How to Become a Paralegal in Nebraska

For any Nebraska citizen interested in a legal career, the ideal choice is becoming a paralegal. Paralegals work in a supportive capacity, performing the duties that allow lawyers and law firms to effectively serve their clients. A paralegal is similar to a legal secretary, but may have many more responsibilities.

Nebraska does not regulate the paralegal profession, although many law firms do have some basic requirements for hiring a paralegal. If you are considering a paralegal career, it’s important that you learn about the best ways to become trained as a paralegal and how you can become certified.

Nebraska Paralegal Certification

Basic Paralegal Certification Requirements

• Certification: Nebraska does not have any laws requiring paralegals to become certified before starting their careers.
• Age: Before seeking paralegal work, you should be over the legal age of 18.
• Licensure: No license is necessary to become a Nebraska paralegal.
• Degree: It is recommended, although not required, that you complete a paralegal studies certificate or degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved institution.
• Experience: Some law firms offer on the job training for paralegals. It is also possible to participate in a paralegal internship during your degree or volunteer to work in a law firm. Acquiring work experience will be useful when you are trying to be hired by a Nebraska law firm.
• Citizenship: A paralegal in Nebraska should be a US citizen or a legal alien.

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Additional Requirements

• Background: It is likely that any prospective employers will request a background check before you are hired as a paralegal.
• Ethics: Paralegals who are members of paralegal organization must follow any ethical rules for the paralegal profession.

Becoming a Paralegal in Nebraska

Once you have completed your paralegal education, you should consider becoming certified by a national organization like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Becoming certified will open up more job opportunities and can give you a competitive advantage over paralegals who have decided to skip this step.

For those who choose NALA certification, there is the option to either sit for a certification exam or complete a curriculum. Paralegals who pass the exam earn the title of a Certified Paralegal (CP). A paralegal who has completed a NALA legal curriculum will receive an Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC).

Nebraska Paralegal Degrees

Perhaps the most important step in becoming a paralegal in Nebraska is enrollment in a paralegal studies program. Although this can be done at either the associate’s or bachelor’s level, your degree program should be ABA-approved and include courses in subjects like legal research and legal writing.

Major Cities in Nebraska

• Omaha has a population of 479,5269 and is the largest city in Nebraska.
• Lincoln is the second largest Nebraska city with 286,388 residents.
• Bellevue has 63,970 residents and is Nebraska’s third biggest community.

What Does a Paralegal Do in Nebraska?

Paralegals are administrative professionals who provide support to attorneys. Paralegals can write legal reports, file documents and exhibits with the court, take down statements from clients and perform legal research that will be used by an attorney.

Nebraska Legal Assistant and Related Careers

There are several legal support careers that are similar to paralegals. Some of the most common related careers include title examiners, claims adjusters, legal assistants and legal secretaries.

Employment Numbers in Nebraska

1,330 paralegals were employed in Nebraska in 2015, which was reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Ranges in Nebraska

The average salary for a paralegal employed in Nebraska is $46,250.

Nebraska Paralegal Organizations

• National Association of Legal Assistants
• Nebraska Paralegal Association

Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Nebraska