The legal field is one of the hottest industries today. This is especially true as more individuals and companies need legal services to navigate the complexities of regulations, contracts, intellectual property issues, and dispute resolutions.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just attorneys doing all the work. Behind the scenes, legal assistants play a huge part in keeping everything running smoothly.
As a legal assistant, you’ll play a key role in law firms, corporate legal teams, and even government agencies. Your main duty is handling important tasks like:
- organizing case files
- conducting research
- drafting documents
- preparing for trials
For clients and employers to trust your skills, you should consider earning one of the best online legal assistant certifications. These certifications offer flexibility, affordability, and career advancement opportunities.
Once you earn your certification, you can take advantage of the stable job growth in the legal field. Some 37,300 career opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are expected each year, on average, over the next decade, according to a U.S. News and World Report study.
This article highlights the top 10 accredited legal assistant programs online in 2025. We will compare the features, costs, accreditation, and career outcomes of these programs to help you decide which one is best for you.
Related:
- How Can I Get a Legal Assistant Certificate
- Will AI Replace Paralegals or Legal Assistants?
- How Can I Become A Virtual Legal Assistant With No Experience?
- What is the Difference Between a Paralegal and a Legal Assistant?
1. National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) – Certified Legal Assistant (CLA/CP)
Overview
The CLA/CP certification from NALA is one of the most widely recognized legal assistant certifications. As a respected credential, it shows expertise in legal procedures, ethics, law, and research.
Key Features
- Students have online self-paced or instructor-led study options.
- The program covers legal research, ethics, contracts, and procedural law.
Career Impact
Earning this certification demonstrates professional competence and commitment. It will boost your career prospects in law firms, corporate legal teams, and government agencies.
2. American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Certificate Programs
Overview
The ABA, through various universities and colleges, offers several of the top legal assistant training courses for paralegals and legal assistants.
Some of the top providers of ABA-accredited programs include:
- American National University
- Phoenix College
- Bay Path University
- Herzing University
Key Features
- It typically includes legal writing, litigation, and case management courses.
- It is available in fully online and hybrid formats.
Career Impact
Completing one of these programs can give you a leg up in competitive job markets, as they demonstrate that you’ve received training that meets the high standards of the legal industry.
3. Blackstone Career Institute – Online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Certificate
Overview
Blackstone’s online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program provides some of the most affordable online legal assistant programs. It offers a solid foundation in law, covering topics such as the rules of law, their origin, nature, and evolution. You’ll also receive customized study guides to help you navigate your coursework.
Key Features
- It covers law, civil and criminal procedures, legal research, and professional ethics.
- It offers flexible payment plans.
Career Impact
Graduates can sit for the Certified Paralegal (CP®) Exam from NALA, which can enhance career opportunities and earning potential.
4. Duke University – Online Paralegal Certificate Program
Overview
Known for its prestigious reputation, Duke offers a curriculum designed to give students an in-depth understanding of various areas of law, from criminal law to civil litigation.
Key Features
- It covers legal research, document drafting, and court procedures.
- This 100% online program offers access to live instruction and legal resources.
Career Impact
The program’s reputation and comprehensive curriculum open doors to opportunities for career advancement and greater earning potential.
5. University of California, Berkeley – Extension Paralegal Certificate Program
Overview
UC-Berkeley provides an ABA-approved online legal assistant training program for individuals seeking professional certification to enter or advance in the legal field. The program offers courses that emphasize the development of real-world skills.
Key Features
- It focuses on real-world legal scenarios, case management, and professional ethics.
- It offers internship placement assistance.
Career Impact
As one of the top providers of the best online legal assistant certifications, graduates are highly sought after by law firms, non-profits, and corporate legal departments. It helps students secure legal assistant and paralegal positions in competitive markets.
6. Liberty University – Online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Overview
Liberty University offers its Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies program through an online platform. This program is perfect if you’re looking for a program that emphasizes Christian values and ethics while offering professional legal training.
Key Features
- It covers legal research, business law, and litigation procedures.
- It offers flexible 8-week courses with financial aid options.
Career Impact
This certificate program provides a strong legal foundation for further education or immediate job placement.
7. Rasmussen University – Online Legal Assistant Certificate
Overview
Considered one of the best legal assistant certification programs, Rasmussen’s includes practical coursework on topics such as:
- legal ethics
- contracts
- legal research
Not to mention, it’s also a top fast-track legal assistant certification online.
Key Features
- It can be completed in 8-12 months.
- It includes real-world legal software training.
Career Impact
This legal assistant certificate program from Rasmussen prepares students for law office, corporate, or government legal support roles.
8. Penn Foster College – Online Legal Assistant Career Diploma
Overview
If you’re looking for affordable ABA-approved legal assistant programs, you should check out Penn Foster’s online legal assistant career diploma. It’s a budget-friendly online program with self-paced learning. It’s a 5-month program that costs as low as $59 per month.
Key Features
- This program covers legal terminology, contracts, and courtroom procedures.
- It includes career coaching and job placement support.
Career Impact
As one of the best legal assistant diploma programs online, this is ideal for those seeking entry-level legal assistant jobs without a large tuition investment.
9. Purdue Global – Legal Assistant Certificate Program
Overview
Purdue Global offers a Legal Assistant Certificate Program that focuses on entry-level legal assistant training courses. The program prepares students for a variety of tasks in law offices, including document preparation, client communication, and legal research.
Key Features
- It focuses on civil litigation, legal technology, and research skills.
- It offers interactive case studies and hands-on training.
Career Impact
Graduates are equipped to take on entry-level roles in legal offices, including positions as legal assistants, paralegals, or legal clerks.
10. Boston University – Paralegal Studies Online Certificate
Overview
Boston University offers a Paralegal Studies Certificate program that is designed for those seeking high-level legal assistant roles. The high-quality curriculum ensures comprehensive training in the essential areas of law.
Key Features
- This certificate program is fully online.
- It covers intellectual property law, corporate law, and litigation.
- This 14-week accelerated program comes with live instruction.
Career Impact
It’s one of the best-known paths for career advancement for legal assistants. It introduces graduates to well-recognized law firms and corporate legal departments.
How to Choose the Right Online Legal Assistant Certification
There are many best online legal assistant certifications available, but how do you choose the best one? Here are a few factors to always keep in mind:
- Consider accreditation. Make sure the program is accredited. Look for ABA-approved or regionally accredited programs to ensure quality education.
- Compare program length and format. Programs vary in length, from a few months to a couple of years. Some are self-paced, while others are live or hybrid. Pick the format that best fits your schedule and learning style.
- Evaluate cost and financial aid options. Compare tuition rates and check for payment plans, scholarships, or employer reimbursement programs.
- Weigh your Legal Assistant Certification vs. Paralegal Certification options. While the terms are often used interchangeably, some programs may focus on more specialized legal knowledge or advanced skills, like litigation support or legal research. Ensure the certification aligns with your career goals and the specific tasks you wish to perform in a legal setting.
- Review course curriculum and career support. Ensure the program covers critical areas like legal research, ethics, and litigation. Also, look for programs that offer career support services, such as job placement assistance or internships.
Career Outlook for Legal Assistants in 2025
Becoming a legal assistant in 2025 is a promising prospect. Take a look at the encouraging numbers and career possibilities:
- Projected Job Growth: Legal assistant and paralegal jobs are projected to grow by 1% from 2023 to 2033 (BLS).
- Average Salary: The median annual salary for legal assistants is $60,970, with higher earnings in specialized fields.
- Emerging Legal Assistant Roles
- AI-powered legal research assistants
- E-discovery specialists
- Compliance officers
Conclusion
- The legal assistant field is projected to have 37,300 job openings each year, with a 1% growth rate. The average median annual salary for legal assistants is $60,970.
- Online legal assistant certifications are a great way to enter the legal field without spending a fortune or committing to a lengthy program.
- The best courses offer solid training and career support and are recognized within the industry, giving you a strong foundation to kickstart your career.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, these top 10 programs offer the training, flexibility, and career support you need. By investing in your education today, you can open doors to exciting opportunities in the legal world.
