Tennessee Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
While Tennessee does not regulate the paralegal profession, most legal assistants and paralegals in the state have a degree in paralegal studies, commonly an associate degree or a certificate. This career guide helps those interested in legal careers learn how to become a paralegal in Tennessee with information on paralegal salaries, job outlook, and career resources in the state.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Tennessee
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Tennessee
Most Tennessee paralegals possess a combination of education and experience, which may include a paralegal studies degree or certificate, on-the-job training, or internship experience earned while attending a Tennessee paralegal program. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Tennessee:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Associate degrees in paralegal studies, paralegal bachelor’s degrees, and paralegal certificates are offered at numerous schools in Tennessee. Paralegal education helps new entrants to the legal field gain useful knowledge of the legal system and build the skills necessary to succeed in this detail-oriented field. Seven paralegal schools in Tennessee are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
Gaining work experience through internships, externships, or academic credit helps new paralegals build professional networks and refine their skills. Not all programs offer this type of experience, but those who have the option should take advantage if possible. Connecting with local law firms can be a useful step to finding a full-time position once your paralegal education program is complete. Many paralegals begin their careers as document preparers or legal secretaries.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
In addition to education and experience, voluntary certification through a national organization can help you stand out from other applicants as it shows you have met specific paralegal education and experience requirements.
Paralegal Certification in Tennessee
Paralegals and legal assistants are classified as legal paraprofessionals in Tennessee and are permitted to perform law-related tasks under the direct supervision of a qualified attorney. While certification is not mandatory in Tennessee, qualified paralegals can pursue national voluntary certification. Voluntary certification is available through national organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), and the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI), and generally requires a paralegal studies degree or certificate. For more information on how to earn voluntary paralegal certification, see our Steps to Become a Paralegal guide.
Tennessee Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
14.5%
Paralegals in Tennessee from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently estimated that there were 5,360 paralegals and legal assistants employed in Tennessee, with over a third working in the Nashville metro area.3,4 The average annual paralegal salary in Tennessee was reported at $56,440.3 Projections Central reported an estimate of 14.5% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants in Tennessee, compared to 4.2% nationwide during the same period.2
Tennessee Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5,360 | $56,440 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 510 | $50,730 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 170 | $55,020 |
| Knoxville | 680 | $53,480 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,010 | $55,000 |
| Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin | 2,300 | $59,960 |
Paralegal Employers in Tennessee
Law firms are the main employers of paralegals and legal assistants in Tennessee, although private corporations, government agencies, insurance groups, and financial institutions also require paralegal support. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Tennessee or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Tennessee with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Baker Donelson
- Bass, Berry & Sims
- FedEx
- Morgan & Morgan, P.A.
- State of Tennessee
- US Army
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Tennessee with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Tennessee
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.
- Greater Memphis Paralegal Alliance (GMPA): Formed in 1993 to promote the paralegal profession in Memphis and offers a jobs bank, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing networking events.
- Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association (SMPA): Serves paralegals in the Smoky Mountain area through an active continuing education schedule with meetings held throughout each month.
- Tennessee Paralegal Association (TPA): Serving paralegals statewide via three chapters (Southeast, Central, and East Tennessee) with continuing education opportunities as well as professional networking for its members.
Additional Resources
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To search for Tennessee paralegal jobs, try our jobs board.
- Tennessee State Courts: Provides access to links and information for all courts within the Tennessee courts system as well as forms and publications, access to court news and updates, and case search functions.
- Tennessee State Law Library and Archives: Maintains historic and current sources of Tennessee law through a broad collection of national and international titles as well as access to over 40 legal databases.
- University of Tennessee Knoxville Joel A. Katz Law Library: Provides law library resources that are open to legal professionals and the general public for legal research including a world-class collection of print and electronic resources as well as access to electronic legal databases.
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