Minnesota Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Minnesota paralegal certification is not currently required by the state, which has no regulations governing the training or education of paralegals. Most paralegals enter the profession with a combination of education and experience. In this guide, you can find information about how to become a paralegal in the state, salary and job outlook information, and career resources to help you prepare for an exciting paralegal career.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Minnesota
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Minnesota
Though Minnesota paralegal certification is not required to become a paralegal in the state, most paralegals have professional career preparation through a combination of formal education and experience.
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Earning a degree in the paralegal field can help accelerate the process of finding a career as a paralegal. An associate degree in legal studies, a bachelor’s in paralegal studies, or a certificate in paralegal studies from a Minnesota paralegal school can help build the necessary skills and experience you will need to be hired. In addition, education is a qualifying factor to earn the voluntary Minnesota Certified Paralegal (MnCP) credential. Four Minnesota schools offering paralegal education programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Gaining experience in the field is crucial to starting a paralegal career. Many paralegal programs include internships, allowing students to begin networking and practice legal assistant duties. Aspiring paralegals hired without paralegal education can receive on-the-job training to prepare them for their new roles. Many paralegals begin as legal document preparers before working up the career ladder.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
While the state of Minnesota does not require special certification to begin a career as a paralegal, voluntary certification can be attractive to potential employers and offer the opportunity to specialize in legal areas of interest, which can help you stand out as an applicant.
Paralegal Certification in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, paralegals and legal assistants are defined as paraprofessionals who are authorized to perform law-related tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. These guidelines allow paralegals and legal assistants to be trained on-site in law firms and corporations. Upon completion of a formal paralegal degree program, many prospective paralegals also seek voluntary national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), or the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI). See our Steps to Become a Paralegal page for more information on national certification options.
Minnesota Certification
The Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA) has instituted a voluntary program for those who wish to become Minnesota Certified Paralegals (MnCPs). Eligibility for the MnCP credential is based on a combination of experience and education. For example, four years of substantive paralegal experience and an associate degree from an ABA-approved institution will qualify you, and so will two years of experience and a bachelor’s degree from an ABA-approved institution. You can find more information on requirements and the application process on the MPA’s website.
Minnesota Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
3.6%
Paralegals in Minnesota from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported 5,650 paralegals and legal assistants working in Minnesota, earning an average annual salary of $68,410.3 According to Projections Central, a 3.6% job growth rate for paralegals and legal assistants is expected in the state, which is slightly lower than the average projected growth rate of paralegal positions across the US for the same period, of 4.2%.2 This growth translates to 620 average annual job openings in the state.2
Minnesota Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5,650 | $68,410 |
| Duluth MN-WI | 160 | $53,970 |
| Fargo ND-MN | 230 | $59,500 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 4,660 | $70,000 |
| Rochester | 130 | $65,240 |
| St. Cloud | 140 | $61,000 |
Paralegal Employers in Minnesota
Though government agencies, banks, and corporations hire paralegal staff, private law firms are the leading employers of paralegals and legal assistants nationwide. These firms and others may offer opportunities for paralegals interested in large-scale business and corporate law. Government agencies may also provide Minnesota paralegal jobs for new paralegals wishing to explore an alternate work environment. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Minnesota or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Minnesota with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- Fish & Richardson P.C.
- Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
- Hennepin County
- Robert Half
- Target
- University of Minnesota
- U.S. Bank
- Wells Fargo
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Minnesota with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Minnesota
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.
- Minnesota Paralegal Association (MPA): An affiliate of the NFPA that hosts a full meeting calendar with events dedicated to sections of paralegal practice, continuing education opportunities, and more.
- Red River Valley Paralegal Association (RRVPA): Serving western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, RRVPA is an affiliate of NALA seeking to promote the use of paralegal professionals in law offices while encouraging the professional development of its members.
Additional Resources
- Minnesota Legal Research: Promoting efficient research strategies, this text serves as an introductory text and well as continuing reference, covering both online and print resources for both state and federal law.
- Minnesota Board of Public Defense: Employment portal for those interested in Minnesota government paralegal jobs.
- Minnesota Paralegal Association: Regularly lists paralegal jobs in Minnesota on its jobs board.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To find Minnesota paralegal jobs, be sure to visit our jobs board.
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: Includes links to all state courts as well as court forms and e-filing systems.
- Minnesota State Law Library: Based in St. Paul, its collections encompass state, regional, federal, and periodical publications as well as reference texts and briefs.
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://www.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