Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The Nebraska Paralegal Association has been in existence since 1976. Today, it consists of more than 200 paralegals, legal assistants, attorneys, educators and company representatives, all of whom provide services to Nebraska’s legal community. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in May 2012, Nebraska paralegals and legal assistants averaged a yearly salary of $43,680. If you would like to learn how to become a legal assistant/paralegal in Nebraska, keep reading.
Nebraska’s legislature does not require that paralegals working in the state complete any formal educational program. However, becoming a paralegal in Nebraska is almost impossible without the right training and education. While some training may be experienced on the job, much of it must come from a paralegal education program in Nebraska.
Nebraska Paralegal Online and Campus School Programs
Featured Programs:
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, No GRE/LSAT required.
Post University - Online Associate and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Rasmussen University - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
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
Paralegal programs in Nebraska may hold American Bar Association (ABA) approval or not. Again, ABA approval is not vital to a program’s success or to your acceptance as a graduate of either an approved or a non-approved paralegal program.
ABA approved programs in Nebraska currently include:
Your paralegal education program in Nebraska may give you the chance to experience paralegal work first hand through an internship. This is a great way to learn the daily duties and expectations of a paralegal in Nebraska. If your school does not provide this type of opportunity, you may still pursue work experience on your own by contacting a volunteer legal aid service in Nebraska. While this work will most likely be unpaid, the experience it will provide you is priceless. Examples of agencies that may welcome the assistance of a paralegal student include:
Certification as a paralegal in Nebraska is not necessary in order to start a paralegal career in the state. Some employers, however, will hire a certified paralegal over a non-certified one, or will offer certified paralegals higher starting salaries than non-certified paralegals. The most common certifications in Nebraska that paralegals pursue are through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA):
Paralegal jobs in Nebraska are not just found within law firms. Corporations, non-profit organizations, academic facilities and other institutions often have vacant paralegal jobs in Nebraska. Examples of recent employers in Nebraska hiring for paralegals include:
Congratulations! Your dedication and determination have paid off, and you are now a paralegal working in Nebraska! Think about joining an association of legal professionals in Nebraska such as the following, which can offer you continuing legal education opportunities as well as networking and career advancement:
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