Nevada Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Our guide is your starting point for launching a paralegal career in Nevada. Nevada has no state-wide requirements for becoming a paralegal or a legal assistant. However, most entry-level paralegal jobs in the state do require the completion of a degree in paralegal studies, commonly an associate degree or certificate. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about how to become a paralegal in Nevada, including Nevada certification options, paralegal salary information, job outlook, and career resources. Start your paralegal career exploration with the easy-to-navigate directory below.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Nevada
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Nevada
As paralegal certification in Nevada is not required, paralegals in the state may begin their careers through a variety of means. Most Nevada paralegals possess a combination of education and experience, which may include an undergraduate degree with a paralegal or legal studies major. Experience, including internships, can also aid those competing for Nevada paralegal jobs. Though not required at the entry level, the most competitive candidates typically possess formal paralegal education, national certification, and previous legal experience.
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Nevada has several schools that offer paralegal certification programs, including at the certificate and associate degree levels. Currently, there is one Nevada paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Many certificate and degree programs offer on-the-job training through internships that can give paralegal candidates real-world experience and increase their hiring potential. Some entry-level paralegals work as document preparers or legal secretaries first and then pursue more specific paralegal training.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Nevada does not mandate any specific paralegal certification. However, future paralegals may wish to consider certification as an important step towards a paralegal career. Paralegals with voluntary certification through a recognized organization are often desirable by employers. You can read more about certification options below.
Paralegal Certification in Nevada
Classified as paraprofessionals, paralegals are not required to obtain paralegal certification and do not have to meet minimum training or education requirements. Though certification is not required, paralegals who have completed a degree or certificate program are encouraged to seek voluntary national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI), or the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The CLA/CP examination, for example, offered by NALA has been accepted as the national standard of excellence within the paralegal and legal assistant field and is a nationally recognized sign of accreditation. Read our Steps to Become a Paralegal page for more information on certification options. Candidates should also check with the Nevada paralegal associations listed below for additional professional opportunities.
Nevada Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Large law firms tend to require the most paralegal support and may be a good fit for those interested in specialization in a specific area of law, as larger firms are more likely to assign legal support staff to subject-based teams. Based in Las Vegas, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP is the largest law firm in Nevada and practices across over 40 legal specialties. Woodburn and Wedge, in Reno, is another full-service law firm in Nevada with specialized practice areas dedicated to mining, utilities, and real estate companies.
Corporate legal departments also provide numerous Nevada paralegal jobs. Large corporations in Nevada are primarily related to the gaming and entertainment industries and include Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International. Other sources of paralegal jobs in Nevada include banks and government agencies throughout the state.
LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Nevada or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities and also companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Nevada with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
- Clark County
- Clark County School District
- Lewis Brisbois
- United States Air Force</li>
- US Army
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Nevada Paralegal Salary Information
Projected Job Growth
26.4%
Paralegals in Nevada from 2018-20282
In May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 2,200 paralegals and legal assistants employed in Nevada.3The paralegal profession is expected to undergo growth as legal departments and law firms reduce attorney hiring in favor of less costly paralegal labor, expanding the role and prominence of support staff within the legal community. Additionally, corporations are expected to invest in internal legal departments to offset the rising cost of external counsel. Projections Central estimates 26.4 job growth for paralegals in Nevada between 2018 and 2028, much faster than the national growth expected of 12%.2
The average paralegal salary in Nevada as of May 2020 was $60,140, which is higher than the national average paralegal salary, of $56,610.3 Additionally, the average paralegal salary in Nevada tends to trend higher at large law firms and in urban areas in comparison to smaller firms and cities. Carson City is one of the top paying metropolitan areas for paralegals with an annual average wage of $67,380.3 Considering the nationwide expansion of the paralegal profession and the prominence of entertainment corporations in urban areas in Nevada, the job and salary outlook for paralegals and legal assistants in Nevada is positive. Beyond paralegal degree programs and national certification, practical work experience within the paralegal field will strongly benefit candidates wishing to work in Nevada’s legal environment. Estimates are based on national data, not school-specific information; data accessed in December 2021.
Nevada Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City | 40 | $67,380 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise | 1,620 | $59,320 |
| Reno | 380 | $64,490 |
Paralegal Resources
Paralegal Associations in Nevada
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.
- Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals (SNAP): Promotes networking and professional development in the legal support profession in and around Reno.
- State Bar of Nevada Paralegal Division: Works to keep member informed of relevant professional news and developmental opportunities throughout the state.
Additional Resources
- Clark County Law Library: Holds over 70,000 print volumes as well as 260 periodic titles, as well as microfiche collections and digital resources.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To find paralegal jobs in Nevada, be sure to visit our jobs board.
- Nevada Judiciary: The official website for the Supreme Court of Nevada and the Nevada Court of Appeals, which grants access to court rules, forms, schedules, and e-filing systems, in addition to a robust law library.
- University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) William S. Boyd School of Law Wiener-Rogers Law Library: Hosts a premier collection of legal research materials and is the largest law library in the state, as well as the only law library in Nevada that has comprehensive collections in United States 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: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm