Texas State Bar Paralegal Division (2024)

FAQs

What is the Texas State Bar paralegal Division? ›

The State Bar of Texas' Paralegal Division is a statewide organization for legal assistants. Their site includes information about events, CLE opportunities, and FAQs regarding ethical issues of concern to paralegals.

Associate Membership Criteria

You are a Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) Board Certified Paralegal, a National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal, or a Registered Paralegal by the National Federation of Paralegal Association (NFPA).

Paralegal Studies at Texas State

Our program is unique because we have one of the few professional certificate programs offered by a university at the graduate level. Our program is offered through the Department of Political Science and the Graduate College.

Texas Paralegal Certification

Licensure: Licensure is not required in the state of Texas. Degree: Although not required by law, The State Bar of Texas recommends completion of a paralegal or legal studies program.

Paralegal Salary in Texas. $44,700 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $63,800 is the 75th percentile.

Education and experience

Texas has no educational requirements to be a paralegal. Paralegals come from a variety of backgrounds, but there are some ways that people make themselves stand out as competent paralegals. A degree in paralegal studies approved by the ABA is a great place to start, but isn't the only option.

Only attorneys can give legal advice. Paralegals, legal assistants , and notary publics are all nonlawyers. They cannot prepare documents on your behalf. Paralegals and other legal staff in a law office may be able to assist with legal work, but it must be under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

The top three skills for an associate include customer service, sales floor and patients. The most important skills for a paralegal are litigation, legal research, and law firm.

According to the BLS, the states with the highest average annual salaries for paralegals in 2022 were Washington DC at $91,880, California at $76,080, Washington at $72,590, Massachusetts at $71,670, and New York at $69,860.

How long does it take to become a paralegal in Texas? ›

Associate degrees. These programs typically take two years to complete and can be found primarily at community colleges, along with some four-year institutions. Bachelor's degrees. While less common, some colleges and universities offer four-year degrees with a major or minor in paralegal studies.

Representing a client in court. Although in certain instances a paralegal may appear before a court or agency on administrative matters, they may not represent a client.

The State Bar of Texas is a public corporation and an administrative agency of the judicial department of the Texas government. The phrase “member of the Bar” means a person licensed to practice law in Texas.

National surveys consistently show Certified Paralegals are better utilized in a field where attorneys are looking for a credible, dependable way to measure ability. The credential has been recognized by the American Bar Association as a designation which marks a high level of professional achievement.

Paralegal Associations and Organizations - NALA, AAfPE, NFPA.