Nebraska Paralegal Schools

Nebraska paralegal schools offer skills training for earning a paralegal degree and entering a legal profession where job prospects are good and advancement is possible. A paralegal in Nebraska can’t practice law, but instead assists attorneys with legal research and writing, witness interviews and other related tasks at law firms, businesses and government agencies.

Profiles to Well Known Schools

College of Saint Mary, Omaha: Students can choose from three different Paralegal Studies degree options at the College of Saint Mary, Omaha: an Associate of Arts, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Post- Baccalaureate Certificate. The Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies is a 128 hour program with 44 hours reserved for major courses while the Associate of Arts can be completed within three semesters. Each student must complete either a legal seminar or a paralegal internship, the latter of which is often an option in which the student is compensated for his or her work hours. All programs are approved by the American Bar Association and the BA is the only for year paralegal degree program in Nebraska to have earned this approval.

Metropolitan Community College: The Business Department at the Metropolitan Community College has an American Bar Association approved Legal Studies Associate in Applied Studies-Paralegal Option. This is a 102 hour program that is taught at the South Omaha campus and has 30 hours dedicated to major courses. Two semesters of internship work within a law office is mandatory and students must work 40 hours for each credit hour. Individuals already in possession of a four year degree can pursue the Paralegal Accelerated Certificate, a 62 credit hour course of study.

How to Become a Paralegal in Nebraska

Paralegals aren’t required to have specialized schooling, but a degree or certificate program offer focused training in legal concepts and procedures. Nebraska paralegal schools generally focus on criminal and civil procedures and guidelines, as well as the impact of new legislation and the Constitution on the practice of law. Additional classes drill down into litigation, corporate and insurance law, as well as real estate issues.

Paralegal Schools in Nebraska

Paralegal studies programs in Nebraska are available at a number of community colleges, but there are two programs that have American Bar Association certifications. One is the College of St. Mary in Omaha with associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree options as well as certificate programs for those with some prior schooling. Internships are mandatory at the four-year school. Metropolitan Community College, also in Omaha, has an ABA-certified Nebraska paralegal program resulting in an associate’s degree. Nebraska paralegal aspirants living far from Omaha or requiring more scheduling options may also consider online paralegal schools. Some examples of online paralegal degree programs include the Bachelor’s in Paralegal at Everest University Online and a Paralegal Certificate at Boston University.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Nebraska

Baird Holm LLP has over 130 years of experience representing businesses, institutions, government entities, and individuals in legal matters as diverse as Banking and Finance and Technology and Intellectual Property. The firm uses the most up to date computerized legal research systems and document support programs as well as state of the art communications applications to support its clients and staff. Baird Holm consistently recruits for paralegals. Baylor, Evnen, Curtiss, Grimit & Witt LLP is one of the largest law firms in Nebraska, and stands on its reputation for excellence in service to its clients. The firm has grown from an insurance defense specialist to a broad based litigation and business practice, and has a long history of upholding diversity in its hiring practices. Scudder Law Firm services clients of all sizes, from start ups to multibillion dollar corporations, in virtually all areas of practice, and is a nationally recognized leader in the transportation industry in particular. Scudder Law Firm supports its staff by encouraging career development and providing competitive compensation to retain the best possible personnel, and is always accepting resumes.

Nebraska Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies paralegals as one of the fastest growing professions, with 28 percent growth expected until 2018. Entry-level paralegal salaries in Nebraska are over $30,000, with the average compensation for all Nebraska paralegals close to $40,000. Opportunities for increased responsibility include more involvement in the preparation of cases or supervising other Nebraska paralegals.

Online and Nebraska Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.