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A paralegal career is one of the easiest methods to establish a successful legal career compared to other courtroom roles.
Although a paralegal certificate or degree will equip you with the required knowledge and skills to prosper in the job, a significant part of the learning will happen while on the job.
Choosing a respectable institution is the first step toward ensuring success in this sector.
This post will present information on Alaskan schools that can assist you in achieving professional success.
Article Table of Contents
License Requirements To Become a Paralegal in Alaska
In Alaska, paralegals are not required to possess a license; nevertheless, the Alaska Association of Paralegals has asked for help from the Fairbanks Association of Legal Assistants in establishing an optional registered paralegal program.
5 Paralegal Schools in Alaska
1. University of Alaska Anchorage
The American Bar Association has approved two-degree programs at U.A.A.for students interested in paralegal or legal assistant careers.
These programs include The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, which consists of 60 credits, and the Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, which consists of 120 credits.
The B.A. program consists of 57 to 59 credits of major courses, while the A.A.S. curriculum requires only 42 major courses.
Enrolled students receive education in various topics, from office administration and research to legal underpinnings.
The school administration pushes for teamwork between the students and the lecturers to ensure all students pass their final exams.
The average program fee is $7,020 for state residents and $15,048 for non-residents.
2. Alaska Pacific College
The liberal studies Bachelor of Arts in the pre-law curriculum at Alaska Pacific University prepares students to work as paralegals and, on completion, if they want, to apply to law school.
The ABA-approved program’s small class numbers allow students to collaborate effectively with their faculty mentors.
Despite the program not being strictly for paralegal studies, the course still prepares students for a paralegal role in the legal industry.
Enrolment for the undergraduate degree costs $848 per credit hour.
Students enrolled in the program with a course load of more than 18 credits must pay an additional $545 per credit hour.
3. University of Alaska- Fairbanks
The A.A.S. in paralegal studies is a two-year degree approved by the American Bar Association that trains students to work as trained paralegals in the legal services industry to help practicing attorneys deliver legal services.
This 61-credit-hour program is comprised of both general education and legal courses.
Students choose from a choice of legal specialization courses, acquire practical legal skills, and master the principles of the law.
The program starts in either fall, spring, or summer, depending on the student.
As a curriculum requirement, students must complete a 150-hour paralegal internship in a law office or legal setting.
The program’s estimated cost is $10,248 for in-state students and $36,600 for out-of-state students.
4. Charter College
Situated in Anchorage, Charter College offers a certificate in paralegal studies.
This program’s expedited, year-round timetable allows students to obtain a certificate that qualifies them for entry-level employment in ten months.
The course is very hands-on and ensures that the students do not have a hard time adjusting to the working environment.
This program is open to anybody over 17 with a high school diploma, G.E.D., or proof of a passing score on an authorized capacity to benefit test.
Even though the curriculum is not ABA-approved, the school ensures that all its students acquire the necessary skills before joining the job.
The estimated cost for the course is $19,700.
5. Greenways Academy of Alaska
Greenways paralegal program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to work as paralegals.
As part of the course work, students must prepare and complete a litigation file as if they were submitting it to a lawyer.
The Certified Paralegal certification exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants is one of the course requirements, along with learning how to conduct legal interviews, draft legal documents, comprehend the fundamentals of the American legal system, and prepare for it.
Greenways offers solely online education made possible due to their partnership with ed2go.
Under the supervision of qualified professors with professional experience in the field, all coursework is completed online.
Students can learn at their own pace while having complete access to the instructor throughout the course.
The course requires you to have a PC and not a MacBook. The price of this program is $395.
Paralegal Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| Alaska Pacific College | 4101 University Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| University of Alaska- Fairbanks | 505 S Chandalar, Fairbanks, AK 99775 |
| Charter College | 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd #120, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| Greenways Academy of Alaska | 981 Gardenview Office Pkwy St. Louis, Missouri 63141 |
Salary
The average salary for paralegals in Alaska is $58,800, or approximately $28.27 per hour.
The state’s higher cost of living is reflected in the salaries of its paralegals, which are approximately $2,000 higher than the national average.
A seasoned paralegal with a solid reputation in the field and years of experience in a specific area of law can earn as high as $40.35 per hour or $83,930 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $66,897 |
| Juneau | $66,301 |
| Fairbanks | $66,620 |
| Sitka | $65,399 |
| Ketchikan | $65,399 |
| Kenai | $65,994 |
| Kodiak | $65,994 |
| Bethel | $65,994 |
| Wasilla | $65,994 |
| Barrow | $65,718 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 490 | $63,510 | $30.53 | $94,910 | $42,840 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 80 | $63,740 | $30.64 | $90,750 | $44,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Alaska, how many paralegals are there?
There are 730 paralegals employed in Alaska, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Is formal education required by law before becoming a paralegal in Alaska?
Alaskan law does not impose any pre-employment training or academic requirements on paralegals.
Does seeking voluntary certification benefit paralegals working in Alaska?
Obtaining voluntary certification can aid paralegals in their job hunt even if a license or certification for paralegals is not required in Alaska.
Paralegals with a voluntary certificate have a higher chance of getting employment.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State