Law Certificate Programs

From law enforcement to court administration, the use of legal education can be seen in many fields. Different laws have been designed to regulate all kinds of business and social activity. It wouldn't be wrong to accept that a strong legal framework is the basis of every economy. The legal industry has grown in recent years and offers a range of career opportunities to individuals. Not long ago, most people assumed that lawyers and attorneys are the only occupations in this industry. However, with changing technological trends and economic scenarios, the complexity of law has increased. Many different legal experts are in high demand to fulfill jobs positions in various federal and private agencies.
 

Law Certificate Programs

A Law & Legal Process Certificate is a non-degree program aimed at providing students with in-depth knowledge about judicial processes, justice administration, and the various areas of law. The courses covered in the program may vary from school to school. Some of the courses covered in the program are explained in detail below:

The American Legal Tradition

This course explains in detail the court structure, judicial selection, and the function of courts. Students will get an insight into what different legal professions exist and what role they play in the industry.

Judicial Administration The course highlights local, state, and federal tribunals and court systems. Students learn about the administrative processes and judicial operations.
 

Law, Justice, and Family

In this course, students analyze laws related to family systems in America. Some key topics covered in this course include custody, divorce, family dissolution, child abuse, and more.
 

Juvenile Justice Systems

This course lays emphasis on laws designed for young offenders and criminals. As we all know, the legal systems for underage adults differs. Topics covered include juvenile court philosophy, adult jurisdiction, types of punishment, and juvenile justice system.
 

Criminal Procedure

This course will shed light upon the law of arrests, seizure, warrant, making of bail, and plea bargaining. Students will come across case law applications and criminal process standards.
 

Administrative Law

Students will learn about the law theory and practical aspects of administrative law. Topics covered in this course include administrative law hearing, stages of administrative law proceeding, documentation, briefs, and more.
 

State and Local Government

The state and local government course allows students to explore the various functions of governments in the country, racial discrimination, environmental protection, poverty, and policy making are covered in this course.
 

Business Law

In this course, students learn about laws designed to regulate business organizations, contracts, torts, and product liability.
 

Skills Acquired:

• Communication skills
• Business writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Decision-making skills

Credit Hour and Duration

The credit hour duration of a certificate in law is likely to vary from school to school. Typically, the requirement will range from 12 to 30 hours. Students can earn these hours by successfully completing all the course components.
 

Specialization Options

• Business law
• Environmental law
• Family law
• Torts law
• Intellectual property law
• Criminal law

Online Certificate programs

Students can opt for online law and legal process certifications. Not necessarily do students have to enroll in a campus-based school. Due to many financial or employment restraints, students are unable to attend college. To make sure such students get access to education, schools are offering online certificate programs.
 

Benefits of Online programs:

• All you need is computer and an internet connection to study
• Flexibility of coursework
• Students can receive individual attention
• Students can study from their homes
• No expenditure related to travelling or textbooks
• Self-paced programs

How to Apply:

• You must submit the official transcript of your high school diploma?
• If you are enrolling in a graduate-level certificate program, you will need to submit the official transcript of your bachelor or masters degree
• Minimum 2.5 CGPA
• Letters of recommendation
The admission requirements will depend upon the school you have chosen. All schools have their own admission criteria.

Advantages of Certification:

According to The Boston Globe, certificate programs are increasing in popularity. These programs offer students a fast and less-expensive path to training for a career. The enrollment of adult learners' in certificate programs has increased in recent years. Employers are looking for certified individuals who constantly upgrade their skill and career knowledge.

Employment Opportunities

A certificate in law and legal processes will qualify one for a career in the dynamic law industry, law enforcement, court administration, corrections, homeland security department, and even the military. However, it is important to remember that many other factors such as specialization, degree, and skill set will help determine the career-path ahead.

Here are a few career options students can consider:
 

Court Reporter

These professionals create word-for-word transcriptions. Court reporters are often employed by courts and legislatures.
 

• Median Annual Wage: $48,160 (BLS,2012)
• Growth rate: 10% (BLS, 2012)

Legal Administrator

Legal administrators manage overall operations of a law office. From marketing to budgeting, these professionals perform a range of tasks.

• Average salary: $64,002 (Payscale, 2014)

Police Officer

Individuals can join the law enforcement sector and work as a police officer. However, formal training from a police academy is required.

• Median annual wage: $56,980 (BLS, 2012)
• Growth rate: 5%

Corrections officer

Corrections officers are required to oversee offenders and inmates in facilities.

• Median annual wage: $38,970 (BLS, 2012)
• Growth rate: 5%