Home to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, Nevada’s paralegal profession has long enjoyed opportunities in its major casinos like Harrah’s, Caesar’s, MGM Mirage, and Las Vegas Sands. But you may also be surprised to learn that Nevada is also where paralegals enjoy professional opportunities with governmental agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice in Reno and the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys in Las Vegas. And, of course, the state’s many law firms have always been a good source of employment for paralegals.
If you want to become part of the growing paralegal profession, you’ll need to make sure you know how to become a paralegal in Nevada, which includes building a resume that has the education and credentials that today’s lawyers demand.
Nevada does not regulate paralegals, allowing paralegals to pursue their vocational choice through on-the-job training or education. Nevada’s Rule 5.3 does require paralegals to work under the supervision of an attorney who accepts responsibility for their professional conduct. While Nevada’s paralegals may not practice law, they may perform substantive legal work that requires extensive knowledge of procedure and the law.
Is There Paralegal Certification in Nevada?
Although education is not required as a means of becoming a paralegal, many aspiring paralegals choose to earn certificates or degrees. Paralegal education can set entry-level paralegals apart from their peers, which can be important in a competitive job market. Additionally, education can help prepare a paralegal to take one of the voluntary national certification exams to become a certified paralegal. Programs that qualify paralegals to sit for those exams are usually approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or are offered by accredited educational institutions.
Associate and bachelor’s degrees are offered in paralegal studies. Degree programs consist of general education coursework combined with specialized instruction in paralegal studies.
Nevada Job Statistics
|
People who have already earned a baccalaureate degree in any field and wish to specialize in paralegal studies may choose to earn a master’s degree or a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies. Post-baccalaureate certificates offer a relatively fast entry-point into the paralegal profession. However, master’s degrees generally command more attention from prospective employers.
There are some certificate programs that offer admission to students without previous higher education. These programs generally offer only specialized coursework in paralegal studies without many general education classes. Graduates earn certificates of completion to become certificated paralegals.
National Certification
Professional paralegals that meet requirements for education, work experience or a combination of the two may choose to become certified paralegals by successfully completing a national exam. Certified paralegals are considered to have reached a high level of competence in their field. Currently, the three national paralegal associations offer four national certification exams. They are:
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE also offered by National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Requirements for the national exams differ between the three national paralegal organizations.
Paralegal Associations
Nevada has three regional professional organizations from which paralegals may select.
The Nevada Paralegal Association (NPA), affiliated with NALA, is comprised of members from the Las Vegas Valley. The NPA works to advance the paralegal profession on a regional, state and national level. To increase the status of paralegals, the NPA encourages high standards of ethics and education, including voluntary certification through NALA’s CLA/CP exam.
Las Vegas Valley Paralegal Association (LVVPA) – An affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the LVVPA promotes five levels of membership:
- Voting – Open to paralegals and aspiring paralegals who meet one of the following:
- NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential
- Graduate of an ABA-approved paralegal program
- Graduate of a paralegal program that includes at least 60 semester credits of classroom study
- Graduate of a paralegal program plus six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Three years of law-related experience that includes six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Two years of in-house paralegal work experience
- Student – Open to students enrolled in a paralegal program, or graduates of such within the past 18 months who are not employed as paralegals
- Associate – Open to any individual who meets one of the following:
- Has qualified for active or student membership in the past three years but now employed in a non-legal field
- Member of the Nevada Bar Association
- Educators in the legal field
- Attorneys and law professionals who promote the paralegal concept
- Persons directly involved in the supervision of paralegals
- Retired – Open to those who have been Active members of the LVVPA or another NALA organization for at least three years and who are retired
- Benefactor – Open to any entity that supports the LVVPA
The Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP), also affiliated with NALA, supports student, active and retired paralegals in the metro-Reno area. SNAP holds many events throughout the year, including educational seminars, social and networking meetings, and preparatory study groups for the CLA/CP exam. SNAP members may also apply for scholarships for everything from educational coursework to conference fees to national certification. Members may also access SNAP’s job bank.
The Paralegal Association of Southern Nevada, affiliated with NFPA, has small presence with a Facebook page. According to that page, its mission is to “promote the paralegal profession in Southern Nevada.” SNAP offers five levels of membership:
- Active – Open to paralegals and aspiring paralegals who meet one of the following:
- NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential
- Graduate of an ABA-approved paralegal program
- Graduate of a paralegal program that includes at least 60 semester credits of classroom study
- Graduate of a paralegal program plus six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Three years of law-related experience that includes six months of in-house paralegal work experience
- Two years of in-house paralegal work experience
- Student – Open to individuals currently enrolled in a paralegal program
- Retired – Open to members of NALA or SNAP who have been members for at least three years and are retired
- Associate – Open to anyone employed in a law-related field who does not qualify for Active, Student, Retired, or Sustaining membership
Sustaining – Open to individuals and entities who support the goals of SNAP
NALS of Nevada – This national organization has the following local chapters throughout the state. NALS and its following local affiliates encourage NALS certification and membership:
- Douglas-Carson Legal Professionals (DCLP)
- NALS of Las Vegas
Membership is offered at these levels:
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years prior to retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
Important Contacts for Paralegals
- Nevada Paralegal Association (NPA), affiliated with NALA
- Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP), affiliated with NALA
- Paralegal Association of Southern Nevada (PASN), affiliated with NFPA
- State Bar of Nevada
- Nevada Secretary of State
- The Nevada Judiciary
May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2021.