If you live in North Dakota and have decided that you want to become a paralegal, it’s time to start realizing your professional vision now. To do so, you must first learn how to meet the requirements necessary to work in your state. You can attain this information and pertinent data regarding the paralegal field by reading the short overview provided below:
Paralegal Certification
At this time, the state of North Dakota has no requirements for paralegal certification. However, obtaining certification can make one a more marketable job candidate. This is why pursuing certification is a good idea. According to North Dakota’s Rule 5.3, certificate programs must meet specific requirements, including the incorporation of at least 60 hours of coursework. 18 of these semester hours must include paralegal coursework. Requirements for the exam are contingent upon which certification test you take. Three of the four programs include the PP, PCC, CLA/CP, and PACE.
Requirements
North Dakota’s Rule 5.3 provides guidelines for individuals who wish to pursue an education in the paralegal sector. Those guidelines include completion of a post-baccalaureate program, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. The learning institution must be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or maintain similar standards of academic excellence. Aspiring paralegals can also opt to attain a bachelor’s degree in any sector. The degree must be supplemented by one year of on the job training or 18 credit hours of coursework in the legal sector. Finally, students can opt to attain seven years of hands-on training and work experience with supervision from a lawyer.
Paralegal Training
When an individual begins training to become a paralegal, she or he will typically master course material covering a wide range of topics. Some of those topics will include:
• ethics
• legal terminology
• litigation processes
• preparation of legal documents
• research skills for motions, briefs, and legal memoranda
Paralegal Schools
Individuals who wish to attain their paralegal education in the state of North Dakota can enroll in Rasmussen College. This learning institution enables students to attain a paralegal certificate or paralegal associate’s degree by completing comprehensive coursework covering a wide range of legal subjects. Some of the required general courses will cover subjects like Humanities, Mathematics, Communication, and English Composition. The bulk of the legal coursework will include Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, Civil Litigation, and Paralegal Ethics. The school also facilitates internship options. This option enables the student to attain hands on experience while being supervised by a licensed attorney.
Paralegal Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% rate of job growth for paralegals across the country from the years 2012 to 2022. The North Dakota Workforce Intelligence Network submitted 13.1% as the rate of job growth within the state for the years 2010-2020.
Paralegal Salary
In May of 2015, the average annual salary for a North Dakota paralegal was $42,000.30. This rate is below the national average of $48,350. The discrepancy is attributed to the lower cost of living within the state of North Dakota. Additionally, the median salary is higher in central regions of the state such as the Bismarck-area. Individuals who work in this region bring home an average salary of $46,800.
Don’t Delay: Become A Paralegal In North Dakota Today!
If you’re serious about becoming a paralegal in the state of North Dakota, now is the time to get your career going and growing. To make it happen, review the information and advice regarding how to become a paralegal provided above!