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Becoming a paralegal in Idaho requires acquiring relevant skills to help them work under practicing lawyers.
This means attending some accredited schools and equipping themselves with the necessary skills and practical knowledge to thrive.
Only then can they be considered qualified enough to practice in the real field and become salaried paralegals in the state.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Idaho
There are no legal regulations for paralegals and aspiring professionals who want to become paralegals.
With no registration, certification, or licensure required, your skills and experience are what set you apart from the crowd.
Note that many employers will opt for skilled and trained paralegals instead of those who are self-taught.
5 Paralegal Schools in Idaho
If you are interested in pursuing a paralegal career, you can consider attending school.
Fortunately, there are several accredited schools you could choose to attend, depending on what works for you.
Below are five of the best Idaho paralegal schools you should consider joining.
1. Lewis-Clark State College
This is a beautiful college in Idaho offering paralegal certification studies.
The college offers a 36- to 38-credit paralegal certificate program.
This program, in turn, opens students up to advanced legal and paralegal instruction.
It is ideal for interested paralegal professionals or those with prior experience in legal matters.
Potential students need to review the educational experience and the specific work needed for them to be issued with this certificate even before they apply.
It would be best if you were also prepared to pay a tuition fee of $5,562 for Idaho residents.
Asotin county residents get to pay $8,730, whereas non-residents pay $15,476 for full-time study.
2. Brown Mackie College
This college offers a paralegal Associate of Science certification to interested students.
This is a degree course offered at the college’s Boise campus.
It is meant to equip graduates with basic business, property, family, and criminal law knowledge.
Students undergo a one-month course to help ascertain their focus and commitment.
The course is completed in 26 months. A full-time course costs about $31,104.
3. Eastern Idaho Technical College
This is a school that cares about its student’s careers.
It is located in Idaho falls and offers a 2-year legal technologies Associate of Applied Science degree course.
After completing the period, students can choose to go to summer school.
The classes are small and sufficient to equip aspiring paralegals with the necessary skills to help them excel.
The course costs $4,521 for resident students and $9,667 for students from outside the state.
4. Idaho State University
The main campus of the university, Pocatello, is where the school offers the Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies to interested students.
The 4 semester-long course begins in August.
What is more, it only accommodates 12 students every year.
The cost of the course is $12,688 for a state resident student.
On the other hand, students from outside the state pay $37,352 while students of the Western Undergraduate exchange rate pay $19,032.
5. Lewis-Clark State College -LCSC
The school offers a 96-credit Associate of Applied Science paralegal program/ course.
Students acquire a general education and learn about the legal system.
Other important legal tasks such as research and critical thinking skills also matter.
The course also helps students become better organized.
The semester fee costs $17,352 for state residents, $26,856 for residents from Asotin County, and $48,288 for students from other states.
Paralegal Schools in Idaho – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Lewis-Clark State College | 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501 |
| Brown Mackie College | 9050 W Overland Rd STE 100, Boise, ID 83709 |
| Eastern Idaho Technical College | 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 |
| Idaho State University | 921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83209 |
| Lewis-Clark State College | 500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501 |
Salaries for Paralegals in Idaho
Different employers pay varying amounts to their paralegals.
The amount one earns depends on the employer/ firm, the city they are in, and other factors that govern salaries.
However, on average, the median salary for paralegals in Idaho is $63,562 annually.
While this is the median, the salary ranges from $49,758 and can go up to $79,522 or more.
Generally, though, paralegals in Idaho can make a significant amount of money per year, depending on where they are employed.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise | $56,014 |
| Nampa | $55,412 |
| Pocatello | $52,269 |
| Idaho Falls | $54,677 |
| Meridian | $55,954 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $57,501 |
| Twin Falls | $52,088 |
| Lewiston | $59,395 |
| Caldwell | $55,352 |
| Moscow | $57,501 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 990 | $55,280 | $26.58 | $78,750 | $33,280 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 190 | $56,480 | $27.16 | $79,570 | $34,820 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 160 | $48,000 | $23.08 | $63,880 | $28,440 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 40 | $52,590 | $25.29 | $77,630 | $34,540 |
| Pocatello, ID | 60 | $44,890 | $21.58 | $62,030 | $29,080 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 80 | $49,330 | $23.72 | $75,370 | $39,810 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a paralegal in Idaho?
Consider attending any of the colleges offering courses on paralegal studies.
This gives you a better chance of competing for the slots available.
In addition, employers consider you a better professional if you are trained.
Is it worth it working as a paralegal in Idaho?
Considering the average salary that paralegals in Idaho earn, it is safe to conclude that this is a good career path.
It is also an interesting way to get into a legal career.
But, of course, you can always pursue a career as a lawyer later on.
What are the advantages of getting a paralegal college degree?
Well, while one does not need to be certified to practice as a paralegal, it is an added advantage to attend a college for the same.
This not only increases your employability but also affords you a chance to get the much-needed experience for your professional resume.
Is it easy to find a paralegal job in Idaho?
Idaho has a large market for paralegals.
First, ensure you are an attractive candidate by getting the necessary qualifications and certification.
These increase your chances of acceptance and make you a more attractive candidate.
Do I need a certification to practice as a paralegal in Idaho?
You do not need a special registration, license, or certificate to practice as a paralegal in Idaho.
However, remember that employers prefer ABA-certified paralegals and are likely to employ those with college training.
It is therefore advisable to get the training and certification.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State