Thoughts about certificates in the legal profession? Including certs aimed at non-lawyers.

[beachhouse]

So my thread has two purposes, the first is wondering how lawyers here feel about certificates including ones designed for non-lawyers. Second, is wanted to ask/share info on certificates that might help one in their career. 

I know the CIPP/C is popular among privacy lawyers and in-house counsel, the content is pretty good and this is on my to-do list. I know a few securities lawyers who picked up the CSI's Canadian Securities Course, and sometimes the Derivatives Fundamentals course. As someone who used to do hobby retail trading and worked a bit in securities law, I'm already quite interested in this subject matter, but seriously debating the steep costs. 

A cert I'm interested in which is incredibly rare among lawyers is CompTIA Security+, since it is an entry-level cert for cybersecurity/IT professionals. The cert provides a comprehensive overview without requiring the development of hard technical skills. For example, it will explain penetration testing and encryption standards without teaching how to implement them, similar to how the CSC won't teach options analysis/portfolio management but provides working knowledge of both.

My motivation to get this cert isn't primarily just for a legal career (current employer is planning to spend billions on developing cyber capabilities, which is a clear signal it will be an in-demand arena of expertise). However, I imagine this level of cybersecurity knowledge will make any lawyers who possess this cert stand out, especially as the topic is rapidly growing in importance.

Just wondering how everyone feels about certificates, and wanted to ask if anyone came across any useful ones they are willing to share. 

Edited April 12 by beachhouse

[LMP]

I feel like your question needs a little breaking down, because it seems like you are asking two things. 

One aspect seems to be, will a certification make me more employable. 

The second aspect is will a certification help me in a legal role. 

Others may have different (and more informed) views but frankly I think you should not put so much stock in certificates. I direct this primarily at the first aspect, how a certificate might help you get a legal job.

It would be one thing to have developed certian skills in a previous job, but just having a certification probably won't do much for you. I just can't see it moving the needle, especially for someone looking to lateral after already being called. 

[beachhouse]

7 hours ago, LMP said:

I feel like your question needs a little breaking down, because it seems like you are asking two things. 

One aspect seems to be, will a certification make me more employable. 

The second aspect is will a certification help me in a legal role. 

Others may have different (and more informed) views but frankly I think you should not put so much stock in certificates. I direct this primarily at the first aspect, how a certificate might help you get a legal job.

It would be one thing to have developed certian skills in a previous job, but just having a certification probably won't do much for you. I just can't see it moving the needle, especially for someone looking to lateral after already being called. 

I don't view it solely from just the perspective of finding a job or re-specializing, but a certificate shows demonstrable commitment especially from the perspective of non-lawyer corporate managers who usually attach weight to certs when hiring for their organization. Alot of lawyers will brand themselves experts in a 'current-thing' area of law but people usually won't take one's word for it until you show them hard proof. Its much easier to show certification as evidence on resumes than explaining how one has experience that may somehow be connected to an industry.

Personally I view getting certs from the perspective of making one more competent in their area of law by building one's knowledge foundation more broadly. Learning a subject outside one's comfort zone requires discipline and planning and so while the challenge itself is rewarding, understanding a field in depth will give you greater cognitive flexibility for issues and an easier handle when working with non-lawyer colleagues/clients.

[LMP]

I don't think people are really "taking anyone's word" for anything. Complex and significant work, especially in more niche areas (the ones that might be associated with a certificate) tend to go to firms with a reputation for being good at that work. And it is that reputation that people rely on to make decisions. 

If I'm hiring Stockwood's or HHR I'm not scrolling through a lawyers profile looking to see a certificate. 

And if I'm just a random Joe picking a lawyer my concerns are probably either cost or reputation (through word of mouth). 

It is the same as those silly LSO specialties they almost killed off. No one ever cared if someone was a "certified litigation specialist" or whatever. 

I'm sure there are some areas where cerification is highly relevant (estate planning for example) but like I said, I've just never seen it be that pertinent. 

 

[GoBigOrGoHome]

I think that sometimes people answer questions without knowing what they are talking about.

CIPP/C holds some weight. I have been told as much by lawyers practicing in privacy law. It demonstrates knowledge, and indicates a commitment to the practice area. 

Unlike a course based certificate, CIPP/C you have to pass a knowledge based exam. It’s not something that someone can accomplish in a weekend to pad their resume. 
 

I can’t speak for the other certificates. The CSC is stupidly easy I hear (well that was many years ago I heard that so things might have changed). If you are not interested in securities work it may be pointless but otherwise the privacy stuff is relevant to everywhere you work unless you have a privacy officer that takes care of it all (but still good to know). A lot of privacy law work is breach management/reporting. Older has a monthly privacy call if you are interested in this and it’s quite good.