Attorneys Getting Their CIPP/U.S. Certification

In other words, attorneys who want to specialize in privacy law must keep up and stay educated. This will allow them to become experts in their field and offer clients a better legal service.

 
In recent years, the American Bar Association has stated that you can become a privacy law specialist. This is something that the International Association of Privacy Professionals or IAPP has wanted to create as a designation. Now, it is possible to market yourself as an expert. To do this, you need to get the CIPP/U.S. Certification.
 

What is the CIPP/U.S. Certification?

 
The U.S. certified information privacy professional certification is also referred to as a CIPP/U.S. This certification is going to teach attorneys all about privacy in the United States. Something to remember is that there is no uniform privacy law in the country. Therefore, the certification concentrates on different types of privacy laws. Here are some of the areas that you will be tested on:
 

• Healthcare
• Financial
• Education
• Telecommunications and marketing
• National security and privacy

 

What are the Reasons to Consider CIPP/U.S. Certification?

 
You may be looking for reasons to spend your time and money on the CIPP/U.S. certification. Indeed, there are many advantages to choosing this certification. Let's take a look at them.
 

It is the Global Industry Standard

 
Privacy law is a growing practice area and ties into a lot of different sectors of the legal industry. This means that more opportunities are arising for your legal career. Suppose you have an interest in privacy law and you want to work in this field. In that case, you need a certification that is going to be recognized and respected. This is where the CIPP/U.S. certification comes in. It has become the global industry standard for legal professionals in this area. Therefore, many job positions are going to ask for evidence that you have achieved this certification.
 

You Can Broaden Your Understanding

 
If you are familiar with privacy law, you will know how fast this law area is changing. Therefore, you have to do everything in your power to keep up-to-date and broaden your understanding of the subject. An excellent way to do this is by taking the CIPP/U.S. examination. This is going to test your knowledge and expand your understanding of the topic. Since the certification covers a wide range of privacy laws, this gives you a comprehensive overview to apply to your legal career. Indeed, you will be viewed as an expert on the subject.
 

It Is Good on Your Resume

 
Let's not forget that your resume is always a work in progress if you want to grow in your legal career. Privacy law is a hot practice area with elements in all areas of law due to technology. Therefore, it is always going to be useful to have the CIPP/U.S. on your resume. This will show employers that you know all about privacy laws and how they can be followed and implemented in the workplace.
 

It Can Lead to Promotion

 
Adding qualifications to your resume is not only suitable for future positions, but it can also be a way for you to gain a promotion at your current office. As we have mentioned, privacy law is growing, becoming part of our everyday lives due to technology. Knowledge of privacy law is going to be an asset to law firms now and into the future. By completing your CIPP/U.S. certification, you can demonstrate that you possess the knowledge that a company needs. This can lead to promotion and gaining new responsibilities since you are viewed as an expert in your field.
 

Is the CIPP/U.S. Exam Difficult?

 
For those attorneys hoping the CIPP/US will be easy, we hate to disappoint you. The examination for this certification is known to be complicated. This means that you will have to put many hours into studying and prioritizing this work in the evenings if you are already a practicing attorney. Thoroughly preparing will give you the best opportunity to pass the first time you sit the exam. The IAPP has recommended that around 30 hours of study time is required. However, previous attorneys that have sat the exam recommend approximately 60 hours to understand the concepts better. While it is not as challenging as the state bar exams, it will still be a hard test and one that you should take seriously.
 
The good news is that many of the questions you are asked will be found in the recommended books. Thus, if you use this to study, you will attain the knowledge you need to pass the exam comfortably. You do not have to research the information ahead of time. Studying is going to be enough. Namely, you will need to know the important articles for privacy law. There are practice questions available on the internet that can help you study.
 

What Can I Expect During the CIPP/U.S. Exam?

 
Once you have studied and are ready to sit the exam, you can start the process for this on the IAPP website. You can follow the registration process and purchase an exam voucher. This can be used to find a test center that you can attend. There are many in the United States that you can choose from. You are not allowed to take in any materials with you, such as books or notes.
 
The examination will last around 150 minutes. You will be answering 90 multiple-choice questions. Most attorneys that sit this exam say that this is enough time to answer all of the questions. There are also some scenario questions that you will have to answer. These questions will take more time, which is why you should respond to the multiple-choice as quickly as possible. This is going to leave you more time to deliberate over the scenarios.
 

How Can I Study for the CIPP/U.S. Exam?

 
If you have been in the legal industry a while, it has been a long time since you hit the books and studied. But there is a lot of support available for the CIPP/U.S. certification. Namely, this information is on the internet and available from AIPP themselves. This is the best way to shape your studying and know where to start.
 
First, you can download the Body of Knowledge. This is going to detail all of the topics you are going to be tested on. There are going to be five sections that you have to study for. On the Exam Blueprint, you will be able to find out how many questions are attributed to each section. It is essential to ensure that you download the most updated Body of Knowledge and Exam Blueprint. The sections can change, and since privacy laws develop rapidly, you have to ensure you are studying the right topics.
 
There will be one book that will be your best friend throughout your time studying. This is the U.S. Private-Sector Privacy book by IAPP. This is going to cover all of the topics you will be tested on. But there are also free sources available online that can offer you a different perspective and help with your studying. Also, there are courses online, too, if you thrive with a structured learning approach.
 
In particular, there are practice questions that are available on the internet. This can be a great way to test what you are learning and prepare you for the exam's multiple-choice and scenario questions. It is a way to put your hours of study into practice and ensure that you absorb the right information and can put it into words.
 
When it comes to studying, everybody learns differently. While some people like to make flashcards, others enjoy making notes and spreadsheets. But do not be afraid to explore new ways of learning. For example, it can be beneficial to create charts for federal laws. Sometimes, seeing something can be a fantastic way to understand information.
 
If you have some weak spots when you are studying, make sure you dedicate more time to the topic. Practice questions are terrific ways to test your knowledge and see what areas need more work. While the AIPP recommends 30 hours of study, you can always spend more time so that you are confident and ready for the exam. After all, sitting the CIPP/U.S. is not a cheap process. Therefore, you want to ensure that you pass the first time.
About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.