Wyoming Paralegal Career and Salary Guide

Like most states, Wyoming does not regulate the profession of paralegals and legal assistants, and formal certification is not required. This overview provides information on how to become a paralegal in Wyoming, salary and job outlook in the state, and national certification options.

Table of Contents

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

How to Become a Paralegal in Wyoming

Wyoming state law does not regulate the training or employment of paralegals and legal assistants, allowing flexibility in career paths.. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Wyoming:

1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.

Since most employers prefer paralegal candidates with a college education, getting a paralegal associate degree, bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, or certificate in legal studies at one of the paralegal schools in Wyoming is the best first step towards a career as a paralegal. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved two Wyoming paralegal programs.¹

2. Gain experience.

The absence of statewide regulation in Wyoming enables private law firms to provide on-site training for paralegals. Some paralegals begin their careers as legal secretaries and advance as they gain experience. In addition, many paralegal programs offer real-world experiences for students in the form of internships. It is wise for students to take advantage of such opportunities to prepare them for their future careers.

3. Seek certification, if desired.

Although certification is not required in Wyoming, it is highly recommended for aspiring paralegals. Certification for Wyoming paralegals is only available at the national level.

Paralegal Certification in Wyoming

As in most other states, Wyoming paralegal certification is not required to work as a paralegal in the state. Paralegals and legal assistants are classified as paraprofessionals and permitted to undertake law-related tasks with the direct supervision of an attorney. Though Wyoming paralegal certification is not mandated by state law, paralegal graduates are encouraged to seek voluntary certification through a national organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), or the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). The certification examinations and continuing education programs offered through these organizations are intended for practicing and prospective paralegals looking to expand their legal knowledge. Though not required, gaining national certification may give individuals a powerful edge in the paralegal job market. You can read more about national certification on our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.

Wyoming Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported 400 paralegals and legal assistants employed in Wyoming, earning an average annual salary of $56,870.³ Projections
Central predicts 12.2% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Wyoming, faster than the growth expected nationwide of 4.2%.² The western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area was the third-highest-paying nonmetropolitan area in the country for paralegals.³

Wyoming Paralegal Salary by Metro Area

Paralegal Employers in Wyoming

Law firms, corporations, and state, regional, and federal government agencies are common employers of paralegals in the state. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Wyoming or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Wyoming with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:

• Crowley Fleck Attorneys PLLP
• State of Wyoming
• Schwartz Bon Walker Studer LLC
• The Spence Law Firm, LLC
• University of Wyoming
• Williams, Porter, Day & Neville P.C.
• Wyoming Attorney General

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

Paralegal Resources

Here are some resources to help paralegals in Wyoming with professional development, networking, and career growth.

Paralegal Associations in Wyoming

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.

• Legal Assistants of Wyoming (LAW): Serves paralegals and legal assistants across the state with continuing education opportunities, access to a members-only jobs board, and more.
• The Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA): An affiliate of NFPA, RMPA serves paralegals in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Additional Resources

• University of Wyoming College of Law George W. Hopper Law Library: Based in Laramie on the main campus and encompasses over 206,000 volumes open to the general public for legal research purposes.
• Wyoming Judicial Branch: Provides links to all courts in the state’s jurisdiction from the Supreme Court to the Circuit Courts with access to court rules, dockets, and e-filing systems, as well as the most current forms and schedules of fees.
• Wyoming State Law Library: Based in Cheyenne in the Wyoming Supreme Court building, the Wyoming State Law Library holds comprehensive collections in state and federal law, including notable collections in Native American legal resources and general 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