by 
Paralegals work with lawyers in a variety of settings – law firms, government offices, courts, and more.
You can become a paralegal in Nebraska quickly so that you can begin earning a great salary.
Then, you can be the one helping with legal research and more, making a difference within the state or federal justice system.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Nebraska
There are a few licensing requirements to become a paralegal in Nebraska, though this is more from the individual law firms rather than from the state itself.
The state does not have certification or licensure requirements.
Law firms may require that you have some kind of degree, whether it is a certificate program or an associate degree.
Many schools offer programs that are approved by the American Bar Association.
Additional requirements may include:
- Being a US citizen or legal alien
- Submitting to a background check
- Following ethical rules
5 Paralegal Schools in Nebraska
You’ll find that it can be easier to get employed as a paralegal once you have some kind of formal education.
Explore some of the schools in Nebraska where you can enroll in paralegal studies.
Some schools may even offer internships to help you gain experience before you graduate from the program.
University of Nebraska
While the University of Nebraska offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in law, the easiest option is to go through Ed2Go and take the Certified Paralegal certificate program online.
This is offered through the University of Nebraska Omaha and only takes one year to complete.
The program consists of 225-course hours, where you will learn about everything from drafting legal documents to conducting legal research.
The cost of the program is $2495 and encompasses all of the books and fees.
Creighton University School of Law
Creighton University has a School of Law, which makes it possible to gain a prelegal education and work as a paralegal.
You can continue your studies in pre-law so that you can ultimately sit for the Bar and become a lawyer.
The total program consists of between 96 and 100 credits.
Depending on the courses you take and how many courses you take per semester, it will take approximately four years.
You can also earn three degrees in several years with their program where you will earn a BSBA, a JD, and an MBA.
Creighton University has an undergraduate tuition cost of $43,018 per year.
The average student earns various scholarships and financial aid to reduce the total cost drastically.
Metropolitan Community College
There are two learning paths that you can explore at Metropolitan Community College.
A Paralegal Accelerated Certificate can be earned in one year while an Associate in Applied Science – Paralegal can be earned in two years.
You will learn about communication, organization, and a variety of quantitative skills.
The courses are offered online and in person.
The cost of tuition is $4380 per year, which includes four quarters.
Bellevue University
The paralegal program at Bellevue University is a four-year program, allowing you to earn a Bachelor of Science.
The program consists of 127 credit hours and can be completed online or at the Bellevue campus.
You’ll take such courses as Theory and Practice of Law and Legal Applications for Contemporary American Business and Social Organizations.
The cost of tuition can vary based on financial aid but is usually around $7851 per year.
This does not include room and board or books.
College of Saint Mary
You can earn either an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies (two years) or a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies (four years) at the College of Saint Mary.
The AA program allows you to learn about legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for a trial.
The requirements to earn an AA includes 70 credit hours that include general education and course within the major.
There are also service learning opportunities at the campus.
The cost of tuition is approximately $21,370 per year.
Paralegal Schools in Nebraska – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Nebraska | 1400 R St, Lincoln, NE 68588 |
| Creighton University School of Law | 2133 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68178 |
| Metropolitan Community College | 1234 E Hartman Ave, Omaha, NE 68110 |
| Bellevue University | 1000 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, NE 68005 |
| College of Saint Mary | 7000 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68106 |
Salary for Paralegals in Nebraska
The salary for paralegals across the U.S. can vary dramatically because of such factors as location, education, experience, and certifications that are held.
Additionally, some law firms will pay more to avoid a high turnover rate.
According to salary.com, the average paralegal in Omaha, Nebraska earns an annual salary of $56,866.
Those earning within the 90% range as a paralegal can even expect to earn around $70,890.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $56,866 |
| Lincoln | $56,592 |
| Bellevue | $56,866 |
| Grand Island | $55,810 |
| Kearney | $55,810 |
| Fremont | $56,019 |
| Hastings | $55,810 |
| North Platte | $54,112 |
| Norfolk | $50,651 |
| Columbus | $55,810 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 40 | $50,300 | $24.18 | $65,920 | $36,070 |
| Lincoln, NE | 370 | $58,340 | $28.05 | $77,420 | $42,550 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 730 | $65,000 | $31.25 | $89,170 | $46,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top cities to work in as a paralegal in Nebraska?
You will want to consider the cities that are most populated so that you can have the most opportunities.
The largest cities in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue.
Is there an age requirement for paralegals in Nebraska?
The legal age to work as a paralegal in Nebraska is 18.
Some law firms may allow you to complete an internship younger than that, but typically, to work as a legal assistant or paralegal, you should be at least 18.
What associations are available for paralegals to join?
Paralegals can explore a number of associations.
On the national level, there is the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
On the state level, there’s the Nebraska Paralegal Association.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State