Online paralegal schools in Arizona prepare you to enter the legal field, whether you want to dedicate your career to providing support to attorneys or want to prepare to become a future law student. In this STEPS guide, you will learn about paralegal degree programs and how they benefit your career goals. There’s information about specific standout schools that offer paralegal education and current data on salaries that paralegals around the state may earn. Additionally, we answer common questions about paralegal education that may provide some of the answers you need to make an informed decision.Online Paralegal Programs in Arizona: Finding the Right School
Paralegal Certificate in Arizona
A paralegal certificate is the most popular pathway for meeting paralegal job requirements in Arizona. Certificate programs offer all of the necessary training in about one year. While they don’t result in a college degree, they take far less time and money to earn compared to an associate degree.
Arizona Western College
This college’s paralegal studies certificate program gives students the fundamental training needed to work in a law office. It also provides knowledge that can be used as the framework for further legal education. In order to do this, the program offers an understanding of basic legal principles, including of business and tort law.
In addition, Arizona Western College teaches students how to perform paralegal duties — such as conducting research, filling out forms, and performing client intakes — and use the technology that can be found in legal offices. The curriculum is also designed to help you develop critical thinking, communication, and quantitative analysis skills.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: On campus
Cost: $100 per credit in-state; $115 per credit out-of-state
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Law
- Business Law for Paralegals
- Legal Research
- Legal Procedures
- Legal Writing
- Legal Interviewing, Investigating, and Report Writing
- Computerized Law Office and Litigation Support
Paralegal Associate Degrees in Arizona
An associate degree is usually about 60 credits and can be completed in two years or less. If you want to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree, a paralegal associate program also provides the foundation in general education you need to be successful. Some employers may also require a college degree for their paralegals.
Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College has a paralegal associate degree program that teaches students how to prepare legal documents, including motions, discovery, and pleadings. You also learn how to conduct legal research using print and electronic resources. Building strong communication skills is an emphasis of the program, so you’re able to work effectively with everyone from attorneys to clients to courtroom staff.
Students gain additional knowledge on different areas of the legal field, which can help them find employment for lawyers with various specializations. To round out the program, the curriculum includes general education classes so students gain further skills that will help them throughout their careers.
Duration: 24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $97 per credit in-state; $253 per credit out-of-state
Curriculum:
- Paralegal Research, Analysis, and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Paralegal Business Law
- Law Office Technology for the Paralegal
- Legal Investigation for the Paralegal
- Introduction to eDiscovery for the Paralegal
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees in Arizona
Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies aren’t very common, as they typically take 120 credits and four years to complete. However, they’re a good option if you want to work somewhere that requires a four-year degree or you plan on getting a master of legal studies (MLS) or a Juris Doctor (JD).
Bryan University
One main goal of Bryan University’s bachelor degree in paralegal studies is to familiarize students with the nuts and bolts of daily paralegal work. By graduation, students are able to perform clerical office duties, prepare documents, and research legal matters. Students at Bryan receive support from a success coach who offers guidance about issues that may arise inside and outside of the classroom.
To further position you for success, Bryan also offers career services that prepare you for your job search after graduation. People who complete this degree go on to work for law firms, government agencies, corporate legal departments, and insurance companies.
Duration: 48 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $16,550 for non-alumni; $13,550 for alumni
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Paralegal Sciences
- Civil Procedure
- Introduction to Law Firm Technology
- Contract Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Family Law Practice for Paralegals
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
FAQs From Arizona Paralegal Students
Is there financial aid available for paralegal students in Arizona?
Yes, there are multiple resources for financial aid. Grants and scholarships will be the most desirable because they don’t have to be paid back. These are often offered by schools such as Yavapai College. Other times grants and scholarships are awarded by nonprofit organizations, such as the Paralegal Division of the Maricopa County Bar Association.
If you’re already working, there’s also the possibility of tuition reimbursement benefits in which your employer pays for you to go back to school to become a paralegal. Additionally, you may take out a student loan if other types of aid don’t cover all of your education costs.
What are the different types of paralegals?
Paralegals specialize in the same way that attorneys do, so you can dedicate your career to areas on working environments that focus on the practice area of your choice. These may include real estate, immigration, tort, criminal, or family law.
Where can I find a job after completing a paralegal program in Arizona?
There are several types of employers that hire candidates with a paralegal education — from law firms to government agencies to corporations with in-house legal departments. In Arizona, some of the specific organizations you may be able to work for after completing a paralegal program include Savas Management Center LLC, Isagenix, Browne Law Group, and W3Global Inc.
Are paralegal degree programs accredited?
When it comes to paralegal programs, the answer to this question is not that cut and dried. If you want to work as a paralegal, you will need to complete a program that has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, if you want to use your education in other ways, then attending an ABA-approved paralegal program is not necessary.
This doesn’t mean you should ignore accreditation, though. If you don’t enroll in an accredited program, you still should enroll in an accredited school. In Arizona, colleges and universities are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
What is the difference between a paralegal and legal assistant?
Paralegals are required to complete an education program approved by the ABA in order to find employment. On the other hand, legal assistants may or may not need a degree, depending on the employer. Oftentimes, legal assistants are actually trained on the job.
Additionally, the work duties of legal assistants and paralegals differ. Legal assistants work entirely on the administrative side of things, so they will be responsible for maintaining files, scheduling, and performing intakes. Paralegals may also do these things, but they have the additional responsibilities of doing legal research, interviewing trial witnesses, and filling out a variety of forms.
Salary & Career Outlook for Paralegals in Arizona
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $39,710 | $98,830 | $60,970 |
| Arizona | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $38,030 | $93,640 | $61,080 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $40,490 | $80,530 | $52,100 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $37,820 | $76,630 | $55,000 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $41,200 | $96,330 | $63,870 |
| Prescott, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $39,350 | $76,130 | $51,620 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $32,460 | $59,870 | $41,590 |
| Tucson, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $36,940 | $76,680 | $49,770 |
| Yuma, AZ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $37,730 | $76,110 | $59,010 |
Source: Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 354,300 | 369,100 | 14,800 | 4.20% |
| Arizona | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 6,330 | 7,180 | 850 | 13.40% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Paralegal Students & Professionals in Arizona
A paralegal program prepares you for a rewarding legal career, but the learning does not end there. To be successful in the long term, you need to keep up with developments in the field and create meaningful connections with industry colleagues. The following resources can help you do it.
Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals: The AAIP is the most prominent professional organization for certified legal document preparers. Resources it offers include continuing education, professional development opportunities, skills advancement, and educating the public.
Arizona Paralegal Association: This is the premier professional organization for paralegals in the state. In addition to continuing legal education programs, APA members enjoy monthly lunches and webinars as they work to improve the standing of the profession.
Lessons Learned From Arizona’s Paralegal License Program: In this episode of the Paralegal Real Talk podcast, there is a discussion about paralegal issues in the state. This includes details on regulations, reforms, and providing services to areas with limited legal resources.
Maricopa County Association of Paralegals: This group provides its members with access to certification programs, continuing education classes, networking opportunities, and an annual dinner every October. This organization is open to all types of legal support staff.
NALS of Phoenix: Formerly known as the Phoenix Legal Support Association, this group serves as a professional organization for all legal support occupations, including legal assistants, paralegals, court reporters, receptionists, legal secretaries, and process servers.
