Virginia doesn’t regulate paralegals, but the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA) established guidelines requiring completion of an ABA-approved program, national certification, or a bachelor’s degree with paralegal coursework or experience. With a median salary of $61,200 and 1,070 annual job openings, Virginia offers strong opportunities for qualified paralegals.
Virginia is a national player in terms of corporate strength. Home to big 
names like Northrop Grumman, Capital One, General Dynamics, and Freddie Mac, Virginia enjoys a robust economy backed by no less than 35 Fortune 1000 companies, including 22 that made the Fortune 500 list. This economic vitality translates into a thriving legal services industry and equally strong paralegal profession.
Whether you’re interested in a paralegal career with one of the Commonwealth’s many corporations, a growing law firm, a prominent nonprofit, or a state or federal governmental agency, Virginia’s opportunities are plentiful. Learning how to become a paralegal in Virginia means understanding the education and credentials today’s top employers demand.
Education Requirements
Virginia does not regulate its paralegals, which allows paralegals to enter the profession through either on-the-job training or education with no legal standards to meet. However, in 1995, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations created guidelines to help employers determine if a person is qualified to work as a paralegal. While these VAPA guidelines are not legally required, most Virginia employers follow them when hiring paralegals.
These VAPA guidelines provide five pathways to qualifying as a paralegal:
- Graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program or a program of equivalent rigor
- Earning national certification from a program recognized by VAPA
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field with either at least 24 semester hours of paralegal studies courses OR one year of work experience as a paralegal
- Completion of an associate degree that includes a minimum of 60 semester credit hours with at least 24 of those in paralegal coursework
- At least five years of work experience as a paralegal under the direct supervision of an attorney
As in other states, Virginia’s Rules of Professional Conduct 5.3 require that attorneys provide direct supervision of any nonlawyer assistants, including paralegals. Attorneys must instruct paralegals in matters of confidentiality and ethics, and assume responsibility for their professional conduct.
Degree and Certificate Programs
The Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations’ (VAPA) educational standards reflect the growth in prominence of the paralegal profession within the legal community. As increasing numbers of law firms hire paralegals, the need for standards of qualifications has grown. Along with it, educational opportunities for paralegals have increased.
Aspiring paralegals can earn associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in paralegal studies. Earning a degree usually takes two to five years to complete. Students who earn a degree are introduced to a broad spectrum of knowledge while also focusing on coursework in the specialty area of paralegal studies.
Certificate programs usually don’t offer many general education courses and so may be completed more quickly than degree programs. Certificate programs offer focused coursework on paralegal studies to prepare graduates for a new career. While some certificate programs only require applicants to have a high school education, others are designed to supplement their students’ previous bachelor’s degree in any field and to help them enter the workforce as paralegals. Graduates of certificate programs are called certificated paralegals.
VAPA’s educational standards require that degree and certificate programs meet ABA approval guidelines or the equivalent and that educational institutions be accredited. ABA approval and accreditation are also required by some employers and for eligibility to take national certification exams. All educational programs should be closely examined by prospective students.
Certification Options
National Certification
VAPA recognizes national certification as a means of demonstrating one’s qualifications as a paralegal. The national certification exams are offered by three professional paralegal associations to paralegals who meet the eligibility requirements of education, training, and experience. Paralegals who pass the national certification exam become certified paralegals. Currently ,the three professional organizations offer four national exams from which to select:
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP provided by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Virginia Registered Paralegal (VARP)
Within the VAPA alliance, the participating paralegal organizations recognize the voluntary Virginia Registered Paralegal (VARP) credential, sponsored by VAPA. This credential is unique to Virginia and demonstrates a paralegal’s commitment to professional standards.
To be eligible for the VARP credential, you must be a voting member of a paralegal organization that participates in VAPA and have one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from an accredited institution and one year of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution, a paralegal certificate from an institutionally accredited paralegal program, and one year of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution and three years of paralegal experience
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a non-accredited institution, a paralegal certificate from an institutionally accredited paralegal program, and two years of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies and two years of paralegal work experience
- Certificate from an institutionally accredited paralegal program and three years of paralegal experience
- Associate’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution and four years of paralegal experience
- Certificate from a non-accredited paralegal program and four years of paralegal experience
- Five years of paralegal work experience plus six hours of continuing legal education
- National Association of Legal Assistants’ (NALA’s) Certified Paralegal (CP)/Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) credential, or another VAPA-approved national paralegal credential
Paralegal Salaries in Virginia
Virginia’s economic strength creates abundant opportunities for paralegals across corporate law departments, law firms, governmental agencies, and nonprofits. The state’s business-friendly policies and attractive regulatory environment have attracted educated professionals, creating a qualified and competent workforce. In Arlington, the U.S. Army is a major employer with some 500,000 people contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, Virginia employed 8,570 paralegals and legal assistants. Once you’ve gained considerable experience and specialized knowledge in one or more areas of law, like consumer law, corporate law, labor law, or bankruptcy law, your earning potential increases considerably.
| Salary Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $21.20 | $44,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $23.37 | $48,620 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $29.42 | $61,200 |
| Mean (Average) | $32.01 | $66,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $38.21 | $79,470 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $46.89 | $97,520 |
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Geographic location significantly impacts paralegal salaries in Virginia. Richmond serves as Virginia’s paralegal capital, not least of all because it’s the center of the state’s government. It’s also where some of the state’s largest law firms are based, which collectively employ thousands of lawyers. For regional context, Maryland paralegals in nearby metropolitan areas also see competitive salaries.
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area reports some of the highest employment of paralegals in the nation, with 11,080 professionals and one of the top average salaries at $86,540 annually.
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Mean Salary | Median Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC Metro) | 11,080 | $86,540 | $80,550 | $124,800 |
| Richmond | 1,930 | $61,770 | $58,990 | $85,800 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,490 | $59,040 | $59,090 | $78,460 |
| Charlottesville | 180 | $61,040 | $58,550 | $76,920 |
| Roanoke | 320 | $56,710 | $57,710 | $76,960 |
| Winchester | 80 | $58,960 | $51,900 | $89,070 |
| Harrisonburg | 100 | $55,950 | $48,490 | $74,360 |
| Lynchburg | 140 | $54,130 | $49,330 | $74,910 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford | 50 | $53,930 | $47,260 | $75,850 |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft | 50 | $51,940 | $48,030 | $63,560 |
Paralegal Programs in Virginia
The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in Virginia have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Virginia offers paralegal programs at every level, with both online and campus-based options available throughout the Commonwealth. The programs listed below are offered by regionally or nationally accredited institutions.
American National University
Paralegal Associate Degree – Campus
Paralegal Studies Certificate (post-associate) – Campus
Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, Online
Legal Office Assistant Diploma – Campus, Online
George Mason University
Minor in Legal Studies – Campus
Germanna Community College
Certificate in Legal Assistant – Campus
Hampton University
Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Online
BA in Paralegal Studies – Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
John Tyler Community College
AS in Business Administration-Paralegal Studies Specialization – Online, Campus
Career Studies Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Online, Campus
Liberty University
AA in Paralegal Studies – Online
BS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Online
Lord Fairfax Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Office Legal Assistant/Paralegal Studies Certificate – Campus
Mountain Empire Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Online
Legal Office Assisting Certificate – Online
New River Community College
AAS in Paralegal Administrative Support – Campus, Online
Paralegal Assistant Career Studies Certificate – Campus, Online
Northern Virginia Community College
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Patrick Henry Community College
AAS in Legal Assisting – Campus
Regent University
BS in Paralegal Studies – Online
MA in Law-Advanced Paralegal Studies – Online
South University-Virginia Beach
AS in Paralegal Studies – Online
BS in Legal Studies – Online
Southwest Virginia Community College
Legal Studies Certificate – Campus, Online
Thomas Nelson Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus
Tidewater Community College
Paralegal General Practice Specialist Certificate – Campus
Legal Assistant Certificate – Campus
Litigation Specialist Certificate – Campus
AAS Paralegal Studies – Campus
Virginia Western Community College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus, Hybrid
Legal Office Assisting Career Studies Certificate – Campus, Online
Wytheville Community College
AAS in Administrative Support Technology-Legal Assistant Specialization – Campus, Online
Career Studies Certificate in Legal Assisting – Campus, Online
Job Outlook and Employment Trends
Virginia’s paralegal job market shows stability with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections from 2022 to 2032, Virginia’s paralegal employment is expected to see minimal change, with a projected decrease of just 40 positions (-0.4%) over the decade.
Despite the slight decline in overall employment, the paralegal profession in Virginia maintains strong prospects due to replacement needs. The state projects approximately 1,070 average annual job openings for paralegals through 2032. These openings result from paralegals leaving the occupation, retiring, or transferring to other careers, creating consistent entry points for new professionals.
Virginia’s robust legal services environment continues to offer opportunities across multiple sectors. Corporate legal departments at Fortune 500 companies, major law firms in Richmond and the DC metro area, state and federal government agencies, and nonprofit organizations all maintain a steady demand for qualified paralegals. The state’s economic strength and concentration of legal services ensure ongoing employment opportunities for those with proper education and credentials. For a broader context on paralegal career paths, explore specialization options that can enhance your marketability.
Professional Associations
Virginia has a wealth of paralegal associations from which to choose, including organizations affiliated with each of the three major national paralegal associations: NALA, NFPA, and NALS. Many of these local paralegal associations work together as part of VAPA, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations.
Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA)
VAPA serves as an umbrella organization that brings together Virginia’s local paralegal associations. It created the educational standards that guide employers in determining paralegal qualifications and sponsors the Virginia Registered Paralegal (VARP) credential. VAPA’s member organizations work collaboratively to elevate the paralegal profession throughout the Commonwealth.
Local Paralegal Associations
The local paralegal organizations that are members of VAPA include:
- Fredericksburg Paralegal Association (FPA)
- Tidewater Paralegal Association (TPA) – NALA affiliate
- National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA)
- Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV) – NFPA affiliate
- Richmond Paralegal Association (RPA) – NALA affiliate
- Roanoke Valley Paralegal Association (RVPA) – NALA affiliate
- Shenandoah Valley Paralegal Association (SVPA)
- Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association (VAPPA) – NALA affiliate
Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV)
The Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV) is Virginia’s largest NFPA affiliate, offering membership to paralegals, student paralegals, and corporate members who wish to support the profession. PANV promotes the increased utilization of paralegals by networking with other legal organizations and educating the general public.
PANV works to elevate the professionalism of its members by offering continuing legal education (CLE), supporting members who are seeking national certification, and offering opportunities for members to specialize in their legal knowledge.
Virginia Association of Legal Secretaries (VALS)
Virginia Association of Legal Secretaries (VALS), a NALS affiliate, is open to all legal professionals, including paralegals. Continuing education is a major focus of VALS, which offers an annual conference, support for those preparing for national certification, workshops, and professional courses. VALS members may also benefit from networking opportunities, scholarships, and social events. VALS has chapters throughout the commonwealth.
Major Law Firms Hiring Paralegals
Virginia is home to many large law firms that are also large employers of paralegals. Such law firms can be good entry points into a career as a paralegal. Virginia’s major law firms include:
- McGuireWoods LLP
- Hunton & Williams LLP
- Williams Mullen
- Framme Law Firm PC
- Frith Anderson & Peake, PC
- Gardner, Gardner, Barrow & Sharpe
- Geddy, Harris, Franck & Hickman, LLP
- Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, LLP
- Glasser & Glasser
- Glenn Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte
- Goodman, Allen & Filetti
- Greenberg Traurig LLP
- Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C.
- Hancock, Daniel, Johnson & Nagle
- Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman
- Harrison & Johnston
- Hirschler Fleischer A Professional Corporation
- Hogan Lovells
- Holland & Knight
- Hoover Penrod PLC
- Hunzeker Lyon & Leggett
- Johnson, Ayers & Matthews
- Jones, Blechman, Woltz & Kelly
- Kalbaugh Pfund & Messersmith
- Kaufman & Canoles
- Lawson & Silek
Important Resources and Contacts
- Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA)
- National Capital Area Paralegal Association (NCAPA), affiliated with the NFPA
- Richmond Paralegal Association (RPA), affiliated with NALA
- Virginia Peninsula Paralegal Association (VaPPA), affiliated with NALA
- Paralegal Association of Northern Virginia (PANV), affiliated with the NFPA
- Tidewater Paralegal Association (TPA), affiliated with NALA
- Virginia Association of Legal Secretaries (VALS), affiliated with NALS
- Fairfax Bar Association – Paralegal Division
- Virginia State Bar
- Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Virginia’s Judicial System
- Educational Standards for Paralegals in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require paralegal licensure or certification?
No, Virginia does not regulate or license paralegals. However, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA) established guidelines in 1995 to help employers determine paralegal qualifications. These guidelines recommend completion of an ABA-approved program, national certification, or specific combinations of education and experience.
What education do I need to become a paralegal in Virginia?
While Virginia has no legal education requirements, VAPA guidelines recommend one of five pathways: graduation from an ABA-approved program, national certification, a bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours of paralegal coursework or one year of experience, an associate degree with 24 paralegal credit hours, or five years of work experience under attorney supervision. Most employers follow these guidelines when hiring.
What is the VARP credential?
The Virginia Registered Paralegal (VARP) is a voluntary credential sponsored by VAPA and recognized by all participating member associations. To qualify, you must be a voting member of a VAPA-participating organization and meet one of ten eligibility pathways combining education and experience. The VARP credential demonstrates commitment to professional standards unique to Virginia’s paralegal community.
How much do paralegals make in Virginia?
As of May 2024, the median paralegal salary in Virginia is $61,200 per year ($29.42 per hour). Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earn around $44,100, while experienced paralegals (90th percentile) can earn $97,520 or more annually. The mean salary is $66,570 per year.
Which Virginia cities pay paralegals the most?
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area offers the highest paralegal salaries in Virginia, with a mean salary of $86,540 and top earners making $124,800. Richmond follows with a mean salary of $61,770, and Charlottesville offers $61,040. Winchester, Virginia Beach, and other cities typically range from $51,940 to $59,040 in mean salaries.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia has multiple ABA-approved paralegal programs at community colleges and universities. VAPA guidelines emphasize the importance of ABA approval or equivalent program rigor. ABA approval is also required by some employers and for eligibility to take certain national certification exams. All programs listed should be closely examined for accreditation status.
What’s the difference between certificated and certified paralegals?
Certificated paralegals have completed a certificate program in paralegal studies, which is an educational credential. Certified paralegals have passed a national certification exam from organizations like NFPA, NALA, or NALS after meeting eligibility requirements. Certification demonstrates professional competency through standardized testing, while a certificate shows completion of a training program.
What professional associations should I join in Virginia?
Virginia offers eight local paralegal associations under the VAPA umbrella, including PANV (Virginia’s largest, NFPA-affiliated), Richmond Paralegal Association (NALA-affiliated), National Capital Area Paralegal Association, and Tidewater Paralegal Association. Choose based on your geographic location and whether you prefer NFPA, NALA, or NALS affiliation. VALS is also open to all legal professionals, including paralegals.
Is the paralegal job market growing in Virginia?
Virginia’s paralegal employment is projected to remain stable with a slight decrease of 40 positions (-0.4%) from 2022 to 2032. However, the state still projects 1,070 average annual job openings due to replacements from retirements and career changes. Virginia’s strong legal services environment, Fortune 500 companies, and government presence ensure consistent opportunities for qualified paralegals.
Can I work as a paralegal in Virginia with just on-the-job training?
Yes, Virginia doesn’t legally require formal education to work as a paralegal. VAPA guidelines include a pathway requiring five years of work experience under attorney supervision. However, most employers prefer candidates with formal education or certification, and having an ABA-approved degree or national certification significantly improves job prospects and earning potential in Virginia’s competitive market.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia doesn’t regulate paralegals, but VAPA guidelines established in 1995 provide clear pathways through education, certification, or experience that most employers follow when hiring.
- The median paralegal salary in Virginia is $61,200 annually, with top earners in the DC metro area making up to $124,800, reflecting the state’s strong legal market and corporate presence.
- Virginia offers 20+ accredited paralegal programs at various levels (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificates) available both online and on campus throughout the state.
- The Virginia Registered Paralegal (VARP) credential provides a unique state-specific professional designation recognized by all VAPA member organizations, requiring membership and specific education-experience combinations.
- Eight local paralegal associations affiliated with NFPA, NALA, and NALS operate under the VAPA umbrella, offering networking, continuing education, and professional development opportunities statewide.
- Virginia projects 1,070 average annual paralegal job openings through 2032, primarily from replacement needs, ensuring consistent opportunities despite minimal overall employment growth.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Virginia?
Virginia’s established legal market and range of paralegal programs provide multiple pathways to enter the profession. Explore accredited programs throughout the Commonwealth and take your first step toward a rewarding career.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
