Working in the legal field can be exciting.
Whether you are interested in eventually becoming a lawyer or you don’t want to spend that much time in school, becoming a paralegal can be very rewarding.
You will be able to conduct legal research and support lawyers in many ways.
Find out what it takes to become a licensed paralegal in Nevada.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Nevada
There are a few things to know about becoming a paralegal in Nevada, whether you do so in Vegas, Reno, or elsewhere within the state.
Nevada does not require paralegals to obtain certification.
However, many of the law firms across the state will require this.
Additionally, there is no need to obtain a license, but some firms will have it as an employment requirement.
Here are some of the requirements you will need to have:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Have some kind of degree or employment history
Nevada is actually one of the easier states to become a paralegal because there are no age minimums, degrees required by the state, or experience.
As such, you will want to talk to the individual law firms to find out what they expect you to provide.
5 Paralegal Schools in Nevada
There are a variety of schools that will provide you with the training necessary to be a paralegal.
While the state of Nevada does not have any education requirements, many law firms will want to see that you have graduated from some kind of program.
You will find that there are quite a few paralegal schools in Nevada to choose from.
Northwest Career College
At Northwest Career College, you have the ability to obtain an associate degree in paralegal studies in as little as 18 months.
You will receive hands-on training and can choose between online and on-campus classes.
There are scholarships available, and the cost of tuition is $26,988 – which also includes that every student receives a laptop.
The hands-on training includes everything from writing briefs to legal research to mock trials.
It will ensure that you are successful once you are working within the Las Vegas legal system.
College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada offers an associate degree in the paralegal program, which is part of their Department of Business Administration.
You will learn about private law, corporate practice, and public practice – and all of what you do will help to familiarize yourself with federal and Nevada laws.
There are day, evening, and weekend classes, and the school helps with internships and job placements.
The AAS degree is earned in approximately two years (four semesters).
The cost of the program is approximately $14,000 depending on what financial aid is granted.
Truckee Meadows Community College
The Paralegal/Law program at TMCC is approved by the American Bar Association.
Classes are offered online and in-classroom so that you can learn about law and ethics.
The AAS degree that you receive will make it easier for you to seek out a career.
The program is completed in five semesters/two years.
The total cost will be around $8880, not including any kind of room and board.
Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College allows you to complete a certification program and become a Certified Paralegal entirely online.
You will learn the responsibilities and duties of a paralegal within the Nevada legal system.
You’ll also be fully prepared to sit for the certification exam by the end of the program, which is offered by NALA.
The program will take approximately one year to complete.
With fees, the cost of the program is around $7900.
University of Nevada Las Vegas
There is a paralegal certificate program available at UNLV.
It will take between 15 and 30 weeks depending on how much time you dedicate to taking the courses.
It can be taken online or in person, and the campus where you take the courses is in Paradise, just outside of Las Vegas.
The total cost of the program is $6634 and includes all of the fees that are involved.
Throughout the educational process, you’ll learn about practicum and law.
This includes learning the skills of your daily duties, writing, legal, and law practice.
You will also become more familiar with Nevada and federal law.
Paralegal Schools in Nevada – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Northwest Career College | 7398 Smoke Ranch Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89128 |
College of Southern Nevada | 700 College Dr, Henderson, NV 89002 |
Truckee Meadows Community College | 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512 |
Western Nevada College | 2201 W College Pkwy, Carson City, NV 89703 |
University of Nevada Las Vegas | 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154 |
Salary for Paralegals in Nevada
Paralegals across the U.S. can make quite a bit of money, but it depends on location, education, and additional skills.
Even some certifications can help you to earn more.
In Las Vegas, the average paralegal earns $61,441 according to salary.com.
With more experience and certifications, those in the 90th percentile can look forward to an average salary of $76,593.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Las Vegas | $61,441 |
Reno | $60,388 |
Henderson | $61,200 |
North Las Vegas | $61,441 |
Sparks | $60,388 |
Carson City | $60,629 |
Elko | $51,186 |
Boulder City | $60,599 |
Mesquite | $60,539 |
Fallon | $59,607 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Carson City, NV | 80 | $59,030 | $28.38 | $76,190 | $37,940 |
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 2,680 | $62,940 | $30.26 | $82,810 | $33,810 |
Reno, NV | 470 | $53,870 | $25.9 | $77,450 | $19,840 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the top opportunities for paralegals in Nevada?
You will want to explore some of the larger cities for paralegal jobs, which include Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno.
Is there a growing need for paralegals in Nevada?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics identified that there are approximately 1860 individuals working as either a paralegal or legal assistant.
There is anticipated growth of approximately 12%, which is faster than many other careers.
What are some of the paralegal certifications that can be obtained?
Paralegal certifications are available from a variety of different associations and as a result of passing different exams.
It can show that you’re experienced and provide you with the competitive edge that you need.
Some of the more common options include Advanced Paralegal Certified, which requires you to complete NALA programs.
There is also the Registered Paralegal (RP) which requires you to take a competency exam from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal