Paralegal Schools in Alaska

Paralegal Education in Alaska

Alaska is a good choice for the aspiring paralegal, as it offers some of the most competitive wages in the profession in a non-metropolitan environment. As of February 2013, the median annual salary for paralegals in Alaska was $39,000, even higher for paralegal specialists. Those working in a metropolitan area, such as Anchorage, saw significantly greater wages. The 2011 Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates over 600 paralegals were employed in the 49th state, most of them hired by government agencies, law firms, and corporations; all areas where a keen eye for detail and legal expertise -in the peripherals of an attorney’s tasks- is necessary.

Salaries

In USD as of Feb 6, 2013 (source: indeed.com)	25k	50k	75k
Paralegal in Alaska $39,000

Spotlight School

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Training and Education

Alaskan law regarding paralegal requirements is quite lax. No special training or education is needed, so that can be gained on-the-job, although it is recommended that the aspiring paralegal at least holds an Associate’s degree or, having a degree already, receives paralegal certification. This ensures the paralegal will be offered a better starting pay and benefits; this is a field where experience and knowledge are often rewarded, immediately. For a paralegal who is learning in the field and on the go, night courses at a community college or even an online accredited school would be an excellent choice for advancement. While there are online schools for almost every need these days, not all are American Bar Association, or ABA, recognized. If that is something you desire for career advancement, it is highly advisable you be careful about which schools you consider. In Alaska there are only two accredited brick-and-mortar schools for paralegal learning: the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and the University of Alaska, Anchorage. The Fairbanks University provides a two-year Associate’s degree while the Anchorage University offers a four-year program. If you elect to take online courses, do some research to make sure the certificate or degree is accredited and ABA approved. Experience and knowledge are well rewarded in the paralegal field with competence and confidence being in demand by those hiring.

Paralegal Resources

There are several famous law firms in Alaska where paralegals may wish to seek employment. Jermain Dunnagan & Owens, P.C., based in Anchorage, AK Jermain, Dunnagan & Owens, P.C. 3000 A Street, Suite 300 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone: 907.563.8844/Fax: 907.563.7322 Patton Boggs, office located in Anchorage, AK 601 West Fifth Avenue Suite 700 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Phone: 907.263.6300/Fax:907.263.6345 Perkins Coie, recognized as a Fortune Magazine 100 best Companies to Work For in 2013 1029 West Third Avenue Suite 300 Anchorage, Alaska 99501-1981 Phone: 907.279.8561/Fax: 907.276.3108 Cook Schuhmann & Groseclose, Inc. is the largest law firm in interior Alaska 714 Fourth Avenue, Suite 200 Fairbanks, Alaska 99701-4470 Tel: 907.452.1855 / Fax: 907.452.8154 Toll Free 800.550.1855 Davis Wright Tremaine, one of the country’s leading firms, offices in Alaska Suite 800 701 West Eighth Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3468 Phone: 907.257.5300 direct/Fax: 907.257.5399 Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C., out of Juneau, AK Suite A-201 Professional Plaza 9309 Glacier Highway P.O. BOX 32819 Juneau, Alaska 99803 Phone: 907.789.3166/Fax: 907.789.1913 While hardly an exhaustive list, each of these companies is well-known and exemplary amongst their peers. They are always looking for new talent and hard-working team players in a variety of fields and specializations.