To become a paralegal in Arkansas, complete a formal education program (associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies), gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, and consider optional national certification (PACE, CLA/CP, or PP) to enhance your credentials. Arkansas requires no state licensure.
Arkansas offers exciting opportunities for aspiring paralegals in a legal market supported by corporate powerhouses like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Dillard’s. Major regional law firms, including Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP, Quattlebaum Grooms Tull & Burrow PLLC, and Barber McCaskill Jones & Hale PA, create consistent demand for skilled paralegals throughout the state. The growing legal profession, with a 22.8% increase in active lawyers from 2011 to 2021, signals expanding opportunities for paralegal professionals.
Whether you’re launching your career or advancing your credentials, Arkansas provides multiple pathways to success. With no state licensure requirements, you can choose from associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, or certificate options. This comprehensive guide covers education requirements, certification options, salary expectations, job outlook, and professional resources to help you navigate your paralegal career in Arkansas.
Understand Arkansas Education Requirements
Arkansas law provides flexibility for entering the paralegal profession. The Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3 recognizes “paraprofessionals” who assist lawyers, directing that these professionals work under the immediate supervision of a lawyer who assumes responsibility for their actions. Unlike some states, Arkansas has no regulatory body governing the paralegal profession and doesn’t require a specific degree or certificate to work as a paralegal.
This flexibility creates multiple entry pathways: on-the-job training, formal education programs, or a combination of both. However, today’s legal employers increasingly prefer candidates with formal paralegal education. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies operate within increasingly complex legal frameworks, they rely on paralegals with the specialized knowledge that comes from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Understanding the difference between education pathways helps you make informed decisions about your career investment. While Arkansas doesn’t mandate specific credentials, completing a formal educational program significantly enhances your employability and career advancement potential.
Certificate vs. Certificated vs. Certified
The terminology around paralegal credentials can be confusing, but understanding these distinctions is important for your job search.
Certificated paralegals have earned a certificate or diploma for completing educational coursework in paralegal studies. Certificate programs may require that applicants already hold a degree in another subject, offering focused paralegal-specific coursework without general education requirements. Other programs issue certificates alongside associate degrees, while some simply offer standalone certificate programs. Certificate-issuing schools may or may not have American Bar Association (ABA) recognition and may or may not be accredited.
Certified paralegals have passed a national examination and earned certification from the examining body. Currently, four national exams are available, each recognized by different professional associations and employers.
When employers say they want a “certified” paralegal, they may actually mean “certificated.” It’s important to ask potential employers whether they want candidates who have completed educational requirements to earn a certificate or candidates who have passed one of the national certification exams.
Within the paralegal field, it’s generally recognized that entry-level candidates are more employable with formal education (certificate or degree). Since many certificate and diploma programs also meet eligibility requirements for national exams, aspiring paralegals can gain a competitive advantage by earning a certificate or diploma while preparing for national certification.
Choose an Arkansas Paralegal Program
Arkansas offers several quality paralegal education programs through community colleges and universities. Whether you’re just starting your education or building on an existing degree, you’ll find options that fit your schedule and career goals. The programs listed below provide the formal education increasingly expected by Arkansas employers in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Location: Bentonville, with additional campuses in Springdale and Farmington
Programs Offered:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – On-Campus
NWACC serves the growing Northwest Arkansas region, home to Walmart headquarters and numerous corporate legal departments. The program provides comprehensive training in legal research, writing, litigation support, and specialized practice areas.
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
Location: North Little Rock
Programs Offered:
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Technology – On Campus
- Paralegal Technology Technical Certificate – On Campus
- Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Technology – On Campus
- Technical Certificate in Legal Secretarial – On Campus
UA-Pulaski Tech offers the most program variety in Arkansas, allowing students to choose between full associate degrees and shorter certificate options. The location near Little Rock provides proximity to the state’s largest concentration of law firms and legal employers.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Locations: Little Rock, with satellite campuses in Fayetteville, Monticello, and Pine Bluff
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies – On Campus
- Minor in Legal Studies – On Campus
UALR provides four-year degree options for students seeking bachelor’s-level education in legal studies. The bachelor’s degree program offers broader legal education suitable for career advancement or as preparation for law school, while the minor complements other degree programs.
Choosing the Right Program
Consider these factors when selecting a program:
- Career goals: Entry-level positions typically require associate degrees or certificates, while advancement into senior paralegal roles may benefit from bachelor’s degrees
- Time commitment: Certificates can be completed faster than associate degrees, which are faster than bachelor’s degrees
- Location: Programs near major legal markets (Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas) may offer better internship opportunities
- Program format: All Arkansas programs listed are on-campus, so consider proximity to your location
- Cost: Community college programs (NWACC, UA-Pulaski Tech) typically cost less than four-year institutions
Explore Certification Options
While Arkansas doesn’t require state certification or licensure, earning national certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can distinguish you in the job market. National certification verifies that you’ve met rigorous competency standards recognized throughout the United States.
National Paralegal Certification Exams
Four nationally recognized certification exams are available to Arkansas paralegals:
PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam)
Offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), PACE is an advanced certification requiring substantial paralegal experience and education. The exam tests advanced knowledge across multiple practice areas and legal concepts. Learn more about PACE.
PCC (Paralegal Core Competency)
Also offered by NFPA, the PCC exam provides an entry-level certification option for newer paralegals. It tests foundational knowledge and skills required for competent paralegal practice.
CLA/CP (Certified Legal Assistant/Certified Paralegal)
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers the CLA/CP certification, one of the most established paralegal credentials. The exam covers communication, ethics, legal research, judgment and analytical ability, and substantive law.
PP (Professional Paralegal)
The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) offers the PP certification, testing written communication, ethics, office procedures, legal research, and substantive law knowledge.
Certification Benefits
National certification offers several advantages:
- Demonstrates mastery of paralegal competencies to employers
- Provides a competitive edge in job applications and promotions
- May qualify you for higher starting salaries
- Shows commitment to professional development
- Gives access to professional networks through certifying organizations
- Maintains professional standards through continuing education requirements
Many certificate and degree programs prepare students for these exams, and some Arkansas professional associations offer study courses. The Arkansas Paralegal Alliance provides CLA/CP study courses, while the Arkansas Paralegal Association connects members with PACE and PCC exam resources through its NFPA affiliation. For detailed information about the exam format, eligibility requirements, and preparation strategies, read our comprehensive guide to NALA certification.
Research Arkansas Paralegal Salaries
Arkansas paralegals earn competitive salaries that reflect their education, experience, and practice area specialization. Understanding salary ranges helps you set realistic expectations and plan your career trajectory. Compensation varies significantly based on location, with major metropolitan areas offering higher salaries than smaller communities.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, Arkansas employed approximately 1,400 paralegals and legal assistants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive salary data showing the full range of paralegal compensation in the state.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th Percentile) | $16.70 | $34,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $18.49 | $38,460 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $22.57 | $46,940 |
| Mean (Average) | $30.07 | $62,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $27.72 | $57,660 |
| Experienced (90th Percentile) | $37.18 | $77,330 |
The median salary of $46,940 represents the midpoint where half of Arkansas paralegals earn more and half earn less. The mean salary of $62,540 is higher than the median, indicating that experienced paralegals in specialized practice areas or senior positions can earn significantly more. Entry-level paralegals typically start in the $34,740 to $38,460 range, while those with significant experience and specialization can reach $77,330 or higher.
Arkansas Paralegal Salary by City
Location significantly impacts paralegal compensation in Arkansas. Metropolitan areas with higher concentrations of law firms and corporate legal departments offer stronger salary potential. Little Rock, as the state capital and largest legal market, consistently reports the highest paralegal salaries.
| Metropolitan Area | Employment | Mean Salary | Median Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | 710 | $70,740 | $46,940 | $87,050 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | 270 | $60,680 | $47,900 | $80,610 |
| Jonesboro | Limited data | $55,140 | $45,300 | $61,610 |
| Hot Springs | 50 | $53,610 | $54,550 | $57,300 |
| Fort Smith | 120 | $51,670 | $49,000 | $64,990 |
Salary Factors and Career Growth
Several factors influence paralegal compensation in Arkansas:
Location and Legal Market Size: Little Rock dominates the Arkansas legal market with major law firms like Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC, Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP, and Wilson & Associates PLLC. The concentration of legal employers creates competitive salaries averaging $70,740. Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers) offers the second-highest salaries at $60,680 average, supported by corporate legal departments at Walmart, Tyson Foods, and growing technology companies.
Practice Area Specialization: Paralegals with expertise in complex areas like intellectual property, corporate law, or securities law often command higher salaries. Arkansas’s growing technology sector, including companies like Inuvo and Metova, creates opportunities for intellectual property paralegals.
Experience and Credentials: Paralegals advance from entry-level positions ($34,740-$38,460) to experienced roles ($57,660-$77,330) through years of practice, specialized training, and professional certification. National certifications like CLA/CP or PACE can accelerate salary growth.
Employer Type: Corporate legal departments often offer higher base salaries and comprehensive benefits compared to small law firms, though large law firms provide competitive compensation packages and advancement opportunities.
Analyze Job Outlook and Growth
Arkansas offers stable career prospects for paralegals, with consistent growth projected through 2032. The expanding legal profession creates ongoing demand for skilled paralegal support across diverse practice areas and legal settings.
Employment Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for Arkansas paralegals over the next decade:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Employment (2022) | 2,220 |
| Projected Employment (2032) | 2,340 |
| Job Growth | +120 jobs |
| Percent Change | 5.4% |
| Annual Job Openings | 240 per year |
The 5.4% growth rate reflects consistent demand, with 240 annual openings created through both new positions and replacements for paralegals who retire or change careers. This steady growth provides reliable opportunities for new graduates and career changers entering the field.
Market Drivers
Several factors support Arkansas paralegal employment growth:
Attorney Growth: The American Bar Association reports that active lawyers in Arkansas increased 22.8% between 2011 and 2021, reaching 6,808 resident lawyers as of 2024. This substantial growth in the legal profession directly increases demand for paralegal support services.
Corporate Expansion: Arkansas headquarters of major corporations with significant legal departments. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer based in Bentonville, maintains extensive legal operations. Tyson Foods and Dillard’s add to the state’s corporate legal market, creating positions for paralegals with corporate law experience.
Technology Sector Growth: Emerging technology companies like Inuvo and Metova are expanding Arkansas’s tech sector, generating demand for paralegals with intellectual property and technology law knowledge.
Cost-Effective Legal Services: Law firms increasingly rely on paralegals to handle tasks that don’t require attorney involvement, improving efficiency and reducing client costs. This trend continues to expand paralegal roles and responsibilities.
Employment Settings
Arkansas paralegals work in diverse legal environments:
- Private law firms: From small practices to large regional firms, law firms employ the majority of Arkansas paralegals
- Corporate legal departments: In-house positions at corporations like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and other Arkansas companies
- Government agencies: Federal, state, and local government offices employ paralegals in various legal capacities
- Courts: Arkansas state and federal courts utilize paralegals for administrative and legal support
- Public interest organizations: Non-profits and legal aid organizations employ paralegals serving underserved communities
Join Professional Associations
Arkansas offers several professional organizations that provide networking opportunities, continuing education, and career advancement resources for current and aspiring paralegals. Membership in these associations connects you with experienced professionals, helps you stay current with legal trends, and demonstrates your commitment to professional development.
Association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals (AALS)
As a NALS affiliate, the Association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals encourages NALS certifications and offers multiple membership levels:
- Individual: Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate: Open to those engaged in legal work, such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students: Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program at an accredited school
- Retired: Open to those who have been NALS-affiliated members for at least five years prior to retirement
- Life: Open to qualified individual members
- International: Open to those engaged in legal work who reside outside the United States
Northeast Arkansas Legal Support Professionals
This NALS affiliate serves Northeast Arkansas with the same membership levels as AALS, providing localized networking and professional development for paralegals in that region of the state.
Major Arkansas Law Firms
Large law firms are significant employers of paralegals in Arkansas. Most major firms are located in Little Rock, though some have offices throughout the state:
- Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP
- Mitchell Williams Selig Gates & Woodyard PLLC
- Wright Lindsey & Jennings LLP
- Wilson & Associates PLLC
- Rose Law Firm PA
- Kutak Rock LLP
- Quattlebaum Grooms Tull & Burrow PLLC
- Dover Dixon Horne PLLC
- Williams & Anderson PLC
- Barber McCaskill Jones & Hale PA
- Gill Elrod Ragon Owen & Sherman PA
- Cross Gunter Witherspoon & Galchus PC
- Bassett Law Firm LLP
- Hilburn Calhoon Harper Pruniski Calhoun Ltd.
- Womack Landis Phelps & McNeill PA
- Barrett & Deacon PA
- Jack Nelson Jones & Bryant PA
- Laser Law Firm PA
- Munson Rowlett Moore & Boone PA
- Matthews Campbell Rhoads McClure Thompson & Fryauf
- Rainwater Holt & Sexton PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arkansas require paralegal certification or licensure?
No. Arkansas does not require state certification or licensure to work as a paralegal. The Arkansas Rule of Professional Conduct 5.3 recognizes “paraprofessionals” who assist lawyers but doesn’t mandate specific credentials. You can work as a paralegal through on-the-job training, though formal education significantly improves employment prospects. Optional national certifications (PACE, CLA/CP, PCC, or PP) are available to enhance your credentials.
What’s the difference between “certificated” and “certified” paralegals?
Certificated paralegals have earned a certificate or diploma by completing an educational program in paralegal studies. These programs may be part of an associate degree or standalone certificate programs. Certified paralegals have passed a national exam (PACE, PCC, CLA/CP, or PP) administered by professional organizations. Employers sometimes use these terms interchangeably, so it’s important to ask whether they want educational credentials or national certification when they say they want a “certified” paralegal.
How much do paralegals make in Arkansas?
As of May 2024, Arkansas paralegals earn a median salary of $46,940 annually ($22.57 per hour). Entry-level paralegals typically start around $34,740, while experienced professionals in the top 10% earn $77,330 or more. Salaries vary by location, with Little Rock offering the highest average at $70,740 and Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers) averaging $60,680. Experience, specialization, and employer type significantly impact compensation.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in Arkansas?
Arkansas has several quality paralegal programs, though ABA approval status can change. ABA approval isn’t required to work as a paralegal in Arkansas, and many successful paralegals attend non-ABA-approved programs. The important factors are the regional or national accreditation of the institution and the quality of the paralegal curriculum. You can check current ABA-approved programs by state on our comprehensive directory.
What cities in Arkansas pay paralegals the most?
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway offers the highest paralegal salaries in Arkansas, with an average of $70,740 and top earners making $87,050 or more. This reflects Little Rock’s status as the state capital and largest legal market, home to major law firms like Mitchell Williams, Wright Lindsey & Jennings, and Wilson & Associates. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers ranks second with an average salary of $60,680, supported by corporate legal departments at Walmart and Tyson Foods.
Is the paralegal job market growing in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas expects 5.4% job growth for paralegals from 2022 to 2032, adding 120 new positions with approximately 240 annual job openings (including replacement positions). This growth is supported by a 22.8% increase in active lawyers from 2011 to 2021, the expansion of corporate legal departments, and law firms’ increasing reliance on paralegals for cost-effective legal services. The outlook remains positive for new graduates and career changers.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to become a paralegal in Arkansas?
No. Most entry-level paralegal positions in Arkansas accept associate degrees or certificates in paralegal studies. An associate degree from programs like NorthWest Arkansas Community College or UA-Pulaski Technical College typically qualifies you for most paralegal positions. Bachelor’s degrees in legal studies (available at UA-Little Rock) can provide advantages for career advancement or specialized positions, but aren’t required to start your career.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas requires no state licensure or certification to work as a paralegal, though formal education from programs like NWACC, UA-Pulaski Tech, or UA-Little Rock significantly improves job prospects and career advancement potential
- Multiple education pathways exist, including associate degrees in paralegal studies (2 years), certificate programs (shorter timeframe), or bachelor’s degrees in legal studies (4 years), depending on your career goals and timeline
- Arkansas paralegals earn a median salary of $46,940 annually, with Little Rock offering the highest compensation at $70,740 on average, and experienced professionals earning $77,330 or more in the top 10%
- The field is growing 5.4% through 2032, creating 240 annual job openings driven by attorney growth (22.8% increase 2011-2021), corporate expansion, and law firms’ increasing reliance on paralegal services
- National certification through PACE, PCC, CLA/CP, or PP exams is optional but enhances credentials and job competitiveness, with Arkansas professional associations offering study courses and preparation resources
- Active professional associations, includingthe Arkansas Paralegal Alliance (NALA affiliate) and the Arkansas Paralegal Association (NFPA affiliate) provide networking, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities throughout your career
Ready to Start Your Arkansas Paralegal Career?
Explore accredited paralegal programs in Arkansas and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career in one of the state’s growing legal markets.
Salary Disclaimer: 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.
Important Contacts for Arkansas Paralegals
- Arkansas State Judiciary, including a searchable court directory
- Arkansas State Courts Directory (PDF format)
