University of New HampshireCertificates at University of New Hampshire | Certificate in Commerce and Technology, Certificate in Entertainment Law, Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, Certificate in Health Law and Policy, Certificate in Sports and Entertainment Law, Certificate in Sports Law, Certificate in Sports Wagering and Integrity | Concord, NH | Online |
University of New MexicoCertificates at University of New Mexico | Certificate in Indian Law, Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Law | Albuquerque, NM | Online |
Northwestern UniversityCertificates at Northwestern University | Certificate in Corporate Tax, Certificate in International Tax, Certificate in Tax Controversy, Certificate in Wealth Transfer and Legacy Planning | Evanston, IL | Online |
Pace UniversityCertificates at Pace University | Certificate in Environmental Law, Certificate in International Law, Certificate in Health Law and Policy | New York, NY | Online |
University of PennsylvaniaCertificates at the University of Pennsylvania | Certificate in Business and Law | Philadelphia, PA | Online |
Caruso School of LawCertificate Programs at Pepperdine University | Certificate in Criminal Legal Practice, Certificate in Dispute Resolution, Certificate in Entertainment, Media, and Sports, Certificate in International and Comparative Law, Certificate in Law and Entrepreneurship | Malibu, CA | Online |
University of PittsburghCertificates at the University of Pittsburgh | Certificate in International Business Law and Dispute Resolution, Certificate in Disability Legal Studies, Certificate in Health Care Compliance, Certificate in Corporate Compliance | Pittsburgh, PA | Online |
Samford University CumberlandLaw Certificates at Samford University | Certificate in Financial Services Regulatory Compliance, Certificate in Health Law and Compliance, Certificate in Higher Education Law and Compliance, Certificate in Legal Operations | Birmingham, AL | Online |
Seton Hall UniversityGraduate Certificate Programs at Seton Hall University | Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law and Compliance, Certificate in Health and Hospital Law, Certificate in Law and the Creative Industries, Certificate in Financial Services Compliance, Certificate in Privacy Law and Cyber Security | South Orange, NJ | Online |
University of Southern CaliforniaGraduate Certificates at the University of Southern California | Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Certificate in Business Law, Certificate in Financial Compliance, Certificate in Compliance, Certificate in Human Resources Law and Compliance, Certificate in Health Care Compliance, Certificate in Media and Entertainment Law Certificate in Public Interest Law, Certificate in Technology and Entrepreneurship Law, Certificate in Transnational Law and Business | Los Angeles, CA | Online |
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleCertificates for J.D. Students at University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Certificate in Health Policy, Certificate in Law and Social Welfare | Knoxville, TN | Online |
University of ToledoCertificates at the University of Toledo | Certificate in Criminal Law, Certificate in Environmental Law, Certificate in Labor and Employment Law | Toledo, OH | Online |
Tulane UniversityCertificates at Tulane University | Certificate in Maritime Law, Certificate in Civil Law, Certificate in Environmental Law, Certificate in European Legal Studies, Certificate in International and Comparative Law, Certificate in Sports Law | New Orleans, LA | Online |
Vanderbilt UniversityCertificates at Vanderbilt University | Certificate in Law and Business, V-Legal Executive Certificate | Nashville, TN | Online |
Vermont Law and Graduate SchoolProfessional Certificate in Restorative Justice | Certificate in Restorative Justice | South Royalton, VT | Online |
Villanova UniversityCertificate Programs at Villanova University | Certificate in Employee Benefits, Certificate in Estate Planning, Certificate in State and Local Taxation | Villanova, PA | Online |
University of Wisconsin-MadisonCertificates at the University of Wisconsin | Certificate in Consumer Health Advocacy, Certificate in Russian Area Studie | Madison, WI | Online |
What Can You Do With a Legal Certificate?
Legal certificates aren’t the same as law degrees—and they don’t allow you to sit for the bar to become a licensed attorney. But selecting the right certificate may boost your legal knowledge within your chosen specialty and give you an edge in your job hunting.
Even less-intensive certificate programs can be valuable. They may offer a way for you to explore new legal niches and ultimately allow you to redirect your career. You might, for instance, switch from financial advice to focus more directly on estate planning. You also could pursue certificates for specific occupations such as a paralegal.
Undecided or unclear about whether a legal certificate is right for you? Here are the answers to some common questions about pursuing legal certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Certificate Programs
How long does it take to complete a legal certificate?
The length of time varies widely by programs, but most take a couple of semesters. Some students who want to earn a certificate while pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree may be allowed to spread out the required certificate courses over several semesters. A few certificate programs that accrue continuing legal education credits can be finished in days or weeks.
Is a legal certificate worth it?
This is a question you can answer best after careful consideration. Costs for legal certificate programs vary. Some law schools charge per single course credit, and some legal certificates require a dozen or more credits for completion. It’s up to you to weigh if the financial investment and effort will be worth it in the long run.
What background do I need to enroll in a legal certificate program?
Most legal certificate programs are offered by law schools and require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree at minimum. The exceptions are programs that allow undergraduates to work toward a legal certificate concurrently with their degree.
Some legal certificate programs are aimed at lawyers who hold a J.D. degree or at those who are enrolled in graduate school for their LL.M. or MLS. Still, other programs are open to students and working professionals who want to acquire legal knowledge without necessarily pursuing a law-related degree.
Information on this page was last retrieved in October 2021.
Master of Legal Studies
The online Master of Legal Studies program from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law teaches professionals from a variety of fields the fundamental legal skills they need to better execute their law-related responsibilities. Through a combination of live online classes, weekly self-paced course work, and in-person residencies, students learn to analyze legal concepts to make more informed decisions and enhance their professional credibility. No GRE or LSAT scores are required to apply.
- No GRE or LSAT scores required to apply
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- Dispute resolution concentration available
