Paralegal Education Requirements in Washington
Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
- Find Paralegal Education in Washington
- Achieve Paralegal Work Experience in Washington
- Investigate Certification as a Paralegal in Washington (Optional)
- Obtain Paralegal Jobs in Washington
- What’s Next for Paralegals in Washington
Paralegal Career Information in Washington
Washington is a unique state in which paralegals work, as they have more independence and autonomy there than in any other state. In Washington’s counties of Pierce, King, and Spokane, for many ex-parte court matters that are time-sensitive, paralegals are allowed to present court filings, instead of waiting for an attorney to do so. This makes becoming a paralegal in Washington a very attractive career option for students and those interested in the law.
Paralegal Education in Washington
Washington does not require paralegals to complete any course of specialized education in order to work in the state. Because of the substantial nature of the law that paralegals work with, however, obtaining education in the field is highly desirable if you plan to become a paralegal in Washington.
Washington Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Paralegal programs in Washington may be approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), but they do not have to be.
Paralegal programs in Washington with ABA approval are:
- Tacoma Community College – Tacoma
- Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Spokane Community College – Spokane
- Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
- Post-Secondary Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Highline Community College– Des Moines
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Edmonds Community College – Lynnwood
- Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Work Experience in Washington
If you feel you need additional paralegal work experience in Washington, or if your college program did not provide any, you might want to contact a legal aid organization like the following. They can always use the help of an aspiring Washington paralegal:
- Northwest Justice Project– Seattle
- Alliance for Equal Justice– Seattle
- Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services Program – Tacoma
- The Washington State Pro Bono Network– Seattle
Certification as a Paralegal in Washington
Although paralegal certification in Washington is optional, the Washington State Paralegal Association recommends that paralegals who are interested in pursuing it do so through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). They offer two certifications, the PACE Registered Paralegal for entry-level paralegals; and the PCCE Core Registered Paralegal for experienced paralegals. Both are attainable through examination.
Obtain Paralegal Employment in Washington
Washington State is home to the headquarters of major corporations, many of which hire paralegals and legal assistants. Of course, law firms also employ paralegals in Washington. Recent employers of paralegals in Washington include:
- State Farm – Seattle
- Microsoft- Redmond
- Weyerhauser – Federal Way
- USI Holdings Corporation – Seattle
- T-Mobile-Bellevue
- Amazon Corporate LLC – Seattle
- Inviso Corporation – Redmond
- Federal Trade Commission – Seattle
- Defoe Pickett Law Office – Kennewick
- Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP- Seattle
- Esterline – Bellevue
- Fenwick & West LLP – Seattle
- National Guard – Tacoma
What’s Next for Paralegals in Washington
Congratulations! You have become a paralegal in Washington! If you have not done so already, consider becoming a member of the Washington State Paralegal Association. This networking and advocacy organization for Washington paralegals can provide you with resources, continuing legal education opportunities, job opportunities, and more.