by 
Becoming a paralegal in Minnesota is a great way to get involved with the legal system.
You can work side-by-side with lawyers, helping with court documents, trial preparations, and legal research.
There aren’t a lot of requirements, and you can decide whether you want to start with a one-year certificate or focus on getting an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Knowing how to get started will help you stay focused.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Minnesota
The state of Minnesota does not require any kind of licensure or certification.
The certification is voluntary, and many law firms will require it.
As such, it is a good idea to move forward.
For certification, you will need to go through a background check and have the education of at least a paralegal certificate.
You will also need to pass the paralegal certification exam.
Additional requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years of age
- Being a US citizen or legal alien
- Following ethical and professional guidelines of a paralegal association
5 Paralegal Schools in Minnesota
A variety of schools are in Minnesota, where you can earn a certificate or degree to help you become a paralegal.
Consider what each school has to offer, including the cost of the program and the kind of education you will receive.
The Associate in Science includes a total of 60 credit hours and will take approximately two years for you to complete – assuming that you have all of the necessary prerequisites met.
The cost of the program is estimated at $11,264, which assumes you will take 15 credits per term for a total of four terms (two years).
It includes all of the fees, but books and supplies would be extra.
North Hennepin Community College
North Hennepin Community College offers two programs for you to choose from – an AS degree in Paralegal Studies or a Certificate program.
Throughout the courses, you will learn about writing contracts, performing legal research, and the various areas of law.
Most of the courses are offered in the afternoon or evening for your convenience – and some courses are hybrid, allowing you to do some of the work online.
The program consists of 60 credit hours and will take four semesters to complete assuming you are going full-time.
The cost of the program is billed at $203.41 per credit hour.
Inver Hills Community College
Inver Hills offers a paralegal program that has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1978.
You will work under the supervision of civil and criminal attorneys so that you can learn about legal practices, transactions, and more.
Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College will allow you to earn an Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies.
There are options to take the courses online as well as on the campus in Duluth, MN.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn about conducting interviews, drafting legal documents, and organizing cases.
The program takes approximately two years to complete – and you will have the ability to transfer to a four-year university upon graduation if you wish to pursue your bachelor’s degree.
The estimated cost of tuition and fees for the entirety of the degree Is $11,000 for MN residents.
Minnesota State University
A BS in Paralegal is currently offered at Minnesota State University.
It is one of the few four-year programs in the U.S. that is approved by the American Bar Association.
Throughout the program, you will learn about writing, research, and specific courses of study in the various sectors of law.
Various learning opportunities exist at the university, including service learning and internships.
In-state tuition is approximately $8980 per year and does not include room and board.
Hamline University
At Hamline University, you can take a Paralegal Certificate program entirely online.
You will learn about the foundations of US law, master technologies and strategies for legal research, and more.
The courses total 40 to 44 credit hours depending on some of the electives that you choose.
Overall, the program will take approximately a year and a half to complete.
The tuition cost will be approximately $45,145, though many students qualify for financial aid.
Paralegal Schools in Minnesota – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Hennepin Community College | 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 |
| Inver Hills Community College | 2500 80th St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 |
| Lake Superior College | 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55806 |
| Minnesota State University | 228, Wiecking Center, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, MN 56001 |
| Hamline University | 1536 Hewitt Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 |
Salary for Paralegals in Minnesota
The salary for paralegals in Minnesota can vary based on a number of factors.
Law firms will look at experience, education, and even certifications that you might hold.
The pay can vary from firm to firm, too, based on the kinds of cases they have.
According to salary.com, a paralegal in Minneapolis can expect to earn an average annual salary of $64,082.
If you are lucky enough to be paid in the 90% range, you could even expect a salary closer to $79,885.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Burnsville | $63,901 |
| Duluth | $57,050 |
| Eden Prairie | $63,973 |
| Lakeville | $63,685 |
| Minneapolis | $64,082 |
| Minnetonka | $64,082 |
| Rochester | $58,253 |
| Saint Cloud | $57,086 |
| Saint Paul | $64,082 |
| Angora | $56,509 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 160 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $79,080 | $35,570 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 80 | $60,160 | $28.92 | $75,360 | $44,850 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 4,660 | $70,000 | $33.66 | $98,240 | $39,790 |
| Rochester, MN | 130 | $65,240 | $31.37 | $92,950 | $47,130 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 140 | $61,000 | $29.33 | $86,480 | $41,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a large demand for paralegals in Minnesota?
Yes, and the demand is growing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that there’s a growth of 12% expected for paralegals in the next five years.
What cities have the most opportunities for paralegals in Minnesota?
You will find the most opportunities in some of the more heavily-populated areas of Minnesota.
Consider looking for paralegal work in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester.
Are there state-level associations that paralegals should join?
The biggest association to consider joining is the Minnesota Paralegal Association.
While the membership is often voluntary, it can provide you with access to various certifications.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State