Arkansas Paralegal Career and Salary Guide

Many paralegal jobs in Arkansas require a degree in paralegal studies, such as an associate degree or a certificate. This page provides essential information on becoming a paralegal in Arkansas, including steps to take, certification options, career and salary outlook, and professional resources.

Table of Contents

• How to Become a Paralegal in Arkansas
• Paralegal Certification
• Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
• Paralegal Resources

How to Become a Paralegal in Arkansas

Since paralegal certification in Arkansas is not required for a paralegal career, legal professionals can follow many pathways to become one. Below are the basic steps to become a paralegal in Arkansas:

1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

Earning a paralegal certificate, paralegal associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from one of the paralegal schools in Arkansas can help prospective paralegals build their legal skills and become more competitive for paralegal positions. Currently, there is one approved American Bar Association (ABA) program in Arkansas.¹

2. Gain experience.

Experience is another critical factor in becoming a paralegal. Internships, job shadowing, and on-the-job training are often included in paralegal education programs. Not all programs will require experience for degree credit, but taking advantage of real-world experience opportunities is recommended to make paralegal candidates more competitive in the job field. Some paralegals begin as legal document preparers or secretaries and advance in their careers.

3. Seek certification, if desired.

Although Arkansas does not require licensure or certification for paralegals, pursuing voluntary certification can help paralegals in their job search. National-level certification is available for paralegals in Arkansas.

Paralegal Certification in Arkansas

As in most states, Arkansas paralegal certification is not required. However, obtaining voluntary paralegal certification can show commitment to the field and provide networking opportunities. National organizations offer certification programs to maintain a consistent level of competency within the paralegal profession nationwide. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); and the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI) offer voluntary certification programs that are widely accepted by the industry as preparing candidates for professional excellence. For more information on national certification options, take a look at our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.

Arkansas Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 1,460 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Arkansas.³ Projections Central has projected 5.4% growth in paralegal and legal assistant employment in the state, faster than the national projection of 4.2% over the same period.² This growth is expected to create 120 new paralegal jobs in Arkansas over 10 years, resulting in 240 average annual openings.²

Arkansas Paralegal Salary by Metro Area

Paralegal Employers in Arkansas

Paralegals in Arkansas can find opportunities to work for corporate legal departments, government agencies, and private law firms. Paralegals can also find opportunities at corporations, smaller businesses, and state and local government agencies. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Arkansas or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Arkansas with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:

• ​​Arkansas Attorney General
• Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP
• Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.
• Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, P.A.
• State of Arkansas
• University of Arkansas
• Walmart

For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.

Paralegal Resources

Paralegal Associations in Arkansas

These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.

• Arkansas Bar Association (ABA): Provides resources for paralegals in Arkansas, including a robust career center with paralegal jobs throughout the state.
• Arkansas Paralegal Association (ArPA): Promotes the paralegal profession throughout the state by holding regular meetings, professional seminars, and networking events.

Additional Resources

• Arkansas Judiciary: Contains links and information for all courts within the state’s jurisdiction and provides access to court forms, rules, e-filing system, and news of interest to legal professionals.
• Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To search for paralegal jobs in Arkansas, be sure to visit our jobs board.
• University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law Library: Offers a range of research materials including state and international law.
• University of Arkansas School of Law Young Law Library: Holds over 25,000 volumes and serves as a depository for state and federal government documents with deep holdings in national, international, and comparative law.

References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm