Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the U.S. Department of Labor states that as of May 2012, paralegals working in the state of Hawaii averaged a yearly salary of $54,850, making Hawaii the fifth-highest paying state in which paralegals worked. That year, there were almost 600 paralegals employed in Hawaii, making an hourly mean wage of $26.37. Paralegals have an important and challenging job in assisting lawyers and the public in legal matters. If you want to become a paralegal in Hawaii, read on for more information.
As Hawaii has no mandates regarding education for paralegals employed in the state, education is an option for aspiring paralegals in Hawaii. Without the right education, however, it is just about impossible to find a paralegal job in Hawaii.
Hawaii 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
Some paralegal programs in Hawaii hold accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) and others do not. ABA accreditation is not mandatory for paralegal programs in Hawaii, since there are no rules regarding paralegal education, but if you plan to become nationally certified later on, you might want to choose an ABA-accredited program.
One college paralegal program in Hawaii currently is ABA accredited:
Most paralegal programs, especially ones that hold ABA accreditation, require that you complete some sort of internship as part of the program. This will provide you with invaluable work experience in the paralegal field. If your educational program does not provide you with this great opportunity, you may still seek paralegal work experience in Hawaii on your own. Many pro bono and volunteer law services welcome help from aspiring paralegals. Organizations in Hawaii to which you might look for volunteer work experience include:
You need not seek national paralegal certification in order to work in Hawaii. Some Hawaii paralegals, however, decide to become certified to market themselves above non-certified paralegals when seeking a job. The Hawaii Paralegal Association recommends the following national certification for paralegals who desire certification:
Major law firms as well as corporations, non-profit organizations, educational institutions and many more entities may employ paralegal sin Hawaii. Examples of Hawaii companies that have advertised recently for a paralegal vacancy include:
Ho'omaika'i 'ana! You are now a paralegal working in Hawaii! You should think about becoming a member of a voluntary membership organization of legal assistants and/or paralegals. Such an organization can help you to advance in your career, to meet like-minded individuals, and to make the most of your paralegal career in Hawaii:
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