Minnesota Paralegal Schools

Minnesota paralegal schools offer aspiring legal assistants targeted coursework to earn a paralegal degree and join a growing field that is gaining job opportunities faster than nearly any other sector until 2018. The opportunities for career growth in the legal field and high salary compared to the education requirements involved.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Hamline University: The Department of Legal Studies at Hameline University houses the paralegal certificate program, certified by the American Bar Association. The certificate is 32 credit hours with 16 of those credits dedicated to paralegal courses, all of which typically takes a year to complete. Those who pursue an internship must commit to 150 work hours within a law firm or other type of legal office. Students must also fulfill a portion of their elective requirements by completing both legal specialty courses and law-related courses.

Minnesota State University – Moorehead: The Paralegal Department at Minnesota State University Moorehead offers an American Bar Association approved Bachelor of Science in Paralegal. Areas of emphasis include commercial law, elder law and probate, and litigation. Students must complete 12 major core courses, including Principles of Accounting, Introduction to Paralegal, and Civil Procedure I. Paralegal majors can also earn one to twelve credit hours through an internship after completing two courses from their emphasis.

How to Become a Paralegal in Minnesota

Some law firms hire paralegals in Minnesota and train them on the job. However, Minnesota paralegal schools offer coursework that can increase employment prospects. Most begin with introductory courses on the American legal system, how to research and write effectively, and tenets of contract and corporate law. Civil litigation, estates and probate law are also covered, as are real estate and tort law. Depending on the Minnesota paralegal school, advanced courses include mock trials or internships.

Paralegal Schools in Minnesota

There are many Minnesota paralegal schools, and several that have American Bar Association certification. Inver Hills Community College and North Hennepin Community College both offer two-year associates paralegal degree programs, while North Hennepin also offers a certificate program. Four-year bachelor’s degree programs are available at Hamline University, Minnesota State University at Moorehead and Winona State University. For those with tight schedules, online paralegal school options include Keiser University and Virginia College with associates degrees.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Minnesota

Faegre Baker Daniels is a global firm, one of the largest law firms in the US, and the largest law firm in Minnesota, with offices in Minneapolis. Faegre Baker Daniels is consistently ranked among the top law firms in the US and the UK in various practice areas, including M&A, food regulation, product liability, and many others. Its work culture is one of high performance, teamwork, and overall excellence, while its paralegal benefits are among the best available. Moss & Barnett is one of the top law firms in the Upper Midwest, and gives its clients personalized attention paired with its full service experience. Paralegals are deeply involved in the delivery of Moss & Barnett’s legal services, and work closely and directly with the firm’s clients. Vogel Law Firm has Minnesota offices in Moorhead and Minneapolis, and practices primarily in commercial transactions, criminal law defense, and family law. Vogel Law Firm is regularly hiring as it expands in Minnesota and neighboring North Dakota.

Minnesota Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Law firms are looking for Minnesota paralegals to take an expanded role; paralegals can handle all tasks except those that are within the scope of the practice of law such as representing clients in court and offering legal advice. A number of businesses also need paralegals to review legal contracts, as do a number of government agencies at the local, state and federal level. An average salary in Minnesota is roughly $50,000, while even the lowest paid Minnesota paralegals tend to make more than $30,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Advancement is possible through expanded job responsibilities, or managing or other Minnesota paralegals.

Online and Minnesota Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.