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Paralegals are an integral part of the legal team in the state of Oklahoma.
They fulfill a variety of administrative tasks and legal duties as instructed by a licensed attorney.
Becoming a paralegal in the state of Oklahoma can offer quite a challenging and yet very rewarding career.
Candidates who have a high degree of attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time may be a great fit for this career.
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Licensing Requirements to Become to Become a Paralegal in Oklahoma
The state does not require candidates to be licensed in order to work in the field in the state of Oklahoma.
In addition, there are no certification requirements in this state.
However, there are minimum qualification standards for this profession in the state of Oklahoma.
In terms of obtaining a qualification, the minimum standard is that the qualification should consist of 60 credit hours and be from an accredited paralegal program.
Alternatively, an ABA-approved bachelor’s degree will suffice.
Candidates are expected to obtain a minimum of five years of on-the-job experience that is under the supervision and guidance of a licensed attorney.
This experience may be in lieu of formal education.
5 Paralegal Schools in Oklahoma
1. University of Oklahoma
The university law division offers a Legal Assistant Certificate program.
The program is offered in synchronous and online courses.
Nine credit hours must be completed through synchronous classes.
The ABA-approved program prepares students to work in a wide range of legal settings.
Students may complete the program in 18 months.
Or, alternatively, students have up to five years to complete the program.
The program comprises 40 credit hours of general studies and 42 credit hours of legal studies.
The school features a law library as well as a modern, up-to-date classroom where students receive instruction.
Tuition per credit hour is $200.
2. Rose State College
Rose State College, a two-year public institution, is located in Midwest City, Oklahoma.
The school offers an Associate in Applied Science in paralegal studies program that is offered during the day and in the evening, to accommodate working professionals.
The ABA-approved may be completed over four semesters.
Classes are offered on-campus only.
Students are prepared to work in the legal field through a variety of legal and general courses.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for an entry-level role as a paralegal in a variety of legal settings while working towards greater responsibility within this role.
Residents pay $167.00 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $379.55 per credit hour.
3. East Central University
The school offers a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Paralegal studies.
The program consists of 54 credit hours of legal studies, 45 credit hours of general studies, and 25 credit hours of elective studies.
Students are prepared for a career in the legal field through a faculty of highly-trained specialists in the field of law.
Students are required to complete a 3-credit-hour internship within a legal environment and complete 124 credit hours of study in order to graduate from this program.
In addition, students are required to complete two three-hour courses in legal research and writing.
The program is offered in two formats: on-campus and online.
The tuition for this program is approximately $16,028 per year for in-state students and roughly $30,595 per year for out-of-state students.
4. University of Tulsa
The school offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in a paralegal studies program.
The program is offered in day and evening classes.
Students have a few advantages to studying at this institution.
There are two law libraries, access to a 24-hour computer lab, and career services available to students.
Students have the option to participate in internships with local law firms and organizations.
This will help students to prepare for the working world and allow the students to put theory to practice.
The program is offered on campus only and is ABA-approved.
Tuition for this program is approximately $44,838 per year of full-time study.
5. Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University, situated in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, offers a bachelor’s program in paralegal studies.
This program combines theory with practical application in order to prepare students to work in a wide range of legal settings.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the origin, formulation, and function of American law.
The program helps students to perfect legal research skills and critical thinking skills.
The classes are offered on campus during the day.
Local tuition is approximately $6,915 for in-state students and $15,315 for out-of-state students.
Paralegal Schools in Oklahoma – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma | 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019 |
| Rose State College | 6420 SE 15th St, Midwest City, OK 73110 |
| East Central University | 1100 E 14th St, Ada, OK 74820 |
| University of Tulsa | 800 S Tucker Dr, Tulsa, OK 74104 |
| Northeastern State University | 600 N Grand Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464 |
Salary
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $44,169
- Mid-career – $56,697
- Experienced – $70,675
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $55,099 |
| Tulsa | $57,867 |
| Norman | $54,737 |
| Lawton | $51,329 |
| Broken Arrow | $57,686 |
| Edmond | $54,918 |
| Altus | $51,148 |
| Enid | $54,556 |
| Mooreland | $52,580 |
| Stillwater | $54,556 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enid, OK | 30 | $46,910 | $22.55 | $58,130 | $28,960 |
| Lawton, OK | 40 | $56,620 | $27.22 | $82,910 | $37,690 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 1,240 | $58,250 | $28.01 | $80,900 | $37,340 |
| Tulsa, OK | 1,010 | $58,040 | $27.9 | $72,880 | $45,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a paralegal give legal advice in the state of Oklahoma?
No.
A paralegal is not a licensed legal professional.
Instead, a paralegal works under the supervision of a licensed attorney.
Only a licensed attorney may give legal advice.
What state pays paralegals the most?
While paralegals seem to be in demand in many states across the US, New York, Washington DC, California, and Colorado seem to be paying the highest wages for this position.
Are paralegals in demand in the state of Oklahoma?
Yes.
According to the department of labor, there is an increase in the demand for qualified and experienced paralegals in the state of Oklahoma.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State