Paralegal Careers in South Carolina

Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:

Secure Your Paralegal Education in South Carolina
Benefit From Paralegal Work Experience in South Carolina
Seek National Paralegal Certification in South Carolina (Optional)
Search for Paralegal Jobs in South Carolina
Now that you are a Paralegal in South Carolina

Paralegal Job Description in South Carolina

As of May 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 6,150 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in South Carolina, earning an average annual wage of $52,060. Paralegals working in certain areas of the state earned higher than average wages. For example, paralegals in the Columbia region averaged $55,700 per year. However, that was not the case for other metropolitan areas in South Carolina, where most earned an annual salary very close to the state average. Paralegals in the Charleston-North Charleston area averaged $52,170 annually. Paralegals working in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort area averaged $51,640 per year. For more information on how you can become a paralegal in South Carolina, read below.

Step 1

Paralegal Education in South Carolina

There are no statewide stipulations regarding education for paralegals in South Carolina. Education may be received in a formal institutional setting or on the job.

South Carolina Paralegal Online and Campus Schools

Featured Programs:

Paralegal Work Experience in South Carolina

If you attend an ABA-approved paralegal education program in South Carolina, you will likely be required to complete a paralegal work experience internship. If you do not, you may still pursue paralegal work experience on your own, through one of the many legal aid facilities across South Carolina such as these:

South Carolina Legal Services, Inc. – Greenville, with offices statewide in:
- Rock Hill
- Spartanburg
- Aiken
- Orangeburg
- Greenwood
- Anderson
- Florence
- Conway
- Columbia
- Charleston
SCHelp Mortgage Assistance Program – Greenville
South Carolina Legal Services Language Access Program-Greenville
SCLS Low Income Taxpayers Clinic – Greenville

Step 3

Paralegal Certification in South Carolina (Optional)

A national certification is an option, not a requirement, for paralegals who want to work in South Carolina. There are two main certification bodies for paralegals. They are the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). One is not better than another is, it is simply your choice if and by whom you become certified.

NFPA offers these certifications:

CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) – obtained through passing the Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) , testing entry-level knowledge and skills
Registered Paralegal (RP) – obtained through passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE), testing skills and knowledge of paralegals who have worked for two or more years

NALA offers these certifications:

Certified Paralegal (CP)- designed for newer paralegals, obtainable through passing an exam
Advanced Paralegal Certified (APC)-designed for paralegals who have been in the work force for a while, allows a paralegal to become certified in a specialty area

Step 4

Search for Paralegal Jobs in South Carolina

There are various career opportunities for paralegals in South Carolina besides within law offices. Companies, industry, businesses, non-profit agencies, and government agencies are just a few of the potential employers of paralegals in South Carolina, such as:

Hubbell Incorporated – Columbia
National Guard – Greenville
FGP International – Columbia
Carolina Legal Associates – Hilton Head and Charleston
State of South Carolina – Greenville County
Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse – Beaufort
Georgetown Hospital System – Murrells Inlet
McAngus, Goudelock & Courie, LLC – Mount Pleasant and Columbia
Stewart Law Offices – Rock Hill
McNair Law Firm – Bluffton

FIND SCHOOLS

Now that you are a Paralegal in South Carolina

Good for you! You have completed your education, training and experience and are now a paralegal who is ready to work in South Carolina! You might want to become a member of a paralegal association in South Carolina, which can help you with your career aspirations. They include:

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2023.