First, what is a Certified Legal Assistant? A Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) is a professional who has earned national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This designation shows mastery of essential paralegal skills.
While it’s a highly respected credential, the legal field has become increasingly competitive. Many professionals with the CLA designation choose to take their education further by pursuing a specialty certification. The Certified Legal Assistant with Specialty (CLAS) shows that a legal professional has advanced expertise in a particular area of law beyond the foundational CLA credential.
For those curious about a legal career edge, understanding the CLAS certification meaning is essential. This guide will explore everything you need to know about the Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) certification, such as:
- What is a Certified Legal Assistant with Specialty
- Why CLAS matters
- The difference between CLA, CP, and CLAS
- How to earn the certification step by step
- Specialty areas available under CLAS
- Cost, time commitment, and renewal requirements
- The benefits and career growth opportunities it brings
Related:
- What is the Difference Between a Paralegal, Legal Secretary, and Legal Assistant?
- What is Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) Certification?
- Affordable Entry-Level Paralegal Certifications: Budget-Friendly Options
- Top Organizations Offering Paralegal Certifications in 2025
What Does a Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) Do?
So, what does a Certified Legal Assistant do?
Unlike general legal assistant job duties that only involve research and document prep, CLAS-certified professionals often do more, including:
- Provide higher-level support
- Handle complex cases
- Assist attorneys with niche matters
Here’s a table that explains CLAS tasks better.
| Specialty Area | Example Tasks | Typical Work Setting |
| Corporate Law | Drafting contracts, reviewing compliance documents | Law firms, corporate legal departments |
| Litigation | Preparing court filings, managing discovery | Litigation firms, in-house legal teams |
| Real Estate | Reviewing leases, conducting title research | Real estate firms, law offices |
| Family Law | Drafting divorce agreements, managing custody cases | Family law firms, government agencies |
| Intellectual Property | Assisting with patents, trademarks | IP law firms, tech companies |
How to Become a Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS)
Next, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a Certified Legal Assistant with a specialty.
Step 1: Meet the educational prerequisites.
- Most candidates hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or a related field.
- Alternatively, significant legal work experience may qualify.
Step 2: Obtain the base certification (CP or CLA).
- Candidates must pass the NALA Certified Paralegal exam, covering communications, ethics, legal research, and substantive law.
Step 3: Pursue CLAS specialty certification.
- Select one or more specialty areas recognized by NALA.
- Complete the corresponding coursework or examination.
- Maintain required continuing legal education (CLE) credits.
Step 4: Register and maintain certification.
- Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) certification requires renewal every five years, along with CLE updates.
Pro Tip: Earning a CLAS specialty can significantly boost your credibility and lead to higher-paying opportunities. Make sure you meet all the Legal Assistant requirements and carefully choose a specialty that aligns with your career goals and personal interests.
What Is a Legal Assistant Specialty Certification?
A legal assistant specialty certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in a focused area of law, helping professionals stand out in competitive legal settings. NALA and similar organizations recognize specialties in areas like:
- Real Estate
- Corporate Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
- Family Law
- Civil Litigation
- Employment and Labor Law
- Criminal Law
- Intellectual Property
Below is an overview of the most popular CLAS specialty areas and what they entail.
| Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) Certification Specialty | Recommended Experience | Exam Topics | CE Hours Required |
| Corporate Law | 2+ years in business law | Contracts, compliance, corporate governance | 50 |
| Family Law | 1+ year in family cases | Divorce, custody, probate | 50 |
| Civil Litigation | 2+ years in litigation | Court procedures, discovery | 50 |
CLAS vs. CP vs. ACP Certifications
Understanding the difference between paralegal certifications helps legal professionals plan career paths.
- CP (Certified Paralegal): Foundational credential by NALA.
- CLAS (Certified Legal Assistant with Specialty): Advanced, area-specific credential.
- ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal): Emphasizes high-level expertise, often post-CP.
Here is a comparison of the CLAS vs CP vs ACP certification.
| Credential | Issuer | Level | Focus | Average Salary |
| CP | NALA | Foundational | General paralegal skills | $55,000 |
| CLAS | NALA | Specialty | Focused legal expertise | $70,000–$80,000 |
| ACP | NALA | Advanced | Comprehensive expertise | $120,000–$130,000 |
Quick Tip: Start with CP, then pursue Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) certification for specialized recognition.
Benefits of CLAS Certification
The benefits of a Certified Legal Assistant status go beyond simply adding a credential to your resume. The CLAS certification helps with:
- Career Advancement: CLAS credentials qualify professionals for senior legal assistant, case manager, or litigation specialist roles.
- Salary Increase: CLAS-certified legal assistants often earn 10–25% more than non-certified peers.
- Credibility: Certification builds trust with attorneys, law firms, and clients.
- Specialization: Demonstrates expertise in a niche legal area.
- Networking & Professional Growth: Membership in national associations such as NALA, NFPA, and NALS provides opportunities for growth and networking.
A professional shared that, after taking the NALA certification exam, the credential proved valuable throughout her career. Even after relocating multiple times due to her husband’s job transfers, the certification continued to benefit her professionally.
She later advanced by earning additional specializations (ACP), which provided continuing legal education credits and helped her maintain certification. This achievement showcases how NALA credentials can lead to steady legal assistant career advancement.
Cost, Timeframe, and Continuing Education
How Much is the Certified Legal Assistant Exam Cost?
- NALA CP Exam: $240 for NALA members; $280 for non-members
- CLAS specialty exams: $250–$350 each
How long does it take to get CLAS certification?
- CP certification: 6–12 months
- CLAS specialty: Additional 3–6 months per specialty
Do I Need Continuing Education?
- 50 CLE hours every 5 years (including 5 hours in ethics)
- Renewal fees: $125 for members and $175 for non-members
Important Reminder: Employers may offer reimbursement programs, and NALA provides scholarships for candidates pursuing certification.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential for CLAS Professionals
The legal assistant job outlook is strong, with an average of 39,300 new openings expected each year over the next decade.
Plus, the Certified Legal Assistant salary averages $48,215 annually, while CLAS-certified professionals often make $70,000–$80,000 a year due to their advanced expertise.
- Top industries:
- Corporate Law
- Real Estate
- Healthcare Compliance
- Intellectual Property
- High-demand states:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Washington, D.C.
Career impact: Those with the NALA Certified Legal Assistant with the Specialty status experience faster legal assistant career advancement, higher earning potential, and greater job stability.
How to Choose the Right CLAS Specialty Area
Here are a few tips on how to choose a paralegal specialty.
- Assess your interests. Start by figuring out what type of legal work excites you most. Do you enjoy the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of litigation, or do you prefer the structured, detail-oriented world of transactional law? Knowing what motivates you helps narrow down your options.
- Research market demand. Some specialties offer stronger job prospects and higher pay. According to current trends, the best legal assistant specialties are family law, corporate law, and real estate.
- Match to your career goals. Think about where you see yourself working. If you prefer a collaborative office environment, a corporate legal department might suit you best. If you’re drawn to advocacy or public service, consider government or nonprofit legal work.
- Evaluate program quality. Not all certifications carry the same weight. To ensure your credential stands out, choose programs recognized by NALA or the American Bar Association (ABA). These are widely respected in the legal industry and can make a big difference in your career advancement.
Case Example: Detail-oriented individuals might excel in corporate law, while those who enjoy client interaction might prefer family law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Certified Legal Assistant (CLAS) Certification
What’s the difference between CLAS and CP certification?
CP is foundational; CLAS is an advanced specialty credential.
How long does it take to get CLAS certification?
Typically, 3 to 6 months after obtaining CP certification.
Is CLAS certification required to work as a paralegal?
No, but it enhances career prospects.
Can I get CLAS certification online?
Yes, NALA-approved programs offer online options.
What are the best CLAS specialty areas for career growth?
Corporate law, litigation, real estate, and intellectual property.
Conclusion – Why Earning CLAS Certification Matters in 2026
If your goal is to grow, earn more, or shift into a niche that fits your passion, the Certified Legal Assistant with Specialty (CLAS) certification can be a solid next step. It isn’t just about adding another title next to your name. This credential can set you apart in a field where experience and specialization matter more than ever.
Beyond the recognition, CLAS certification can open real doors—higher pay, better positions, and the confidence to take on more complex legal work.
Here’s how to take the next step:
- Explore accredited CLAS programs through NALA.
- Combine CP and CLAS credentials for more flexibility and recognition.
- Invest in ongoing education to stay current and competitive.
Ready to specialize and stand out in the legal field? Get your Certified Legal Assistant requirements ready. Start exploring NALA-approved CLAS certification programs today.
