According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Idaho was home to 1,460 paralegal jobs as of May 2020. During this time, they earned an average salary of $49,830, or $23.95 per hour. However, Idaho paralegals with extensive experience and specialized skills earned upwards of $70,370, or $33.83 per hour, which represents the profession’s top 10%.
The strength of the paralegal profession in Idaho is partially based on that fact that paralegals are increasingly being seen as a way for businesses, law firms, the government and court systems to maintain quality legal support while keeping costs down. Although paralegals are not attorneys and must work under the supervision of a lawyer, they can perform many of the daily tasks that attorneys used to perform.
The paralegal profession is both challenging and rewarding. Whether an individual is looking to enter the profession or is already established in the profession, the knowledge and skills that can be gained from a paralegal education can go a long way toward impressing employers.
Paralegal Certification
Currently there is no mandatory licensing or certification of paralegals in Idaho.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Idaho
Paralegal Certificates
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)
Located in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College is a public school with a beautiful campus and small class sizes. Its 36- to 38-credit paralegal certificate program offers advanced legal and paralegal instruction for those who are already paralegals or who have prior legal experience. Prospective students should review the specific work and educational experience required for issuance of this certificate before applying.
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,562 for Idaho residents; $8,730 for Asotin County residents; $15,476 for non-residents (based on 2013-2014 tuition for two semesters of full-time study)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma with GPA of 2.0 or greater; overall 2.0 cumulative GPA on all college transcripts; minimum ACT composite score of 17 or SAT combined score of 690 (if under the age of 21); successful completion of the established Idaho College Admission Core Standards set by the Idaho State Board of Education with a 2.0 GPA.
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Criminal Law
- Professional Math Applications
- Legal Support Fund & Ethics
- Civil Litigation I & II
- Legal Research & Writing I & II
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC)
Eastern Idaho Technical College is a career-oriented school located in Idaho Falls. Its legal technologies Associate of Applied Science degree can be completed in two years if the student goes to summer school. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, practical skills training, job placement assistance and a 150-hour internship.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,521 for state residents; $9,667 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 full-program tuition and fees)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; COMPASS scores of 67 or higher in both reading and writing; other applicants may be accepted based upon review and evaluation of their education, interests, aptitudes and experiences
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Business Spreadsheets
- Leadership I & II
- Introduction to American Government
- Introduction to Legal Assisting
- Computer Information Systems
Idaho State University (ISU)
Pocatello, Idaho is home to the main campus of Idaho State University. It’s there that this school offers an exclusive Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies, which only admits 12 students each year. The program begins in August and is four semesters long.
- Estimated Program Cost: $12,688 for state residents; $37,352 for out-of-state students; $19,032 for Western Undergraduate Exchange rate (based on 2013-2014 per-year tuition and fees)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.5 or better cumulative GPA; math score of at least 18 on ACT or 490 on SAT; English score of at least 18 on ACT or 460 on SAT Critical Reading.
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Ethics & Professionalism
- Principles of Speech
- Contract Law
- Property Law
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) offers an 96-credit Associate of Applied Science paralegal program that provides students with a broad general general education, as well as instruction in the legal system and in paralegal tasks including legal research and how to draft and prepare legal documents. This program is designed to help students develop organizational and critical thinking skills that can be applied in the legal office environment.
- Estimated Program Cost: $17,352 for state residents; $26,856 for Asotin County Residents); $48,288 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-semester tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT scores; completion of the school’s legal assistant Associate of Applied Science program or legal office experience
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Legal Office Procedures
- Business Writing
- Legal Terminology
- Tort Law
North Idaho College (NIC)
A community college, North Idaho College (NIC) is located in the expanding lakeside city of Coeur d’Alene. NIC offers a paralegal Associate of Applied Science that prepares students for working in the legal environments. Students learn computer and software skills necessary in today’s legal offices, along with research, writing and organizational skills. The program includes an office skills capstone and a paralegal Internship. Career services are available.
- Estimated Program Cost: $8,040 for state residents; $10,560 for out-of-district state residents; $13,020 for Washington residents; $15,360 for Western Undergraduate Exchange rate; $19,740 for non-residents (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, assessment requirements
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Hybrid (on campus and online)
Sample required courses:
- Database/Access 1
- Civil Procedures & Litigation
- Legal Terminology
- Criminal Law
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Post University
With over 120 years of quality educational as its foundation, Post University now offers online education to those who wish to advance their knowledge and increase their career potential. U.S. News & World Report put Post University on its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list. This university’s online Bachelor of Science in legal studies program encourages interaction with peers and focuses on on innovation, creativity and leadership. Students benefit from small class sizes and have access to both the University Writing Center and one-to-one tutoring.
- Estimated Program Cost: $66,000 (based on 2013-2014 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Environmental Law & Practice
- Legal Ethics
- Legal Research
- Bankruptcy Law & Practice
- E-Government: The New Legal Environment of Business
Professional Organizations
- The Idaho State Bar (ISB) a self-governing state agency to which all licensed attorneys practicing in Idaho must belong. “Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Legal Assistants” can be found on this agency’s website.
- The Idaho Association of Paralegals (IAP) is based in Boise; it promotes high standards in the paralegal profession, goodwill and cooperation with local bar associations, networking on regional and national levels and involvement in statewide issues involving the profession. Members benefit from educational luncheons, a job bank, twice-yearly seminars, a bi-monthly newsletter and community service opportunities.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.