Kansas Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
While Kansas does not regulate the profession of paralegals, many jobs in the field require a degree in paralegal studies, such as an associate degree or a certificate. In our guide, you will find answers to the most common questions about becoming a paralegal in Kansas, including Kansas certification options, salary information, job outlook, and career resources.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Kansas
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Kansas
Since there are no Kansas paralegal certification standards at the state level, paralegals may begin their careers through a variety of paths. Most paralegals in the state possess some combination of education and experience. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Kansas:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Although there are no mandated educational requirements for paralegals in Kansas, they are strongly encouraged to obtain formal education before seeking employment. Earning a certificate in paralegal studies, associate degree in legal studies, or bachelor’s in paralegal studies from one of the paralegal schools in Kansas is the most common path for prospective paralegals in the state. Currently, there is one approved paralegal program by the American Bar Association (ABA) in Kansas.1
2. Gain experience.
Through degree or certificate programs, paralegal candidates are typically offered invaluable on-the-job experience through internships or job shadowing opportunities. This type of real-world experience can help paralegals in their job searches, as previous experience can reduce training time for new hires.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Although obtaining national certification is voluntary, it can demonstrate a paralegal’s dedication and commitment to the profession.
Paralegal Certification in Kansas
In Kansas, paralegals are classified as legal paraprofessionals who must perform substantive legal tasks under a supervising attorney. Currently, Kansas paralegal certification is not required and the state does not regulate the hiring or education of paralegals. However, many paralegals choose to seek certification through a national organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), or the National Association for Legal Professionals (NALS). All of these organizations offer voluntary certification programs including examinations designed to raise the national level of competency and professionalism in the paralegal occupation. These certification exams have various education and work experience prerequisites that should be consulted before applying.
Prospective paralegals are also encouraged to seek guidance from the Kansas paralegal associations listed below. For more information on national certification options, take a look at our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.
Kansas Certification
Although Kansas paralegal certification is not required, the Kansas Bar Association (KBA) has outlined criteria to guide employers in hiring qualified paralegals. Under these guidelines, paralegals are considered qualified if they have completed one of the following:
- Graduated from an ABA-approved paralegal studies program
- Passed one of the national certification exams
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject and at least one year of in-house paralegal training
- Completed five years of work in a legal setting under the supervision of a lawyer
Kansas Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
3.8%
Paralegals in Kansas from 2022 to 20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 3,050 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Kansas, with an average annual salary of $53,310.3 Projections Central projects 3.8% employment growth for paralegal and legal assistant positions in Kansas, similar to the national projected paralegal job growth rate of 4.2%.2 This equates to an estimated 280 average annual openings for paralegal jobs in Kansas during the decade.2 The nonmetropolitan area of Kansas has the third-highest employment of paralegals and legal assistants in the nation.3
Kansas Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 3,050 | $53,310 |
| Kansas City KS-MO | 3,140 | $62,110 |
| Topeka | 310 | $49,030 |
| Wichita | 750 | $47,920 |
Paralegal Employers in Kansas
Though corporate legal departments and government agencies are hiring more paralegals and legal assistants across the country, private law firms employ most legal support professionals. Corporate legal departments also provide paralegal jobs in Kansas. Other opportunities for Kansas paralegals may be found in government agencies, banks, and financial services firms.
LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Kansas or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Kansas with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Foulston Siefkin LLP
- Jackson County KS Government
- Kansas Legal Services, Inc.
- Koch
- Polsineli
- Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Kansas with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Kansas
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.
- Kansas Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals (KALA): Works to provide legal education and professional opportunities to its members throughout the state.
- Kansas Bar Association (KBA): Provides legal professionals, including paralegals and legal assistants, with current legal news and a jobs board with open paralegal jobs in Kansas.
- Kansas City Paralegal Association (KCPA): Serves paralegals and legal assistants in the greater Kansas City area by offering networking opportunities, professional development seminars, and regular luncheons with legal professionals.
- Kansas Paralegal Association (KPA): Supports paralegals throughout the state with luncheon meetings, pro bono activities, educational seminars, and networking events.
Additional Resources
- Kansas Judicial Branch: A one-stop website for all courts in the state’s jurisdiction and provides access to court forms and rules, dockets, and e-filing systems.
- Kansas Supreme Court Law Library: Located in Topeka, the Kansas Supreme Court Law Library holds over 185,000 print volumes in addition to electronic collections of over 600 periodicals and other holdings.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To search for paralegal openings in Kansas, visit our jobs board.
- University of Kansas Wheat Law Library: Hosts a comprehensive collection of state, local, and international legal titles, offering electronic legal research resources to its guests and has a strong microform collection with Native American resources, US Supreme Court documents, and other archival materials.
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