ERISA Paralegal?

[FundeK]

How would one go about becoming a paralegal with an ERISA specialization? Also, is one of the different paralegal certifications better than another? What would you expect an "ERISA paralegal" to do or where would they normally work?

[Appleby]

I’d say by being a paralegal (preferably certified) with experience in ERISA. Even better if you have the ERISA/QP certifications, such as those from NIPA, ASPA , ICB etc. to support your experience, but by then you may no longer want to be a paralegal, instead you may now want to be a consultant.

As far as the job description, it may vary among employers- similar to “retirement plan consultant” which means something different for each employer.

[FundeK]

So if you have your ASPA CPC, QPA, and QKA designations, would there be any reason to consider getting a paralegal certification?

[Appleby]

The paralegal certification course covers material not included in the retirement plan courses. Therefore, is someone really wants to be a paralegal, then it may make sense to get the paralegal certification

[E as in ERISA]

I would expect an ERISA paralegal to work in a law firm or legal division and work with plan documents and policies & procedures and determination letter filings. A person with those other designations may not necessarily have much hands-on experience with with those documents. However, the practical knowledge might be much more helpful in understanding what the provisions and questions mean. If you can sell the fact that your knowledge and experience in working with plan operations is more valuable than the paralegal designation, you might not need the certification.

[Appleby]

Agreed. Good point