How to Become a Paralegal in Oklahoma

Paralegals in Oklahoma fill an important role in the legal processes of this great state. They fulfill the kinds of administrative and legal aid duties that make them indispensable to law firms across the state. With an expected 8% increase in Oklahoma paralegal jobs over the next seven years, it’s a great place to work in this exciting career. Here’s everything you need to know, to become an Oklahoma paralegal.

Oklahoma Paralegal Certification

Basic Paralegal Certification Requirements

• Certification: There are no certification requirements in Oklahoma for paralegals. However, the state does maintain minimum qualification standards.
• Age: In order to work a career job like paralegals, you should at least be 18 years old.
• Licensure: There are no licensure requirements for Oklahoma paralegals.
• Degree: At minimum, graduation from an accredited paralegal program comprising 60 credit hours, or a bachelor’s degree in an ABA-approved program.
• Experience: Five years of supervised experience can substitute for formal education.
• Citizenship: You should be a legal resident of the United States.

Additional Requirements

• Exams: Completion of either the NALA exam or the advanced competency exam from the National Federation of Paralegals Association.

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Becoming a Paralegal in Oklahoma

Paralegal Certification Process in Oklahoma

There is no certification process for paralegals in Oklahoma. Your best path is to complete the state’s published minimum requirements and take every opportunity for continuing education and professional development.

Oklahoma Paralegal Degrees

Paralegals often pursue degree programs in paralegal studies, in law, criminal justice, law and government or law enforcement areas to help them build and improve the skills they need. Degrees in business management or administration can also be helpful for the office duties that paralegals must perform.

Major Cities in Oklahoma

• Oklahoma City is the state’s capital and has 610,613 residents.
• Tulsa has 398,121 residents and is the second largest in the state.
• Norman has the third most residents at 118,197.
• Broken Arrow is the fourth city to break 100,000 residents, at 103,500.

What Does a Paralegal Do in Oklahoma?

Paralegals form an important part of the legal machine, interviewing and contacting other parties including clients, other attorneys, witnesses and external vendors as a point of contact for the firm. They draft, file and maintain legal documents, correspondence, reports, briefs and motions. They maintain the legal office and perform general administrative duties.

Oklahoma Legal Assistant and Related Careers

Any legal assistant or administrative career has similar duties to the paralegal. This can include executive assistants, legal secretaries, legal support workers, title searchers, billing and brokerage clerks, or many other similar administrative, legal and clerk position.

Employment Numbers in Oklahoma

The bureau of labor statistics lists 2,730 paralegals working in Oklahoma as of 2015. By 2024, there should be a full 8% more job openings in the field.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Ranges in Oklahoma

The average salary for Oklahoma paralegals is $43,400, but the highest earners in the field can collect well over $70,000 annually.

Oklahoma Paralegal Organizations

• Oklahoma State Bar
• Oklahoma Association of Paralegals
• National Association of Legal Statistics

Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Oklahoma