Becoming a paralegal allows you to enter the legal field without the extensive educational requirements of becoming a lawyer.
The paralegal field delves heavily into research and finding existing legal precedent for various types of cases.
These professionals act as support staff for lawyers or legal teams in all industries, and in the private and public sectors.
As the need for lawyers continues to grow, the growth of the paralegal field is also rapidly increasing, so it’s a great career option.
If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, keep reading to learn about the various state requirements to enter the field!
States Requiring a Paralegal License
No states require a paralegal license to enter the workforce.
States That Do Not Require Licensure but Mandate Certification or Training
There are only a few states mandating training, including:
California
Although there is no licensure for California paralegals, the State requires a certificate from an ABA-approved or regionally-accredited program with at least 24 credit hours related to legal coursework.
Most paralegals in the State have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
Florida
The certification process in Florida is one of the steps toward becoming a registered paralegal.
Although optional, candidates can enroll in the Florida Registered Paralegal Program to help them find a job and gain experience in the field.
The State requires at least an associate degree to work in the field.
New Mexico
New Mexico requires certification from one of the national paralegal organizations to work in the State.
No licensure is required, but there are state experience minimums before working in the State.
For those who do not have experience, educational achievements, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, fulfill the requirement.
Ohio
Ohio paralegals aren’t required to earn a license or certification.
However, the State recommends national certification.
However, the State requires a bachelor’s degree and a training program of at least 20 semester hours of paralegal coursework to work in the State.
A paralegal bachelor’s degree fulfills the educational requirement.
Oregon
The State of Oregon doesn’t have any laws requiring paralegals to be licensed or certified to start work.
The Government recommends paralegals to seek national certification since it showcases the candidate’s skills and knowledge for potential employers.
The State requires paralegals to complete an ABA-approved program of at least 60 credit hours or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
South Dakota
South Dakota doesn’t require licensure, but mandates that all paralegals have a passing grade on the Certified Legal Assistant examination, administered by NALA.
Also, candidates must graduate from an ABA-approved paralegal program with at least 60 credit hours to be able to work in the State.
States With No Licensure Requirement, but Have Employer-Based Standards
The following states have no licensure, certification, or training requirements, but employers require a minimum amount of training or experience for hiring.
Alabama
Alabama does not require new paralegals to be certified or hold a license to begin working in the State, although most employers prefer certification from a national organization, like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Also, the State does not require a formal education, but employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program.
Alaska
Like Alabama, Alaska does not require paralegals to be licensed or certified.
Most employers want paralegals with at least a two-year degree in a legal field.
Arizona
Arizona also does not require licensure or certification to work as a paralegal anywhere in the State.
New paralegals must be supervised by an attorney, and employers want potential candidates to have at least a certificate program in paralegal studies.
Arkansas
While the State of Arkansas doesn’t require licensure or certification, most employers expect applicants to hold certification from a national organization.
Also, employers want candidates to have completed at least a paralegal certificate program before being hired, although this is not a state requirement.
Colorado
Although Colorado does not require paralegals to hold a license or certification, most professionals in the State are certified through a national organization, like NALA.
The State does require paralegals to hold at least a certificate from an ABA-approved school, with most having an associate degree or higher.
Connecticut
Connecticut does not issue or require licenses or certifications to practice in the State and does not have any educational requirements.
However, most employers require at least an associate degree from an ABA-approved program.
Delaware
Although Delaware does not require specific licensure, certification, or educational requirements, the State offers the Delaware Certified Paralegal program, an optional certification for those who wish to start at the highest level.
Several state-certified fields require at least an associate degree plus the certification.
Georgia
The Peach State does not have any certification or licensure requirements, but most candidates choose an ABA-approved paralegal certificate program to be more marketable to hiring managers.
Hawaii
Hawaii does not have an established requirement for paralegal licensure or certification.
Earning at least a certificate from an ABA-approved school will help you find employment more easily, with associate and bachelor’s degrees making you the most marketable.
Also, many Hawaii law firms have in-person job training to help newcomers gain experience.
Idaho
Paralegals looking to work in Idaho don’t need licensure or certification.
A paralegal degree program is also not required by the State, but it is the best option to differentiate from the competition.
Also, many degree programs have internships that provide paralegal experience, which will help with employment after graduation.
Illinois
Illinois does not require certification or licensure to start working as a paralegal.
Most paralegals hold at least a certificate degree.
Since there is a high level of job competition in Chicago, applicants should earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies to be more marketable.
This is also a great way to gain experience from an internship.
Indiana
Indiana paralegals do not need to be certified or licensed, but it is recommended to become certified by a national organization to be a more marketable candidate for employers.
Also, the State does not require training or completion of an educational program, but hiring managers recommend that applicants hold at least a certificate from an ABA-approved institution.
Iowa
Iowa does not mandate licensure, certification, or education to work in the State.
Most law firms prefer applicants with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
Earning a degree in the State will also provide students with an internship at a local firm, which is a great option for post-graduation work.
Kansas
Kansas does not require licensure or certification, but it is encouraged by a national organization like NALA.
From an educational perspective, the State only requires a high school diploma to practice, but employers expect candidates to hold at least a certificate from an ABA-approved institution.
Kentucky
Although Kentucky does not mandate certification, experts encourage new paralegals to become Certified Kentucky Paralegals (CKP) through the Kentucky Paralegal Association.
The State also doesn’t mandate licensure or educational requirements.
However, most employers look for candidates with at least a certificate in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved school.
Louisiana
While certification is optional in Louisiana, the Louisiana State Paralegal Association has a certification process for those who are interested.
Also, the State doesn’t require licensure or higher education, but it is strongly encouraged to remain competitive within the hiring marketplace.
Maine
Maine does not require licensure or certification, but a national certification or completing a state paralegal program is recommended by hiring managers.
Most law firms won’t consider applicants without paralegal training, a degree program, or experience.
Maryland
Maryland does not require licensure or certification to enter the workforce.
Most employers seek candidates with a post-secondary education, but it’s not required by the Government.
Also, Maryland’s paralegal training programs don’t need to be ABA-approved.
Massachusetts
Although Massachusetts paralegals don’t need to be licensed or certified to find employment, earning a national certification greatly increases their career prospects.
Most paralegals in the State have at least an associate degree from an ABA-approved institution.
Since many law firms want paralegals with some experience, finding an associate or bachelor’s degree with an internship will give students the experience needed to enter the workforce.
Michigan
Michigan paralegals don’t need a license or certification to work in the State, although earning a national certification will be highly beneficial when searching for a job.
The ideal amount of post-secondary education is two or four years in paralegal studies at an ABA-approved institution.
Minnesota
Minnesota joins the list of states that do not require a certification or license to practice in the State.
Experts agree that earning a certification through the Minnesota Paralegal Association will greatly expand your employment opportunities.
A two-year or four-year degree in paralegal studies is recommended, but not a requirement from the State.
Mississippi
Mississippi does not require paralegals to be certified or have a license.
Most paralegals have at least a certificate in paralegal studies that’s ABA-approved.
Also, most law firms provide job training once hired, and it’s advisable to enroll in an internship program while in school to gain additional experience and network.
Missouri
Paralegals in Missouri don’t need to apply for certification or licensure to work in the State.
The Missouri Bar Association recommends that future paralegals have at least an associate degree in paralegal studies, with a bachelor’s degree preferred by employers, despite Missouri having no educational requirement.
Montana
Montana does not provide licenses or certification for paralegals.
However, the State recommends acquiring certification via the NALA.
Also, most hiring managers want candidates with at least an associate degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved institution.
Nebraska
Nebraska does not have any laws requiring paralegals to be licensed or certified before entering the workforce.
Hiring managers want applicants to hold a certificate in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved college or university.
Also, most firms want candidates with experience, so enrolling in an associate or bachelor’s degree with an internship will help fulfill that requirement.
Nevada
Nevada does not require certification or licensure to practice.
Many law firms in the State require candidates to have a national certification from NALA or another recognized organization.
While no formal education is required to enter the workforce, most law firms want experience or a certificate in paralegal studies.
New Hampshire
The State does not require certification or licensure, but most employers want some type of certification, either at the state or federal level.
Holding this designation can make you more competitive in the job market.
The State also does not dictate a minimum educational requirement, but employers request at least a certificate in paralegal studies to be hired.
New Jersey
New Jersey also does not require licensure or certification, but many employers want a nationally certified candidate.
Also, a degree is not required to work in the State, but most law firms want an applicant who has completed an ABA-approved paralegal studies program.
New York
Neither certification nor licensure is required in New York for paralegals to practice.
However, the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) recommends that all paralegals earn certification to showcase their experience, knowledge, and qualifications to potential employers and clients throughout their careers.
The State also doesn’t require a degree, but ESAPA is working on implementing policies requiring post-secondary training.
North Carolina
Even though North Carolina doesn’t require licensure or certification, the State has a voluntary certification to enhance new paralegals’ careers.
To qualify for the state certification, candidates must have a paralegal certificate and an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree from a certified school.
North Dakota
Certification in North Dakota is voluntary, and licensure isn’t required.
To earn the certification, candidates need a degree and certificate from a paralegal program of at least 60 semester hours.
For those who hold a bachelor’s degree, 18 hours of coursework must be dedicated to paralegal courses.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma doesn’t have a certification or licensure requirement.
From an educational standpoint, candidates must graduate from an accredited paralegal program consisting of at least 60 credit hours or earn an ABA-approved bachelor’s degree.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Government recommends paralegals to be certified through the Keystone Alliance of Paralegals, since neither licensure nor certification is required.
Also, the State advises future paralegals to earn a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved school.
Rhode Island
Since Rhode Island doesn’t require licensing or certification, a national certification is advised to differentiate oneself from the workforce competition.
The State further recommends paralegals to have a certificate at a minimum, with an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved school being the ideal amount of education.
South Carolina
South Carolina law firms prefer that future paralegals hold a national certification, but this is not a state requirement, nor is licensure.
Also, hiring managers want candidates with a training program under their belt, preferably at the associate or bachelor’s degree level.
Tennessee
Paralegals are permitted to work in Tennessee without a license or certification, but a national designation is recommended.
A degree is also not mandatory, but an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies is recommended from an ABA-approved school.
Texas
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization has several optional certifications, and licensure is not required.
The State also doesn’t mandate an educational requirement, although completing a paralegal studies program is recommended.
Utah
Utah doesn’t require paralegals to hold a certification or a license to start work.
However, Utah has the voluntary Licensed Paralegal Practitioners designation that allows paralegals to conduct specific activities.
Candidates must hold a specific certificate or degree, pass an exam, and complete a background check.
The State also doesn’t have mandatory educational requirements, but most employers want applicants with at least a paralegal certificate.
Vermont
Vermont doesn’t require certification or licensure.
The State also does not dictate educational requirements, but an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is recommended.
Virginia
Virginia does not offer licensure, nor does it have state-level certification requirements.
The Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations recommends that candidates earn a national certification.
A degree is also not required, but most employers want candidates with at least a certificate in paralegal studies.
Washington
Neither certification nor licensure is required in Washington.
Most employers want candidates with a national certification and at least a post-secondary certification in paralegal studies.
West Virginia
West Virginia has no licensure, certification, or educational requirements to practice in the State.
However, employers expect applicants to have at least one year of experience or a training program that showcases their skills and knowledge.
A new legislation was recently proposed that would give paralegals who acquire a national certification or meet minimum education requirements the title of Certified Legal Assistant.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin doesn’t require licenses or certification for paralegals, although it recommends voluntary national certification.
Degrees are also not required by the State, but most law firms want candidates with at least an associate degree from an ABA-approved school.
Wyoming
Wyoming does not require paralegals to be licensed or certified.
The State also doesn’t mandate training, but employers want graduates of paralegal programs with at least 60 hours of education.
For those who seek national paralegal certifications, there are several available options:
- Certified Paralegal – offered by NALA, earning this designation requires passing an exam.
- Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) – passing this exam provides the candidate with the Certified Registered Paralegal title.
- Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) – passing this exam leads to the Registered Paralegal designation.
