Kentucky Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Since Kentucky state law does not currently regulate the education, training, or employment of paralegals and legal assistants, most paralegals in the state start with a combination of education and experience. On this page, you will find answers to the most common questions about how to become a paralegal in Kentucky, salary information, job outlook, and career resources.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Kentucky
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Kentucky
There are currently no statewide requirements for paralegal certification in Kentucky, meaning paralegals can pursue a range of career paths. Typically, paralegals will complete an education paired with experience. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Kentucky:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
There are many paralegal schools in Kentucky that offer paralegal associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies, and certificates in legal studies through which candidates can build their skills and credentials. Formal training programs offered by paralegal schools in Kentucky typically include a review of basic legal proceedings, an introduction to several major substantive areas of law, and skill training in formal writing, research, and technology. Currently, three paralegal programs in Kentucky have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Internships, job shadowing, and other real-world experiences are commonly offered in paralegal programs. Although not all programs require such experience as part of the degree plan, taking advantage of experience opportunities is usually recommended as it can help students build their skills and their professional networks.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Even though state-level certification is not required to work as a paralegal in Kentucky, earning voluntary certification is one way to build your credentials. You can read more about the certification process below.
Paralegal Certification in Kentucky
Kentucky paralegals work under the supervision of a licensed attorney and apply their knowledge of law and legal procedures to assist lawyers. Although certification is not required, obtaining voluntary paralegal credentials can demonstrate commitment and a breadth of legal knowledge. National organizations offer certification programs to maintain a consistent level of competency within the paralegal profession nationwide. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); and the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI) offer voluntary certification programs that are widely accepted by the industry as preparing candidates for professional excellence. Though not mandated, these certification examinations have been generally accepted as a standard of excellence within the paralegal profession. Prospective paralegals are also encouraged to consult with the Kentucky paralegal associations listed below. For more information on national certification, see our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.
Kentucky Certification
Paralegals in Kentucky must disclose to clients that they are not lawyers, practice under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney, and adhere to client confidentiality. Though Kentucky paralegal certification is not mandated, obtaining the Certified Kentucky Paralegal (CKP) credential through the Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA) is preferred by employers in the state. This examination-based program is in place to encourage minimum requirements for on-the-job training, work experience, and paralegal education. KPA membership is required to maintain CKP status. To earn this credential, candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:
- Have graduated from an ABA-approved paralegal studies program
- Have graduated from a paralegal studies program that is in “substantial compliance with ABA guidelines”
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited school with one year of verifiable paralegal work experience
- Have a minimum of five years of work experience as a paralegal accrued before 2012
Kentucky Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
3.8%
Paralegals in Kentucky from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that there were 2,590 paralegals and legal assistants working in Kentucky, earning an average annual salary of $53,910.3 Projections Central projects that employment of paralegals and legal assistants will grow by 3.8% in Kentucky, on par with the national projection for the profession, 4.2%.2 This amounts to about 310 average annual openings for paralegals in the state.2
Kentucky Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,590 | $53,910 |
| Bowling Green | 140 | $50,370 |
| Lexington-Fayette | 510 | $56,920 |
| Louisville-Jefferson County | 1,030 | $55,810 |
Many opportunities for Kentucky paralegals are found in law firms. Firms across the state provide excellent opportunities for entry-level and advanced paralegals. Corporate paralegal jobs are also available in Kentucky. Kentucky paralegal jobs can also be found in government agencies operating throughout the state. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Kentucky or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Kentucky with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Commonwealth of Kentucky
- Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
- Frost Brown Todd
- Lerner, Sampson & Rothfuss
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Kentucky with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Kentucky
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected Boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geography and/or area of law.
- Kentucky Bar Association (KBA): Offers an employment portal that includes Kentucky paralegal jobs in all areas of the state.
- Kentucky Paralegal Association (KPA): Administers the CKP credential.
- Louisville Association of Paralegals (LAP): Seeks to expand the use of paralegals throughout the legal environment while supporting cooperation and networking opportunities within the legal profession.
- Northern Kentucky Bar Association (NKBA): Posts Kentucky paralegal jobs with a focus on the northern counties of the state.
- Paralegal Section of the Northern Kentucky Bar Association (NKBA), formerly NKAP: Serving the northern half of the state by offering professional development, education, and resources to paralegals.
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Court of Justice: Maintains a portal to all courts in Kentucky’s jurisdiction, offering access to court offices, schedules, records, court news, and resources.
- Kentucky State Law Library: Located in Frankfort, hosts a complete collection of primary sources relating to Kentucky state law with access open to legal professionals and the public.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Visit our jobs board to search for jobs in your area.
- University of Kentucky College of Law Library: Open to the public during all hours that the library is open to students, with major collections including Kentucky materials, federal reporters and digests, and American jurisprudence.
- University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law Library: Hosts an expansive research collection with some materials available for checkout for city residents, plus an extensive electronic database for visitor use.
References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm