Taking a special course helps you to distinguish yourself from the other applicants when applying for paralegal jobs in Wyoming.
In addition, make sure to attend a school whose programs are approved and meet the American Bar Association (ABA) standards for paralegal studies.
Finally, it helps if the institution you attend is accredited.
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Licensing and Other Requirements
Generally, there are no licensing requirements for one to become a paralegal in Wyoming.
All one has to do is get their education right, accumulate work experience, become certified, get a job, and work as a full-time paralegal.
Usually, the Wyoming Supreme Court’s Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3 is what governs the employer-employee relationship between paralegals and lawyers.
Legally, paralegals cannot practice the law.
Instead, they must be directly under the supervision of an attorney who accepts to take responsibility for the work and professional conduct.
This means that everything the paralegal does must be approved by the attorney they are under.
It is the attorney’s responsibility also to instruct all nonlawyer assistants regarding the issue of confidentiality and ethics.
The lawyer must also instruct a nonlawyer assistant on ethics and confidentiality.
Paralegals in Wyoming are free to choose between education in a college or getting trained while working to allow them to practice professionally.
Note that Wyoming does not have any regulations on paralegals, so there are no restrictions on education.
While no mandatory licensing or certification requirement exists, a certificate is an added advantage.
5 Paralegal Schools in Wyoming
Anyone interested in becoming a paralegal can make their dream come true.
It starts with identifying the right school and joining it.
Below are 5 of the most reliable paralegal schools in Wyoming that you should consider attending.
1. Casper College
This is one of the most beautiful colleges in America.
The school trains interested students by offering a post-bachelor’s legal assistant certificate that prepares them for the employment world.
In addition, students get to familiarize themselves with the use of Westlaw in legal research.
They also learn to prepare legal documents, organize a trial notebook, and other essential paralegal skills.
Generally, this certificate program is created to be completed in nine months.
The program costs approximately $3,366 for state residents, $4,653 for the Western Undergraduate Exchange rate, and $8580 for students from out of the state.
2. Laramie County Community College
This college offers students with an undergraduate degree a certificate for paralegals as long as they have already graduated with a degree.
The program can be completed in three semesters, and students learn to use traditional and modern tools to conduct research.
They also get the necessary skills to help them conduct interviews, figure out the legal system, and get relevant training to assist lawyers in their investigations and litigation process.
The estimated full tuition costs include $3,330 for resident students, $4,440 for the Western Undergraduate Exchange rate, and $7,800 for out-of-state students.
3. Post University
This is one of the universities that pioneered online education.
The school’s online program, Bachelor of Science in legal studies, offers a solid foundation in law and comprehensive general law education.
Usually, the classes are small, and lessons are taught by an instructor with both skill and experience in their field.
You can also access technical support via phone and email any time of the year.
Students are expected to pay an estimated $66,000 for tuition.
In addition, one needs a GED or a high school diploma to pursue this course.
4. Legal Assistants of Wyoming
Students can also learn and get effective mentorship that takes them to paralegal practice through organizations.
One of these organizations is the Legal Assistants of Wyoming.
This non-profit organization is available to offer mentorship to students looking to transition to paralegal professionals.
Members also learn about the potential jobs available to them and get valuable networks.
5.Rasmussen College/University
This school offers an online program to help interested students earn paralegal degrees.
In addition, students get certification for a paralegal Associate degree or post-degree.
These students are also equipped to tackle all aspects of the law from the courts, government agencies, and law firms.
Paralegal Schools in Wyoming – Summary Table
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Casper College | 125 College Dr, Casper, WY 82601 |
Laramie County Community College | 1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82007 |
Post University | 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, CT 06708 |
Legal Assistants of Wyoming | PO Box 155. Casper, WY 82602 |
Rasmussen College/University | 385 Douglas Ave Suite #1000, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 |
Estimated Salaries for Paralegal in Wyoming
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals in Wyoming earn an estimated average salary of $46,660 annually.
However, this is the average estimation of the earnings.
Some paralegals with longer and better experience earn way more than this.
The exact figures these professionals make also depend on other factors, including the organizations they work for and the field they choose to practice.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Cheyenne | $54,566 |
Casper | $56,034 |
Laramie | $55,216 |
Gillette | $53,216 |
Rock Springs | $55,200 |
Sheridan | $56,700 |
Green River | $55,200 |
Evanston | $55,658 |
Riverton | $55,132 |
Cody | $56,700 |
Regional Salary in Wyoming
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Casper, WY | 80 | $56,060 | $26.95 | $75,760 | $42,050 |
Cheyenne, WY | 150 | $54,890 | $26.39 | $71,900 | $40,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paralegal certification mandatory in Wyoming?
Whereas certification for paralegals in Wyoming is not mandatory, the Wyoming State Bar advocates it.
You can get it from accredited schools.
How do Paralegals get certified in Wyoming?
It takes a bit of effort to distinguish yourself as a paralegal.
One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to get proper training and a relevant certificate.
With different colleges available to offer this type of assistance, it is advisable to take advantage and enroll in one.
What are the benefits of certification for Wyoming paralegals?
This certificate, though not mandatory legally, gives students/ professional paralegals an edge.
In most cases, paralegals with this certificate get hired and are easily recommended by those involved.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal