How to Become a Paralegal in North Dakota

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How to Become a Paralegal in North Dakota

Lawyers need assistance researching their cases and doing other critical work in their offices.

And that is where paralegals come in, as they are trained to do all they can to assist lawyers with their cases.

Many people who love law are pursuing a career as paralegals.

And the best part is, the experience you get working as a legal assistant will be gold once you decide to study and become a lawyer.

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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in North Dakota

When it comes to the licensing of paralegals in North Dakota, many confuse between certificate paralegals and certified paralegals, and the two are entirely different:

Certificated paralegals refer to students who have taken the certificate program and are given a certificate upon graduating.

The certificate programs are accessible to students without a bachelor’s degree, but according to North Dakota Rule 5.3, only those with Post-baccalaureate certificates are recognized.

This means that the student must meet a minimum of 60-course hours, inclusive of 18 hours of work hours as a paralegal.

To become a certified Paralegal, the paralegals must have educational and working experience or both and pass a national exam. They can choose from the four available national examinations:

  • The PACE, which is offered by the NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Association)
  • The PCCE, which the NFPA offers
  • The CLA/CP, which is provided by the NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants)
  • The PP offered by the NALS (Association of Legal Professionals)

5 Paralegal Schools in North Dakota

Only two schools offer paralegal programs in North Dakota. So it would be wise to look into the neighboring state or take online classes from reputable schools.

1. University Of North Dakota

University Of North Dakota Logo

The University of North Dakota offers students a 6-month long paralegal certificate course.

The course takes place online and requires the student to clock 300 hours of course work.

To enroll, you must have prior knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and a fast typing speed.

Their program teaches the students legal writing, litigation assistantship, tort law, consumer law and product liability, and research & interviewing.

The course does not offer any credit but ensures you learn the skills needed to work as a legal assistant.

Cost

The program costs $10,276 for North Dakota residents and $14,546 for non-residents.

2. Turtle Mountain Community College

Turtle Mountain Community College Logo

This is a two-year-long paralegal program.

The course focuses on general education and is supplemented by federal Indian law and tribal governments.

You will also be trained in legal writing and research, tort law, constitutional law, and civil procedures.

To complete this program, you must complete a paralegal internship.

Cost

The paralegal program at Turtle Mountain college goes for $2,250 per year.

3. Bismarck State College

Bismarck State College Logo

Bismark State College offers online and on-campus paralegal courses.

You must take the Associate in Applied Sciences In Administrative Assistant with a Legal major, which takes two years to complete.

This course is designed for students who want to work as legal assistants.

The course has 63 credits, and you must attain a minimum of 62 credits.

The course focuses on legal classes, such as Business Law, Criminal Law, and Introduction to Criminal Justice.

It also teaches students practical skills in business administration.

The students are also required to go for an internship to graduate.

To complete this course, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Cost

  • North Dakota residents pay $173.63 per credit
  • US residents pay $260.45 per credit
  • International pay $365.56 per credit

4. Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College Logo

This is a private institution, and it offers a paralegal associate program in Applied Sciences.

The curriculum is based on the NALA recommendation, thus focusing on substantive and procedural law.

This course prepares the student to take the CLA OR CP national exam for paralegals, upon which they become certified paralegals.

The courses are held online.

Cost

The estimated cost of this program is $32,900.

5. Post University

Post University Logo

This is among the first universities to offer online courses, and in 2013 it was mentioned as the best school offering an online bachelor’s program.

Post University offers an online bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a major in substantive and procedural law.

This is a 6-week program and takes place 6 times a year.

To enroll, you must have a high school diploma or GED.

Cost

The estimated cost of the program is $66,000.

Paralegal Schools in North Dakota – Summary Table

School Name Address
University Of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND 58202
Turtle Mountain Community College 10145 BIA Rd 7, Belcourt, ND 58316
Bismarck State College 1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58506
Rasmussen College 4012 19th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103
Post University 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, CT 06708
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Salary

Entry-level paralegals in North Dakota can make approximately $57,513 annually, and those with more experience and certifications are bound to earn more.

So do your research and bring your a-game during salary negotiations.

Annual Salary Range:
$49K
$56K
$63K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Fargo $56,431
Bismarck $57,513
Grand Forks $53,056
Minot $56,611
Mandan $57,513
Dickinson $56,611
Jamestown $56,070
West Fargo $56,431
Williston $56,611
Wahpeton $55,529

Regional Salary in North Dakota

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Bismarck, ND210$54,980$26.43$71,240$39,110
Fargo, ND-MN230$59,500$28.61$77,780$41,800
Grand Forks, ND-MN70$51,900$24.95$70,270$36,180
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, OCC Code 23-2011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the paralegal associations in North Dakota?

  • The Red River Valley Paralegal Association
  • The Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants
  • State Bar Association of North Dakota

What does Rule 5.3 stipulate for paralegals in North Dakota?

The paralegals must complete a bachelor’s or associate degree or a post-baccalaureate program in paralegal courses in a school that is approved by the ABA (American Bar Association).

They must complete a bachelor’s degree in any field and have not less than one year working as a paralegal in a lawyer’s office.

Or complete 18 hours of substantive legal coursework.

They must take any one of the national exams to become certified paralegals.

Seven years of experience working as a lawyer’s legal assistant.

Where can paralegals in North Dakota find employment?

The following law firms provide employment opportunities for graduate paralegals:

  • Vogel Law Firm
  • Nilles Law Firm
  • Ebeltoft Sickler
  • Crowley Fleck PLLP

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