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Anyone currently interested in the rewarding field of paralegals may want to consider beginning their training immediately.
There is a high demand for paralegals across the country, which can provide many ideal opportunities for the right candidate.
Paralegals are responsible for assisting attorneys in researching information, keeping files organized, and preparing legal documents.
Keep reading to learn more about paralegals’ career prospects and the top educational opportunities for individuals wanting to become paralegals in the state of Louisiana.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Louisiana
In order to become a certified paralegal in the state of Louisiana, certain prerequisites and requirements must be met.
Educational coursework is required to qualify for the LCP exam.
This exam requires approval from the American Bar Association or a legal course consisting of 60 semester hours of course work and 15 semester hours of additional legal courses.
Once an individual fulfills the course work or requirements to take the LCP exam and passes successfully, they become a certified paralegal in Louisiana.
4 Paralegal Schools in the State of Louisiana
There are various educational opportunities to get the training to become a paralegal in Louisiana.
Consider these top five options for individuals wanting to learn how to achieve their career goals.
Tulane University of New Orleans
The ABA-approved paralegal program at Tulane University, located in New Orleans, provides comprehensive training and education to help individuals become paralegals in Louisiana.
This program involves 120 credit hours and legal studies and may also include separate classes for legal research, litigation, and more.
This program includes both online and in-person studies.
The tuition for this program is $476 per credit hour.
The campus is located at 6823 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118.
The phone number for the admissions office is 504-865-5000.
Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge community college offers an ABA-approved paralegal studies program that offers an associate of applied science.
The 60-hour course is for semesters long.
It provides comprehensive training for individuals wanting to become paralegals in Louisiana.
The yearly cost of tuition to attend Baton Community College is $4,221 annually.
The location of the school is 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.
The phone number for the admissions office is 866-217-9823.
Delgado Community College New Orleans
Delgado Community College New Orleans offers a comprehensive training program for individuals wanting to become paralegals in Louisiana over a 2-year period.
The cost of tuition for this college is $4,079 dollars annually.
The location of the school was 615 City Park Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119.
The phone number for the admissions office is 504-671-5000.
Grambling State University
Grambling State University offers a criminal justice BS with a paralegal concentration.
This 120-credit-hour class includes a four-year curriculum of arts and general studies in addition to a concentration on paralegal studies.
The yearly cost of tuition for classes at this University is $3,841.50 per year.
The location of the campus is 403 main street, Grambling, LA 71245.
The admissions office phone number is 318-247-3811.
Paralegal Schools in Louisiana – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Tulane University of New Orleans | 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118 |
| Baton Rouge Community College | 201 Community College Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 |
| Delgado Community College New Orleans | 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 |
| Grambling State University | 403 Main St, Grambling, LA 71245 |
Salary of a Paralegal in Louisiana
The average annual salary for a paralegal in the state of Louisiana is $60,148 annually.
However, this figure can vary based on certain factors such as individual experience, specialties, and job location.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $59,501 |
| Baton Rouge | $55,926 |
| Shreveport | $55,300 |
| Lafayette | $55,262 |
| Lake Charles | $54,505 |
| Kenner | $59,469 |
| Bossier City | $55,300 |
| Monroe | $55,011 |
| Alexandria | $53,291 |
| New Iberia | $54,942 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 140 | $48,110 | $23.13 | $67,300 | $34,190 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 980 | $49,840 | $23.96 | $76,820 | $31,200 |
| Hammond, LA | 60 | $43,420 | $20.88 | $58,700 | $30,760 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | ** | $50,200 | $24.13 | $64,380 | $38,830 |
| Lafayette, LA | 470 | $52,800 | $25.38 | $70,090 | $36,040 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 230 | $51,330 | $24.68 | $71,870 | $31,680 |
| Monroe, LA | 250 | $40,330 | $19.39 | $56,260 | $35,350 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 2,290 | $57,630 | $27.71 | $77,410 | $38,900 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 450 | $49,880 | $23.98 | $62,000 | $36,680 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified paralegal in the state of Louisiana?
Meeting the prerequisites and requirements for becoming a paralegal in Louisiana varies depending on the individual.
To become a Certified Legal Assistant, the individual must have a 2-year bachelor’s degree in any subject plus one year of work experience as a paralegal to take the exam period alternately comma and individual may have a high school diploma or GED and accumulate seven years of parallel service with 20 hours of continuing education in the legal field within two years of taking the LCP exam.
Are paralegal certification requirements different in other states?
Paralegal certification requirements can vary depending on the state where the candidate wants to practice.
Most states have general requirements with a few exceptions.
However, in order to be certified, the individual must pass the LCP exam.
Can individuals with a felony in their background become paralegals in Louisiana?
There is no legality in place for individuals wanting to become paralegals if they have a felony in their background.
However, it is essential to understand that many training programs will not accept individuals with felonies and may require a third-party background check before admissions.
Additionally, having a felony on your record may also prevent you from getting hired at a desirable law firm.
Before applying to any program or school, find out their policy on accepting individuals with felonies on their record.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State