Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
As of May 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 4220 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in South Carolina, earning an average annual wage of $41,750. Paralegals working in certain areas of the state earned higher than average wages. For example, paralegals in the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville region averaged $45,650 per year. Paralegals in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC/SC area averaged $44,560 annually. Paralegals working in the Upper Savannah South Carolina nonmetropolitan area averaged $44,030 per year. For more information on how you can become a paralegal in South Carolina, read below.
There are no statewide stipulations regarding education for paralegals in South Carolina. Education may be received in a formal institutional setting or on the job.
South Carolina 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
There is a variety of paralegal education programs available in South Carolina, some of which are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and some that are not. Approval status of a program is not mandatory in South Carolina, either.
ABA approved paralegal programs in South Carolina are:
If you attend an ABA-approved paralegal education program in South Carolina, you will likely be required to complete a paralegal work experience internship. If you do not, you may still pursue paralegal work experience on your own, through one of the many legal aid facilities across South Carolina such as these:
National certification is an option, not a requirement, for paralegals who want to work in South Carolina. There are two main certification bodies for paralegals. They are the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). One is not better than another is, it is simply your choice if and by whom you become certified.
NFPA offers these certifications:
NALA offers these certifications:
There are various career opportunities for paralegals in South Carolina besides within law offices. Companies, industry, businesses, non-profit agencies, and government agencies are just a few of the potential employers of paralegals in South Carolina, such as:
Good for you! You have completed your education, training and experience and are now a paralegal who is ready to work in South Carolina! You might want to become a member of a paralegal association in South Carolina, which can help you with your career aspirations. They include:
General Resources
Law Exams
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