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Legal operations is a major priority for teams of all shapes and sizes.
In fact, 70 per cent of CLOs consider it a top strategic focus for their department, and 83 per cent of corporate legal departments increased their legal operations budgets last year, with 81 per cent planning further investments. Meanwhile, 45 per cent of in-house teams in the UK and Europe now have full-time legal operations functions.
Given the function’s increasing importance, legal ops professionals will need to stay ahead of the curve to understand and meet developments in what's expected of them.
Certifications are a great way to build expertise, demonstrate credibility, and stay ahead. In this article, we’ll explore the top legal operations certifications available in 2025 and how they can help you advance your career in legal operations.
But first, let's run through why they matter.
The importance of legal operations certifications
Legal operations certifications have the potential to accelerate your career. They could help you earn more, get promoted faster, and make a bigger impact on your team.
Heads of legal operations now earn an average of $192,000, with the top 25 per cent making $240,000+. Certification certainly isn't a golden ticket to the top. However, it gives you an advantage in career conversations.
Certification also gives you influence within your organization. For example, one legal manager said that earning IILPM’s certification helped him gain “significant recognition” from his company.
And then there’s the network. CLOC, IILPM, and ALA trainings connect you to top industry professionals, exclusive job opportunities, and ongoing training. With the legal operations function evolving rapidly, these networks are a great way to always stay one step ahead.
The best legal operations certifications for 2025
Legal operations certification shows you know how to make legal workflows smarter, smoother, and more strategic.
But with so many options out there, where do you start? Which certifications actually make a difference? Which ones will help you land that next big role – or give you the confidence to transform your team’s operations?
We’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the best legal operations training available in 2025.
1. CLOC Core 12 Curriculum
The CLOC Core 12 Curriculum is a structured, in-person training program designed to develop expertise in legal operations. Covering CLOC’s 12 functional areas, the courses build essential skills in strategic planning, legal technology, financial management, and vendor governance.
Each course awards a certificate of completion and a digital badge, proving your commitment to legal operations professional development.
CLOC Academy courses are taught at in-person events only, such as CLOC Academy Days and the CLOC Global Institute in Las Vegas.
Who is the course for?
This legal ops certification is designed for professionals at all career levels who want to build expertise in managing legal projects. It provides structured learning for those new to the field, mid-career professionals looking to deepen their knowledge, and senior leaders aiming to have an even bigger impact.
With CLOC Academy Days, learners can choose courses that match their career goals, allowing them to build expertise at their own pace.
What does the course cover?
The CLOC Core 12 Curriculum is structured into three levels: Level 100 covers the foundations of legal operations, Level 200 focuses on practical applications, and Level 300 (coming soon) will help you to develop leadership skills.
Course overview
2. Certified Legal Manager (CLM)
The Certified Legal Manager (CLM) certification from the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) proves you have the skills to run a legal organization effectively.
It covers key areas like finance, HR, operations, and legal industry knowledge, giving you the expertise to handle the business side of law firms and legal departments.
Earning the CLM shows employers and colleagues that you’re a capable legal operations leader, boosting your credibility and career prospects.
Who is the course for?
The Certified Legal Manager (CLM) certification is for legal professionals managing law firms or corporate legal departments. It’s ideal for principal administrators overseeing strategy and operations, branch office managers handling daily administration, and functional specialists in finance, HR, or legal business management.
What does the course cover?
The CLM certification exam covers four key areas: financial management, human resources, legal industry knowledge, and operations management.
Candidates must show expertise in each of these areas, demonstrating they have the skills needed to run a 30- to 50-attorney law office effectively.
Course overview
3. Legal Project Practitioner (LPP)
The Legal Project Practitioner (LPP) certification, offered by the International Institute of Legal Project Management (IILPM), is a global credential designed for legal professionals aiming to enhance efficiency in managing legal work.
This certification showcases your ability to apply project management techniques to legal matters. For example, you'll be able to apply your legal skills to areas like planning, budgeting, and risk management.
Who is the course for?
The LPP certification is ideal for individuals leading legal matters, including both lawyers and non-lawyer legal project managers.
Eligible candidates typically have prior experience in a legal environment, such as working in law firms, legal departments, or as legal consultants. But it isn't compulsory.
What does the course cover?
The certification process involves completing the 'Advanced Legal Project Management' course, which equips participants with practitioner-level knowledge in legal project management. This training prepares individuals to effectively lead legal matters as legal project managers.
Course overview
4. Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS)
The Certified E-Discovery Specialist (CEDS) certification is aimed at professionals who manage e-discovery. Designed with input from 40 industry experts, this certification helps legal operations professionals advance their careers, increase earning potential, and improve their organization's legal and compliance strategies.
Whether you oversee document review, data collection, or compliance workflows, this certification demonstrates your expertise and gives you a competitive advantage in a fast-evolving field.
Who is the course for?
The CEDS certification is designed for legal professionals and e-discovery specialists who manage electronically stored information (ESI) in litigation, compliance, or investigations. It’s particularly relevant for litigation support professionals, in-house counsel, law firm attorneys, paralegals, and IT specialists responsible for handling data in legal matters.
What does the course cover?
The CEDS exam covers the entire e-discovery lifecycle. Certification ensures candidates understand industry best practices, legal requirements, and technical workflows.
The test is developed through a global job-task survey and follows strict psychometric standards to ensure accuracy and fairness. Candidates can prepare with on-demand training, study guides, and live Q&A sessions with experts.
Course overview
5. Executive Certificate in Legal Operations for International Business
The program covers compliance, risk management, contract negotiation, and legal technology, helping professionals navigate complex legal challenges. The course is flexible and fully online, making it accessible to students worldwide.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for legal operations managers, compliance officers, in-house counsel, and business executives who deal with legal processes in international business. It’s also suitable for professionals looking to expand their expertise in contract management, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
There are no entry requirements, and international applicants are welcome.
What does the course cover?
The program provides a broad understanding of legal operations in a business setting. It covers legal project management, compliance and risk management, contract negotiation, legal technology, data privacy, and dispute resolution.
It also includes leadership and change management, helping professionals apply legal knowledge strategically.
Course overview
How to choose a legal operations certification
There are many legal operations certifications available, each catering to different skill levels and career goals.
The challenge is finding the right one for you. Whether you're new to legal ops or a seasoned professional looking to refine your expertise, there are a few key things to consider before making your choice.
- Budget. Certification costs can range from under $200 to several thousand dollars. If your employer is covering the cost, check if they have a preferred provider or reimbursement limit.
- Experience level. Some certifications are beginner-friendly, while others require years of experience. Make sure the course aligns with your current skill level and career goals.
- Format. Some programs are self-paced and online, while others require in-person attendance. If you're choosing an in-person course, check the locations to see if travel is required.
- Certification type. Some courses award industry-recognized credentials that can boost your career prospects, while others provide certificates of completion with no formal accreditation. If you’re looking to strengthen your resume, check what type of certification is offered.
- Time commitment. Some courses take a few days, while others require weeks or months of study. Make sure the program fits your schedule and availability.
- Focus area. Legal operations is a broad field, covering everything from legal tech and process improvement to financial management and compliance. Choose a certification that matches your specific interests and career needs.
By weighing these factors, you can find the best certification to advance your skills, enhance your career, and make a bigger impact in legal operations.
Take your legal operations career to the next level
The best legal operations certification is the one that gets you where you want to go.
If you’re looking to master process optimization, LPP or LPIP could be the right fit. If legal tech is your focus, CEDS or CLOC’s Core 12 will sharpen your expertise. And if you’re after a leadership role, CLM or PMP can give you the edge.
The key? Choose a certification that builds the skills you’ll actually use – whether that’s managing vendors, implementing legal tech, or streamlining contracts. The right training isn’t just another line on your CV or a badge on LinkedIn. It’s a step toward a smarter, more impactful legal operations career.
How Juro can help with your journey
Looking to stay up to date with the latest in legal operations? Check out our blog and guides, which regularly feature legal operations-related content.
If you’re searching for the perfect legal operations role, keep an eye out for the latest opportunities on our jobs board.
Last but not least, if you want to connect with like-minded professionals then join our ever-growing community.
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