To become a paralegal in North Dakota, you need to meet one of four education pathways outlined in Supreme Court Rule 5.3: complete an ABA-approved paralegal program, earn a bachelor’s degree with paralegal training, obtain national certification, or gain seven years of supervised experience. North Dakota paralegals earned a median salary of $59,910 in 2024.
North Dakota’s economy is strong and dynamic, boasting a thriving energy sector alongside established industries like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. While the state’s oil boom has moderated, North Dakota remains the nation’s second-largest oil producer behind Texas. Major employers, including Noridian Mutual Insurance Company, MDU Resources Group, North Dakota State University, and Altru Health System, have created an economy ripe with opportunities across multiple sectors.
This economic diversity translates into robust demand for legal services, creating excellent career prospects for paralegals. Whether you’re working in corporate legal departments, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, or regional law firms like Crowley Fleck PLLP and Fredrikson & Byron P.A., paralegals in North Dakota play an essential role in ensuring efficient and cost-effective legal services. Your education, credentials, and specialized knowledge in areas like family law, criminal litigation, labor law, or immigration law can open doors to rewarding career opportunities throughout the state.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a paralegal in North Dakota, from education requirements and certification options to salary expectations and career resources.
North Dakota Paralegal Requirements
North Dakota Supreme Court Rule 5.3 establishes clear guidelines for paralegal qualifications and practice. The rule defines a paralegal as “a person who assists lawyers in the delivery of legal services, and who, through formal education, training, or experience, has knowledge and expertise regarding the legal system and substantive and procedural law which qualifies the person to do work of a legal nature under the direct supervision of a licensed lawyer.”
As in other states, paralegals in North Dakota must work under attorney supervision, with the supervising attorney accepting professional responsibility for their conduct. Paralegals can’t perform duties that would constitute unauthorized practice of law. Supervising attorneys must ensure their paralegals receive education in ethics and confidentiality.
Rule 5.3 outlines four pathways to qualify as a paralegal in North Dakota:
| Education Pathway | Requirements | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| ABA-Approved Program | Complete an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies from an ABA-approved institution or one with similar standards | 2-4 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree Plus Training | Bachelor’s degree in any field, supplemented by either one year of lawyer-supervised on-the-job training or 18 semester credit hours of substantive legal coursework | 4+ years |
| National Certification | Become a nationally certified legal assistant/paralegal through a professional organization requiring continuing legal education to maintain certification. | Varies by exam |
| Experience-Based | Seven years of on-the-job training and paralegal work experience under attorney supervision | 7 years |
Education Pathways
The body of knowledge required to perform legal support services effectively can only be acquired through formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, they expect paralegals to handle greater responsibility. Law offices and other employers throughout North Dakota have come to rely on paralegals with the expertise that comes from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Understanding ABA-Approved Programs
The American Bar Association (ABA) approves paralegal education programs that meet rigorous standards. These programs must include at least 60 semester hours of coursework, with at least 18 semester hours devoted to substantive paralegal studies. ABA approval signals to employers that you’ve received high-quality training grounded in current legal practices and ethical standards.
Associate Degree Programs
Associate degree programs typically take two years to complete and provide comprehensive training in legal research, writing, and practical skills. These programs are ideal if you’re entering the field directly from high school or making a career change without a prior bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Four-year bachelor’s degree programs offer in-depth legal education combined with broader liberal arts coursework. This pathway provides the strongest educational foundation and can lead to faster career advancement and higher earning potential.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, post-baccalaureate certificate programs offer an efficient path into the paralegal profession. These programs focus exclusively on paralegal studies without repeating general education requirements. Under North Dakota’s Rule 5.3, post-baccalaureate certificate programs must be offered through ABA-approved institutions and meet the minimum requirement of at least 18 semester hours in substantive legal courses.
Certificated vs. Certified Paralegals
The similarity in terms often confuses. Certificated paralegals are graduates of certificate programs in paralegal studies who receive certificates of completion. Certified paralegals have obtained national certification through professional organizations by meeting education and experience requirements and passing a certification exam. North Dakota’s Rule 5.3 recognizes both pathways.
National Certification Options
National certification demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence and can enhance your career prospects. North Dakota’s Rule 5.3 explicitly recognizes nationally certified paralegals as meeting the state’s qualifications. To maintain certification, you must complete continuing legal education requirements to ensure your knowledge stays current with evolving legal practices.
Four national certification exams are available to North Dakota paralegals:
| Certification | Provider | Requirements | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam) | National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) | Bachelor’s degree and either a paralegal certificate or relevant paralegal experience | Advanced competency for experienced paralegals |
| PCCE (Paralegal Core Competency Exam) | National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) | Designed for entry-level candidates with formal paralegal education or some experience | Core competencies for new paralegals |
| CP (Certified Paralegal, formerly CLA/CP) | National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) | Education requirements or equivalent work experience | Broad legal knowledge and skills |
| PP (Professional Paralegal) | Association for Legal Professionals (NALS) | Varies by experience level | Professional competency across legal specialties |
Salary and Job Market
North Dakota offers competitive salaries for paralegals, with strong earning potential for those who gain experience and develop specialized expertise. The state’s diverse economy creates steady demand for legal services across multiple practice areas.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of 2024, North Dakota employed 610 paralegals earning a mean annual salary of $59,800, or $28.75 per hour. The median wage stood at $59,910, indicating consistent earnings across experience levels. Paralegals with extensive experience, industry credentials, and specialized knowledge in high-demand areas such as corporate, energy, or agricultural law can earn significantly more.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $41,870 | $20.13 | Beginning paralegals with limited experience |
| Early Career (25th Percentile) | $50,100 | $24.09 | Paralegals with 1-3 years of experience |
| Mid-Career (Median) | $59,910 | $28.80 | Paralegals with established skills and experience |
| Experienced (75th Percentile) | $71,030 | $34.15 | Senior paralegals with specialized expertise |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | Percentile | 7.10 | Highly experienced specialists and supervisors |
Salary by Metropolitan Area
Paralegal salaries vary across North Dakota’s cities and regions, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation. Fargo’s strong economy, driven by technology, manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare sectors, supports competitive paralegal salaries. Major employers in the Fargo region include Microsoft Business Solutions, Bobcat, John Deere Electronic Solutions, and Titan Machinery.
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary | Mean Hourly Rate | 90th Percentile Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| West North Dakota (nonmetropolitan) | $61,150 | $29.40 | $78,870 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $61,050 | $29.35 | $77,490 |
| Bismarck | $60,990 | $29.32 | $75,350 |
| East North Dakota (nonmetropolitan) | $58,020 | $27.90 | $75,410 |
| Minot | $55,770 | $26.81 | $75,000 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $53,670 | $25.80 | $71,910 |
Job Growth and Outlook
North Dakota’s paralegal employment is projected to grow from 630 positions in 2022 to 670 positions by 2032, representing a 6.3% increase. The state expects approximately 70 annual paralegal job openings during this period, creating consistent opportunities for new graduates and career changers. This growth reflects the state’s expanding economy and increasing demand for cost-effective legal services across public and private sectors.
Paralegal Schools and Programs in North Dakota
Whether you’re entering the field right out of high school or making a career change, earning a formal degree or certificate in paralegal studies sets you apart from the competition and demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence. With 610 paralegals currently working in the state, formal education gives you a competitive edge in the job market and opens doors that lead to career advancement.
North Dakota’s own Leslie Oliver exemplifies the career possibilities that education creates. Oliver began her legal career as a paralegal providing legal assistance to older people. In her 30s, she returned to school and ultimately graduated with a JD. She worked as a law clerk for a state supreme court justice, built her career in private practice with a growing law firm, and eventually found her niche in the public sector. Today, she serves as general counsel at the Office of the Governor. Her journey shows that your paralegal career can be whatever you make of it.
North Dakota Paralegal Programs
| School | Program | Degree Type | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Legal Administrative Office Assistant | AAS | Campus, Hybrid |
| Rasmussen College-North Dakota | Paralegal Studies | AAS | Campus and/or Online |
| Rasmussen College-North Dakota | Paralegal Studies (Post-Associate) | Certificate | Campus and/or Online |
| University of North Dakota | Legal Studies | Minor | Campus |
| University of North Dakota | Advanced Paralegal Certificate | Certificate | Online |
| University of North Dakota | Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate (Specialized) | Certificate | Online |
Professional Associations
Joining a professional paralegal association provides networking opportunities, continuing legal education, and professional development resources that can accelerate your career growth. North Dakota has two active paralegal associations serving different regions of the state.
Red River Valley Paralegal Association (RRVPA)
The Red River Valley Paralegal Association serves paralegals working in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. The RRVPA hosts semiannual seminars offering continuing legal education (CLE) credits as well as credits needed to maintain CP (Certified Paralegal) certification. The association holds regular meetings, offers networking opportunities, and builds working relationships with other members of the legal community.
RRVPA membership levels include:
- Voting Member: Open to paralegals who graduated from an ABA-approved program, completed a paralegal program with at least 60 semester credit,s including 18 credits of substantive legal courses, hold a bachelor’s degree plus one year of paralegal experien,ce or 18 credits of substantive legal courses, earned national paralegal certification, or have seven years of paralegal experience.
- Associate Member: Open to employed paralegals or those in related work who don’t meet Voting membership requirements.
- Student Member: Open to anyone enrolled full-time in a paralegal studies program.
- Sustaining Member: Open to any entity interested in supporting the paralegal profession and the RRVPA.
Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants (WDALA)
The Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants includes paralegals and students who work or live in the 29 counties of western North Dakota. The WDALA focuses on providing continuing paralegal education and increasing paralegal visibility within the legal field. The association educates the public about the paralegal role and recruits students into the profession by speaking at schools. Members enjoy regular networking and social meetings.
WDALA membership levels include:
- Active Membership: Open to those who passed the CP (Certified Paralegal) exam, graduated from an ABA-approved paralegal program, completed an institutionally-approved paralegal program with at least 60 semester credits, have six months of in-house paralegal training, have three years of law-related experience, including six months of in-house training, or have two years of in-house paralegal training.
- Associate Membership: Open to actively employed paralegals who don’t qualify for Active Membership.
- Student Membership: Open to any student enrolled full-time in a paralegal program.
- Sustaining Membership: Open to individuals, law firms, corporations, bar association members, and members of the educational field who support the paralegal concept.
| Feature | RRVPA (Eastern ND) | WDALA (Western ND) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Coverage | Eastern North Dakota and Western Minnesota | 29 counties of Western North Dakota |
| National Affiliation | NALA | NALA |
| CLE Opportunities | Semiannual seminars | Regular continuing education |
| Certification Credits | CP maintenance credits | Available through programming |
| Membership Types | Voting, Associate, Student, Sustaining | Active, Associate, Student, Sustaining |
Career Resources
Major Law Firms in North Dakota
Large law firms often provide excellent entry points for recently graduated paralegals. In a rural state like North Dakota, most large law offices concentrate in metropolitan areas. Bismarck is home to several established law firms that regularly employ paralegals:
- Vogel Law Firm
- Ohnstad Twichell Attorneys
- Mackoff Kellogg Law Firm
- Nilles Law Firm
- Crowley Fleck PLLP
- Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
- Ebeltoft Sickler
Important Contacts for North Dakota Paralegals
- Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants (WDALA), affiliated with NALA
- Red River Valley Paralegal Association (RRVPA), affiliated with NALA
- State Bar Association of North Dakota (SBAND)
- North Dakota Supreme Court Rule 5.3 – Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
- North Dakota Secretary of State
- The North Dakota Courts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a paralegal in North Dakota?
North Dakota Supreme Court Rule 5.3 outlines four pathways: complete an ABA-approved paralegal program (associate, bachelor’s, or post-baccalaureate certificate), earn a bachelor’s degree plus one year of supervised training or 18 credits of legal coursework, obtain national paralegal certification, or gain seven years of supervised paralegal experience.
Do I need a degree to work as a paralegal in North Dakota?
While you don’t absolutely need a degree, formal education significantly enhances your career prospects. You can qualify through national certification or seven years of supervised experience, but most employers prefer candidates with paralegal degrees or certificates. Formal education demonstrates competency and opens more career opportunities.
How much do paralegals make in North Dakota?
As of 2024, North Dakota paralegals earned a median salary of $59,910 annually, or $28.80 per hour. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earned $41,870, while experienced paralegals (90th percentile) earned $ 77,160 or more. Salaries vary by location, with Fargo and western North Dakota regions offering the highest average compensation.
What is the job outlook for paralegals in North Dakota?
The job outlook is positive, with paralegal employment projected to grow 6.3% from 2022 to 2032. North Dakota expects approximately 70 annual paralegal job openings during this period. The state’s diverse economy and steady demand for legal services create consistent opportunities for qualified paralegals.
Are there paralegal certification programs in North Dakota?
Yes, North Dakota has several paralegal certificate programs. Rasmussen College offers a post-associate certificate in paralegal studies available on campus or online. The University of North Dakota provides an Advanced Paralegal Certificate and a Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate, both available online. Bismarck State College offers an AAS degree in Legal Administrative Office Assistant.
What’s the difference between a certificated and a certified paralegal?
Certificated paralegals have completed certificate programs in paralegal studies and received certificates of completion. Certified paralegals have obtained national certification through professional organizations like NALA, NFPA, or NALS by meeting education and experience requirements and passing a certification exam. Both are recognized under North Dakota’s Rule 5.3.
Which cities in North Dakota pay paralegals the most?
West North Dakota nonmetropolitan areas offer the highest mean salary at $61,150 annually, followed closely by Fargo at $61,050 and Bismarck at $60,990. Top earners (90th percentile) in North Dakota can make $78,870, while those in Fargo and Bismarck can earn $77,490 and $75,350, respectively.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in North Dakota?
The timeline varies by pathway. Associate degree programs take about 2 years, bachelor’s degree programs take 4 years, and post-baccalaureate certificates can be completed in 12-18 months. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can qualify through one year of supervised training or by completing 18 credits of legal coursework, which typically takes one academic year.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota Supreme Court Rule 5.3 recognizes four pathways to becoming a paralegal: ABA-approved education, bachelor’s degree plus training, national certification, or seven years of supervised experience.
- Paralegals in North Dakota earned a median salary of $59,910 in 2024, with experienced professionals in the 90th percentile earning $160 or more annually.
- The state’s paralegal employment is projected to grow 6.3% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 70 annual job openings expected throughout this period.
- Fargo and western North Dakota regions offer the highest paralegal salaries, with mean annual earnings exceeding $61,000.
- Two professional associations serve North Dakota paralegals: the Red River Valley Paralegal Association (RRVPA) in the east and the Western Dakota Association of Legal Assistants (WDALA) in the west, both of which are affiliated with NALA.
- Formal paralegal education through certificate or degree programs provides the strongest foundation for career success and advancement in North Dakota’s competitive legal services market.
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