.0120 Standards for Continued Certification of Paralegals

(a)  The period of certification as a paralegal shall be one (1) year.  During such period the board may require evidence from the paralegal of his or her continued qualification for certification as a paralegal, and the paralegal must consent to inquiry by the board regarding the paralegal's continued competence and qualification to be certified.  Application for and approval of continued certification shall be required annually prior to the end of each certification period.  To qualify for continued certification as a paralegal, an applicant must demonstrate participation in not less than 6 hours of credit in board approved continuing legal education, or its equivalent, during the year within which the application for continued certification is made.

(b) Upon written request of the paralegal, the board may for good cause shown waive strict compliance by such paralegal with the criteria relating to continuing legal education, as those requirements are set forth in Rule .0120(a).

(c) A late fee of $25.00 will be charged to any certified paralegal who fails to file the renewal application within forty-five (45) days of the due date; provided, however, a renewal application will not be accepted more than ninety (90) days after the due date. Failure to renew shall result in lapse of certification. 

History Note: Statutory Authority G.S. 84-23

Adopted by the Supreme Court October 6, 2004

Amendments Approved by the Supreme Court: October 8, 2009