Arizona is one of the most beautiful states in the country, known for its scenic mesas and warm, friendly people. However, this doesn’t mean Arizona is without its problems, particularly related to crime. Some 235,119 crimes are committed annually in Arizona, which is why many people in this state consider a career as a paralegal. Working in support of attorneys, paralegals perform many legal tasks that are important for winning trials.
If you’re interested in working as a paralegal in Arizona, it’s important you follow the right steps to make yourself attractive to employers, as there are no requirements set by the state for entering this profession.
Arizona Paralegal Certification
Basic Paralegal Certification Requirements
- Certification: Certification is not required by the state of Arizona.
- Age: You must be a legal adult to work as a paralegal in this state.
- Licensure: No license is required. However, you must work under the supervision of an attorney unless you have become a Legal Document Preparer.
- Degree: To increase employment opportunities, you should complete either a certificate program, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
- Experience: Acquiring experience is often a requirement for most Arizona law firms. You can gain this experience by volunteering as a legal assistant or working pro bono. This will also help you develop the skills necessary for successful paralegal work.
- Citizenship: US citizens and legal aliens who live in Arizona can work as paralegals.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: You may be required to undergo a background check at the discretion of your employer.
- Ethics: Paralegals in Arizona should abide by their profession’s code of ethics.
Becoming a Paralegal in Arizona
Paralegal Certification Process in Arizona
If you want to work as a paralegal without having to be certified by an attorney, you would apply to become a Legal Document Preparer. This requires passing an exam and paying required fees. To maintain this designation, you must acquire ten hours of continuing education each year.
Many Arizona paralegals will apply for national certification, even though it is not required by the state. National organizations that certify paralegals include the National Association of Legal Assistants, the American Alliance of Paralegals and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
Arizona Paralegal Degrees
Proper education is the key in becoming a paralegal in Arizona, which means choosing a related degree. Degrees that can be useful for becoming a paralegal can include paralegal studies and criminal justice. Aspiring paralegals should also be sure to take courses in areas like legal research and legal writing.
Major Cities in Arizona
- Phoenix is easily the largest city in Arizona with a population nearing 1.6 million people.
- Tucson is Arizona’s second-largest community and has 531,641 residents.
- Mesa has 471,825 citizens.
What Does a Paralegal Do in Arizona?
Paralegals work to assist attorneys with common legal tasks. A paralegal can gather evidence for cases, construct legal documents, contact individuals related to a case and can aid attorneys during a trial by taking notes and reading trial transcripts for pertinent information. Paralegals in Arizona cannot work unsupervised without the Legal Document Preparer Designation.
Arizona Legal Assistant and Related Careers
A legal assistant is the career that is most closely related to working as a paralegal. Other similar careers include claims adjusters and legal secretaries to a much lesser extent.
Employment Numbers in Arizona
The most recent numbers made available to the public by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that there were 4,950 paralegals working in Arizona in 2015.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Paralegal Salary Ranges in Arizona
Tucson paralegals have an average annual salary of $47,660. In Phoenix, the salary for a paralegal can be as high as $54,400 per annum. The salary for paralegals working in Flagstaff is $41,460.
Arizona Paralegal Organizations
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Arizona
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Arizona
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Pursuing an education in paralegal studies is vital to your success as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals have a wide range of responsibilities that attorneys, law offices, and even government agencies rely on every day. A formal education is a must for paralegals looking to impress law offices in both the public and private sectors of the law.
Step-by-Step Guide (Bookmark me!!!)
Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements
There are no strict statewide requirements to become a paralegal in Arizona, but most employers prefer candidates with education and experience in legal studies.
Step 2: Complete Paralegal Education
Although Arizona does not mandate certification, having formal education increases job prospects. Options include:
- Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies (typically 2 years)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies or a Related Field (4 years)
- Paralegal Certificate Program (for those with a degree in another field)
Make sure the program is accredited by organizations like the American Bar Association (ABA) for better job prospects.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
Look for internships or entry-level legal assistant positions while in school. Many degree programs include internship opportunities at law firms or legal departments.
Step 4: Consider Certification (Optional but Recommended)
While Arizona does not require certification, earning a national credential can make you a more competitive candidate. Popular certifications include:
- Certified Paralegal (CP) – Offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) – Also offered by NALA
- Professional Paralegal (PP) – Administered by NALS
- Registered Paralegal (RP) – Provided by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
Step 5: Apply for Jobs & Gain Experience
Look for job openings in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profits. Network with legal professionals and join paralegal associations such as the Arizona Paralegal Association (APA).
Step 6: Continue Professional Development
Attend legal seminars, workshops, or continuing education courses. Maintain certification (if obtained) by completing continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.
Optional: Become an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (LP)
Arizona has a Legal Paraprofessional (LP) license, which allows experienced paralegals to provide limited legal services without attorney supervision. Requirements include:
- Meeting education and experience criteria.
- Passing an exam.
- Applying for licensure through the Arizona Supreme Court.
FAQs About Becoming a Paralegal in Arizona
1. Do I need a degree to become a paralegal in Arizona?
No, but most employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a related field. A paralegal certificate is also a good option.
2. Does Arizona require paralegal certification?
No, but obtaining national certification (such as from NALA or NFPA) can improve job prospects.
3. What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
Paralegals perform substantive legal work under attorney supervision, while legal assistants focus more on administrative tasks.
4. How long does it take to become a paralegal in Arizona?
It depends on your education path:
- An associate degree takes about 2 years.
- A bachelor’s degree takes 4 years.
- A paralegal certificate program can take a few months to a year.
5. How much do paralegals make in Arizona?
The average salary for paralegals in Arizona is around $56,000–$60,000 per year, but this varies by experience and location.
6. Can I work as a freelance paralegal in Arizona?
No, paralegals must work under attorney supervision. However, with an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (LP) license, you can provide limited legal services independently.
7. What are the best paralegal programs in Arizona?
Some top programs include:
- Phoenix College (ABA-approved)
- Pima Community College
- Arizona State University (ASU) – Legal Studies Program
8. How do I get an internship as a paralegal student?
Check with your school’s career center, look for internship postings on law firm websites and job boards, and join paralegal associations for networking opportunities.
Comparison of Paralegal Programs in Arizona
| Institution | Location | Program Name / Degree | ABA Approved? | Program Length | Approx. Cost | Delivery Format | Accreditation | Acceptance Rate (Institution) | Graduation Rate (Institution) | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Western College | Yuma, AZ |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) | ~$90/credit (in-district) | On-campus | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (~100%) | ~21% | AZ Western Website |
| Phoenix College (Maricopa CC) | Phoenix, AZ |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) / ~1 year (Certificate) |
~$85/credit (in-district) | On-campus & Hybrid | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~19% | Phoenix College |
| Glendale Community College (Maricopa CC) | Glendale, AZ |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) | ~$85/credit (in-district) | On-campus | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~20% | Glendale CC |
| Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) | ~$87/credit (in-county) | On-campus & Some Hybrid | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~16% | Pima CC |
| Yavapai College | Prescott, AZ |
|
Yes | 2 years (Associate) | ~$91/credit (in-county) | On-campus & Online (some courses) | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~19% | Yavapai College |
| National Paralegal College | Phoenix, AZ (Online Programs) |
|
No | 2 years (Associate) / 4 years (Bachelor’s) | ~$350/credit (varies by program) | Fully Online | Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) | Info not widely published; generally flexible admissions | ~20% (estimate) | NPC Website |
| Bryan University | Tempe, AZ (Online Programs) |
|
No | ~2 years (Associate) / 4 years (Bachelor’s) | Varies; ~ $400-$450/credit (check current) | On-campus (Tempe) & Online | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) | ~Open or Flexible Admissions | ~25% (estimate) | Bryan University Website |
| Mohave Community College | Multiple campuses (Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City), AZ |
|
No | 2 years (Associate) | ~$81/credit (in-state) | On-campus & Online (select courses) | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~16% | Mohave CC |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ |
|
No | ~6-12 months (Certificate) | $2,000-$4,000 total (varies by format) | Online / Hybrid (Continuing Education) | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (University accreditation) |
~85% (undergrad overall) | ~65% (undergrad overall) | UArizona Paralegal |
| Eastern Arizona College | Thatcher, AZ |
|
No (no direct paralegal program) | 2 years (Associate) | ~$90/credit (in-county) | On-campus & Some Online | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Open Admission (100%) | ~23% | Eastern Arizona College |
Important Note: Acceptance rates and graduation rates are approximate and refer to the institution as a whole,
not necessarily the paralegal program. Many Arizona community colleges have open enrollment policies, resulting in near 100% acceptance.
Graduation rates typically reflect first-time, full-time cohorts. Always confirm the latest data on official school or state/federal education websites,
and check the American Bar Association (ABA Website) for current approval listings.
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Arizona
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Arizona
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Pursuing an education in paralegal studies is vital to your success as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals have a wide range of responsibilities that attorneys, law offices, and even government agencies rely on every day. A formal education is a must for paralegals looking to impress law offices in both the public and private sectors of the law.