Oklahoma Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
Oklahoma, like most states, does not have mandatory educational or certification requirements for paralegals or legal assistants. However, most paralegal jobs in the state require completing a degree in paralegal studies, such as an associate degree or a certificate. This career guide will help as you launch a career as a paralegal in Oklahoma, with information on how to become one, salary and job outlook, and important career resources.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Oklahoma
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Oklahoma
As there are no regulations for paralegals in Oklahoma, they may take a variety of career paths. Candidates for paralegal positions are strongly advised to seek formal training and experience best to prepare them for entry into a legal career. Here are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Oklahoma:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Many paralegals in Oklahoma start by attending an Oklahoma paralegal school. Earning a certificate in legal studies, paralegal associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from one of these schools can help paralegals build their resumes and become more competitive candidates for employment. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved three Oklahoma paralegal programs.1
2. Gain experience.
Many paralegal programs offer on-the-job experiences, which may include internships, job shadowing, or other experiences in real-world legal environments. Although on-the-job experience is not required in Oklahoma, employers generally regard it favorably.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
While state-level licensure is not required, obtaining voluntary certification can give paralegals an edge. Read more about paralegal certification in Oklahoma below.
Paralegal Certification in Oklahoma
Oklahoma defines paralegals and legal assistants as legal paraprofessionals who are qualified by education, training, or work experience and employed or retained by a legal entity to perform specifically delegated legal tasks under the direct supervision of a qualified attorney.
Oklahoma does not regulate the profession of paralegals, nor does it require certification. However, aspiring paralegals are encouraged to seek voluntary national certification through organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI), or the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) and Certified Paralegal (CP) exams offered by NALS and NALA are recognized industry credentials that demonstrate professional excellence. You can read more about national certification on our Steps to Become a Paralegal page.
Oklahoma Certification
While there is no state certification, the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) has adopted Minimum Qualification Standards for Legal Assistants/Paralegals, which are designed to encourage Oklahoma attorneys and employers to hire candidates with specific paralegal preparation. These minimum standards advise employers to seek candidates with legal work experience, degrees from accredited institutions, national certification, or a combination of these qualifications. These standards are not mandated by state law but are generally recognized to establish a standard of consistency and competency within the paralegal field. Prospective Oklahoma paralegals are also encouraged to refer to the Oklahoma paralegal associations listed below for more information regarding paralegal employment, education, and certification.
Oklahoma Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
6.5%
Paralegals in Oklahoma from 2022 to 20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported 3,060 paralegals and legal assistants working in Oklahoma, earning an average annual salary of $56,430.3 Projections Central reports a projected employment growth of 4.2% for paralegals and legal assistants in the US, with paralegal growth in Oklahoma expected to be faster, at 6.5%.2 This projection is based on an anticipated 190 newly created paralegal jobs in Oklahoma over the decade, with 320 average annual openings.2
Oklahoma Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 2,790 | $56,430 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 100 | $58,370 |
| Oklahoma City | 1,240 | $58,250 |
| Tulsa | 1,010 | $58,040 |
Paralegal Employers in Oklahoma
Law firms in Oklahoma consistently hire paralegals, with additional opportunities to find paralegal work in corporate departments and government agencies as well as through freelance engagements. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Oklahoma or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Oklahoma with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Chesapeake Energy
- Crowe & Dunlevy
- Hall Estill
- Hartzog Conger Cason
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma
- McAfee & Taft
- Paycom
- United States Air Force
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Oklahoma with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Oklahoma
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.
- Central Oklahoma Association of Legal Assistants (COALA): Seeks to promote communication and mutual support between legal professions through regular luncheons and networking events.
- Oklahoma Paralegal Association (OPA): Encourages fellowship between paralegals and seeks to advance the paralegal profession through community participation, regular meetings, and continuing education seminars.
Additional Resources
- Oklahoma County Bar Association (OCBA): Serves legal professionals throughout Oklahoma County and encourages a high ethical code to improve the quality of life for county residents.
- Oklahoma State Courts Network: Serves as a portal to all courts within the state’s jurisdiction, including the Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals, and provides access to court news, resources, and forms.
- Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) Cartwright Law Collection: Hosts a comprehensive selection of electronic legal research links as well as federal legal materials, law reviews, and journals.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: Search for paralegal jobs in Oklahoma on our jobs board.
- University of Oklahoma College of Law Donald E. Pray Law Library: Holds over 360,000 print volumes and special collections including federal government documents, Native American constitution and law, and rare books.
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