Steps Toward a Paralegal Career in Idaho
Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
- Acquire Paralegal Education in Idaho
- Attain Work Experience in the Paralegal Field in Idaho
- Become Certified as a Paralegal in Idaho, If Desired
- Search for Paralegal Jobs in Idaho
- Now That You’ve Become a Paralegal in Idaho
Paralegal Job Description in Idaho
The Idaho Association of Paralegals represents paralegals working across the state. According to its statistics, 40 percent of the paralegals in the association work in private law firms, while 25 percent of its paralegals work in corporate law, 23 percent in government agencies and organizations, and 12 percent in other business entities. Paralegals in Idaho tend to have higher levels of education than many other states, despite the fact that education for paralegals is not government-mandated in Idaho. Eighty prevent paralegal members of the Idaho Association of Paralegals hold at least a bachelor’s degree. To discover how you can become an Idaho paralegal, keep reading.
Paralegal Education Requirements in Idaho
The state of Idaho places no requirements on persons who wish to work as paralegals in the state, with the exception that they must provide services only under the supervision of an Idaho licensed attorney. Paralegal education programs exist throughout Idaho, but as of December 2013, the American Bar Association (ABA) accredits none. ABA accreditation of a paralegal program really does not matter to most employers.
Idaho Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Work Experience in the Paralegal Field in Idaho
Your college paralegal education program might offer you the opportunity to acquire some paralegal work experience while you are still a student. If it does not, or if you would like additional paralegal work experience, consider volunteering with legal aid or pro bono organization in Idaho. Examples are:
- Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc.
- Idaho Law Foundation of the Idaho State Bar
- Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
Certification as a Paralegal in Idaho (optional)
Certification is not a requirement in order to work as a paralegal in Idaho. If you feel the need to become nationally certified, the Idaho Association of Paralegals recommends earning the following credentials:
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA):
- Registered Paralegal (RP): You must pass the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) to earn this credential. It will test your knowledge of writing (legal and factual), research (factual and legal), developing client legal matters, administering client legal matters, and office administration.
- Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP): You must pass the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) to earn this credential. It will test your knowledge of paralegal practice and substantive areas of law.
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA):
- Certified Paralegal (CP): You must pass an examination testing your knowledge of contracts, the American legal system, business organizations, and civil litigation to earn this credential.
- Advanced Paralegal Certified (APC): You must take certain courses to earn this credential, which is in a specialty area of practice.
Search for Paralegal Jobs in Idaho
As a paralegal in Idaho, jobs are not limited to law groups and firms. You may find employment as a paralegal in Idaho within companies, nonprofits, and other types of organizations, including:
- Micron Technology – Boise
- North Idaho College – Coeur d’Alene
- Perkins Coie- Boise
- Avery Law – Idaho Falls
- Clark and Feeney Law Offices- Lewiston
- Cooper & Larsen – Pocatello
- Mathieu & Ranum, PLLC – Meridian
Now That You’ve Become a Paralegal in Idaho
Good for you! You have worked hard, studied hard, and are now a working paralegal in Idaho! Voluntary organizations of paralegals and legal assistants such as the ones listed below can help you advance in your career and network with similar individuals: