Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
According to Tennessee Labor Market Statistics, as of 2012 the average paralegal in Tennessee earned $38,790 annually. The majority of paralegal and legal assistant jobs in Tennessee were in the Davidson County area (which includes the metropolitan area of Nashville), followed by Shelby County (including Memphis) and Wilson County (includes Murfreesboro and Lebanon). Education for paralegals in Tennessee is not mandatory, but the state houses many well-recognized paralegal studies programs. If you would like to learn more about becoming a paralegal in Tennessee, keep reading.
Tennessee does not order paralegals who want to work in the state to complete a proscribed course of education, training or experience. Increasingly, however, paralegals looking for jobs in Tennessee are finding that specialized paralegal education is the best route to employment in the state.
Tennessee 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
Tennessee’s paralegal programs may be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) but do not have to be. Other paralegals obtain degrees in related fields like criminal justice, then accrue the necessary paralegal work experience or learn skills on the job.
Tennessee paralegal programs with ABA accreditation include:
Most likely, if you attend an ABA-accredited paralegal studies program in Tennessee, you will be required to complete a paralegal studies work experience internship. If you are not, or if you desire additional work experience, consider contacting one of the following Tennessee legal aid organizations. These organizations work with less fortunate Tennesseans and could use the help of a volunteer paralegal student:
The Tennessee Paralegal Association recommends national certification for paralegals in the state, but it is not a requirement in order to work there. As it is part of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., the Association recommends certification from this organization. Their basic certification is the Certified Paralegal (CP) (also called Certified Legal Assistant, or CLA). The exam tests the following major areas of study and knowledge paralegals should know at the entry level:
Not all paralegal jobs in Tennessee are found within law firms. Corporations, non-profit organizations, government entities, and other organizations often hire paralegals in Tennessee. Examples of recent paralegal employers in Tennessee include:
Well done! You have made it through the necessary education, training and experience and are now a paralegal working in the Volunteer State! Think about joining a paralegal association near you that offers networking opportunities and advancement in your career, such as:
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