South Dakota Paralegal Schools

South Dakota paralegal schools offer students the ability to earn a paralegal degree in one of America’s fastest growing fields in spite of the recession, and learn how to assist attorneys and handle a number of matters involving legal casework on their own. While South Dakota paralegal aspirants can’t offer legal advice or represent clients, they can play a key role in how a case is developed.

How to Become a Paralegal in South Dakota

There are a number of schools that offer associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree programs to offer educational opportunities to become a paralegal in South Dakota. Coursework in these programs includes legal research and writing courses, applications of computers for database and case research and an understanding of basic contracts, tort law and litigation for most schools. Paralegal students can augment those with elective courses in domestic law or business practices to expand their value to law firms.

Paralegal Schools in South Dakota

There are two paralegal programs approved by the American Bar Association. At Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City, there is an A.A.S. program to become a paralegal in South Dakota that takes 18 months and requires an internship. National American University offers A.A.S. And bachelor’s degree programs, with locations in Rapid City, Ellsworth AFB, Sioux Falls and Watertown. Online options for those who can’t make it to either set of campuses include associate’s degree programs at Kaplan University and Westwood College.

South Dakota Paralegal Salary

Starting compensation for a paralegal in South Dakota can begin around $28,000, but there are regular opportunities for advancement that lead to an average wage of about $38,000 and continue to more than $50,000. Much of the disparity in the range of salaries comes from the many opportunities available in finance departments, government agencies and of course, law firms.

Online and South Dakota Paralegal Schools