Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The Arkansas Labor Market Information Source, Discover Arkansas, has projected that between the years 2008 and 2018, job opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants in Arkansas will grow by a whopping 23.6 percent. This projection equals an annual addition of 56 paralegal jobs to Arkansas’ job market during that decade. Students who wish to discover how to become a paralegal in Arkansas should be happy with this positive projection. Paralegals in Arkansas require education and experience in order to effectively perform duties in the assistance of attorneys. If you wish to know how to become a paralegal in Arkansas, read below.
Arkansas paralegals must have education in many areas of the law in order to effectively assist attorneys and lawyers. Paralegal schools in Arkansas may offer certificates or degrees upon the completion of studies. Courses in a paralegal program will include general legal courses and optional legal specialty courses. Examples of knowledge and skills you will learn in an Arkansas paralegal program include:
Arkansas Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Featured Programs:
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Liberty University - Online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Rasmussen College - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Liberty University - Online Juris Master – American Legal Studies
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school by U.S. News & World Report - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, Bachelor's Required
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law - Online Master of Legal Studies Program, Bachelor's Required
American University - Online Master of Legal Studies- No GRE/ LSAT Req'd, Five Concentrations Available, Bachelor's Required
Less than 25 percent of all paralegal schools across the United States are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Arkansas paralegals need not be graduates of schools accredited by the ABA), but some Arkansas employers of paralegals require that potential employees are graduates of ABA-accredited paralegal schools. Additionally, if you wish to go on for further education after obtaining a certificate or degree in paralegal studies, some colleges require that students be graduates of ABA-accredited paralegal schools in order to accept credits you earned there. ABA-accredited paralegal programs in Arkansas include:
Your Arkansas paralegal studies program may incorporate a work experience component, or internship. This is a great way to earn valuable paralegal work experience while still a student. If your school does not offer such a program, consider volunteering with a legal services or pro bono organization. In Arkansas, these include:
Certification for paralegals in Arkansas is strictly voluntary. It is recommended by most advocacy groups for paralegals in Arkansas, such as the Arkansas Paralegal Alliance and the Arkansas Paralegal Association. The National Association of Legal Assistants, or NALA, offers two popular certifications for paralegals:
Paralegals in Arkansas do not just work for law firms and the courts. Corporations, non-profit agencies, government organizations, and private industry may all hire paralegals to assist in legal work. In Arkansas, employers of paralegals may include:
Congrats! You are now a paralegal in Arkansas! If you hold certification with NALA, you must make sure to complete the necessary Continuing Legal Education (CLE) to maintain that certification. Even paralegals in Arkansas who do not hold certification can benefit from taking CLE. Courses that have CLE designation and are currently being offered by the Arkansas Paralegal Alliance include:
Additionally, contemplate joining an association of Arkansas paralegals such as the ones below. They can help you in career advancement, networking and CLE:
Arkansas Paralegal Association
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