Wyoming Paralegal Schools

Wyoming paralegals are few in number, with an estimated 480 paralegals employed in the state as of 2018.¹ However, that low number is not surprising considering that the state is the country's least populous as well as the second-least densely populated. Wyoming paralegal schools serve a small population but are open to anyone interested in pursuing a paralegal career. There are many opportunities for prospective paralegals as the legal administration industry expands.

How to Become a Paralegal in Wyoming

Wyoming paralegals are required by law to work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. They may not give legal advice or represent clients in court. As the state does not currently regulate the education of paralegals, prospective paralegals can choose to go the educational route or the experiential route with on-the-job training. However, a growing number of employers are showing preference to candidates who have completed formal training programs, particularly programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Wyoming Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Paralegals in Wyoming earned an average salary of $46,770 in 2018.¹ Paralegals in Cheyenne earned a higher annual average, at $50,770.¹ The number of paralegals and legal assistants in Wyoming is expected to increase by 9.6% through 2026, equating to 50 jobs.² Including replacements, an annual average of 60 job openings for legal support are expected.² Wyoming can be a welcoming place to pursue a paralegal degree and begin a career.

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Wyoming

Casper College: Casper College's Paralegal Program has three American Bar Association-approved courses of study: an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Applied Science, and a post-baccalaureate certificate. Both the AA and the AAS are 64-credit hour programs while the certificate is 33 credit hours. All students must enroll in and complete Introduction to Criminal Justice, Paralegalism (I and II), Legal Analysis, Legal Research and Writing (I and II), Civil Procedure, Family Law, and Litigation Support. A Certified Paralegal Exam is offered at Casper College three times a year.

Laramie County Community College: The Division of Education, Natural and Social Sciences at Laramie County Community College has an American Bar Association-approved Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies and a paralegal certificate. The AAS is a 64-credit hour course of study, while the certificate is a three-semester program. Mandatory courses for both study plans include Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research and Writing I, and Civil Procedure and Litigation. Associate of Applied Science students must additionally complete an internship within a law firm or legal organization.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Wyoming

• Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP believes that paralegals and attorneys can find competitive and rewarding careers even if they choose not to live on the US coasts. Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is one of the ten largest firms in the Rocky Mountain region, and in addition to offices in Colorado, it operates an office in Casper. Its staff includes many long-term employees, but the company does recruit for new paralegals to join the firm.
• Schwartz, Bon, Walker & Studer LLC is one of the largest firms in Wyoming, specializing in civil trial work while occasionally representing criminal defendants. Clients of the firm include individuals, large corporations, and international businesses.
• Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, PC is one of the best-recognized law firms in Wyoming, working on legal, regulatory, and business matters for its clients, particularly in energy, natural resources, and land development. The firm maintains an office in Casper and welcomes inquiries from paralegal graduates.

Paralegal Schools and Progrmas in Wyoming

An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Casper College (Casper)*
Associate of Arts | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal

Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne)*
Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Certificate of Completion | Paralegal

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources

• Legal Assistants of Wyoming (LAW) - Affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) this non-profit organization was established in 1990 to support Wyoming paralegals through education and networking opportunities.

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References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm