Paralegal – Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure

While all states require attorneys to obtain a license to practice law, the same is not true for paralegals. No state requires licensure as a prerequisite to working as a paralegal, which means that students who complete the Paralegal Professional Certificate program may work as a paralegal in any state.

While licenses are not required, some private organizations offer a voluntary credential, commonly referred to as certification, to paralegals who feel that the credential may enhance their employability in a given market. The specific requirements for obtaining a paralegal certification vary depending on the certifying body, but private certifications have no legal authority, and Villanova takes no position as to their quality or benefit.

If you are interested in obtaining a paralegal certification, you are encouraged to do your own due diligence as to which certification might make the most sense for you. If you have questions about whether our program meets any relevant educational requirements, please contact the College of Professional Studies.

Last Updated - September 2023