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The demand for paralegals in the country is on the rise.
There is a need for highly-trained, ethical paralegals to assist attorneys and law firms with their cases.
Anyone considering a career in the legal field that provides a competitive salary and plenty of perks should consider this in-demand career.
Keep reading to learn more about the career outlooks and educational opportunities in the state of Arizona.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements for Becoming a Paralegal in Arizona
Currently, there is no requirement for certification to become a paralegal in Arizona.
A paralegal must be certified if they want to work unsupervised and separate from an attorney or legal firm.
Additionally, any individual who prepares legal documents as a paralegal must also complete continuing legal education or CLE each year.
Continuing education consists of 10 hours per year.
5 Paralegal Schools in Arizona
There are several educational opportunities available in Arizona for individuals who want to train to become successful paralegals in Arizona.
These top five schools are a few of the best options in the state.
Bryan University
This online paralegal school provides students with the in-depth education and training they need to become successful and effective paralegals in Arizona.
The tuition for this program per semester is approximately 7,500.
This program is designed to provide a bachelor of Science and paralegal studies.
The location of the university campus is 350 West Washington Street, Tempe, AZ 85281.
The phone number for the admissions office is 888-721-9773.
Arizona State University
Individuals interested in pursuing their master’s in legal studies or becoming certified paralegals in Arizona can enroll in Arizona State University’s 30-credit program.
It is ideal for individuals who don’t want to pursue a complete law degree—the cost of in-state tuition for this program for years is $11,338.
The address for the college is 1151 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287.
The phone number for the admissions office is 482-965-1608.
Mohave Community College
This comprehensive 2-year program is to sign to provide paralegals with an Associate of applied science.
The course has 62 to 63 hours of course instruction which is designed to provide skills for legal research, writing, and ethical practices.
The cost of in-state tuition for one year is $2,112.
The campus is located at 480 South Central Colorado City comma AZ 86021.
The phone number for the admissions office is 928-704-9400.
Phoenix College
This program offers an applied science degree in paralegal studies.
It focuses on all the legal information, documentation, and processes necessary to carry out the duties of a paralegal in Arizona.
This program is also American Bar Association approved.
The cost of tuition for Arizona residents is $85 per credit.
The location of the school campus is 1202 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85013.
The phone number for the admissions office is 602-285-7777.
Pima Community College Tucson
The paralegal studies program at Pima Community College is designed to offer an applied science degree and a paralegal post-degree certificate.
This program is Aba approved and designed to provide all the detailed information needed for students to succeed as certified paralegals in Arizona.
The cost of in-state tuition for this program is $2,250 per year.
The address of the college is 49 05 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85709.
The phone number for the admissions office is 520-206-4500.
Each school or training program for paralegals has its own curriculum and course requirements.
Additionally, tuition costs can vary greatly depending on the type of education and degree individuals pursue.
It is important to find out all the details regarding the institution or training program to determine if it fits your individual educational needs and budget.
Paralegal Schools in Arizona – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bryan University | 350 West Washington Street, Tempe, AZ 85281 |
| Arizona State University | 1151 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85287 |
| Mojave Community College | 480 South Central Colorado City comma AZ 86021 |
| Phoenix College | 1202 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 |
| Pima Community College Tucson | 49 05 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85709 |
Salary for a Paralegal in Arizona
The average salary for a paralegal in Arizona is currently $60,148 annually.
However, the salary of a paralegal can exceed $70,000 per year in some instances.
The factors determining the yearly salary can include years of experience, specialties, and the location of the job.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $59,417 |
| Tucson | $56,515 |
| Mesa | $59,426 |
| Glendale | $59,417 |
| Scottsdale | $59,426 |
| Chandler | $59,426 |
| Tempe | $59,426 |
| Gilbert | $59,426 |
| Peoria | $59,297 |
| Yuma | $61,682 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 90 | $55,770 | $26.81 | $80,530 | $40,490 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 60 | $55,620 | $26.74 | $76,630 | $37,820 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 5,830 | $68,380 | $32.88 | $96,330 | $41,200 |
| Prescott, AZ | 140 | $54,330 | $26.12 | $76,130 | $39,350 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 80 | $42,570 | $20.47 | $59,870 | $32,460 |
| Tucson, AZ | 810 | $56,670 | $27.24 | $76,680 | $36,940 |
| Yuma, AZ | 90 | $57,850 | $27.81 | $76,110 | $37,730 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Arizona?
Individuals wishing to become paralegals in Arizona do not need special certifications or qualifications.
However, if the candidate wants to be able to perform their job efficiently and with integrity, they should receive formal training, whether on the job under the supervision of a local attorney or at a program or a college.
To become a certified paralegal, you’ll need to pass the national exam.
Individuals who want to work separately from an attorney without supervision must be certified.
Can you become a paralegal in Arizona if you have a felony in your background?
Currently, there is no law against having a felony on your record while working as a paralegal.
It is important to note that individuals with felonies will likely have difficulty securing the best positions.
Do individuals need to recertify when working as a certified paralegal in Arizona?
Paralegals who want to work independently without the supervision of an attorney or a legal firm will need to be certified.
Upon becoming a certified paralegal, you will need to undergo ongoing education every ten years.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State