Does working in a law firm or other legal organization sound exciting, but you don’t think law school is right for you? Law firms, nonprofits, and government organizations all over New Jersey need paralegals to join their ranks. If this sounds appealing to you, this guide will help you learn about the best options for online paralegal schools in New Jersey. As a specialized administrative role, you’ll need specific training to become a paralegal. The results can be rewarding both personally and materially, since not only will you help the legal system deliver justice but be in a legal field projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. Continue reading to learn about some of the best paralegal schools and programs in NJ and find out what an online paralegal degree can do for you.Discover Top Online Paralegal Programs in New Jersey (NJ)
Earning a Paralegal Certificate in New Jersey
If you’re ready to get started on your paralegal career as soon as possible, an online certificate might be the right starting place. Online certificate programs are quicker to complete and often more affordable than full degree programs. Many paralegal certificate programs are geared towards those with college or professional experience looking to transition or advance in their careers.
Montclair State University — Post-BA Paralegal Certificate Program
Montclair State University’s Post-Bachelor of Arts (BA) Paralegal Certificate is perfect for professionals who already hold bachelor’s degrees and want to specialize in the legal field. This program will teach you the advanced legal skills and real-world training needed for employment as a legal assistant.
Montclair’s paralegal certificate program is the first and only state college or university in New Jersey to receive American Bar Association (ABA) approval. While in this program, you will study coursework with a strong emphasis on legal fundamentals and fieldwork experience. Graduating with this certificate can open doors to new opportunities and career advancement.
Duration: Six to eight months
Mode: Online
Cost: $892 per credit hour
Curriculum:
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Business Law
- Legal Technology and Practice
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Earning a Paralegal Associate Degree in New Jersey
One of the most popular methods for becoming a paralegal in New Jersey is by getting an online paralegal associate degree. These two-year degrees are often far more affordable than four-year programs and are designed for students of all ages and at all places in their legal careers.
Raritan Valley Community College — Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Looking for a convenient route to start your paralegal profession in the state of New Jersey? Raritan Valley Community College offers an ABA-accredited Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies. For greater accessibility for working professionals, both evening and online classes are offered.
Ratican Valley’s two-year program will equip you with a strong basis in law concepts, research, and writing and equip you to enter paralegal positions in the majority of legal settings. With the flexibility of online courses, it’s an excellent choice for students balancing work or other commitments while pursuing entry into the paralegal profession.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $186 per credit hour (residency dependent)
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Roles of the Paralegal
- Business Law I & II
- Paralegal Studies Cooperative Education
- Torts
- Criminal Law
Earning a Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees in New Jersey
For those looking for the most thorough paralegal education possible, a four-year bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or legal studies prepares you to immediately join the workforce as a paralegal in NJ. These programs are typically on campus, though some are online or hybrid. Earning this bachelor’s degree can also be a stepping stone to a more advanced degree in the legal field.
Berkeley College — Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Looking for a comprehensive, four-year education to launch your paralegal career in New Jersey? Berkeley College offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies that you can complete online.
Berkeley College’s bachelor’s program is designed to provide a deep understanding of legal principles, research methodologies, and ethical practices, preparing you for immediate entry into the workforce. Students will garner analytical, technical, and research skills to support their careers across many different areas of legal support services. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a thorough education with the flexibility of online learning to fit their busy lives.
Duration: Four years
Mode: Online and on-campus
Cost: $920 per credit hour
Curriculum:
- Introduction to Law
- Contract Law
- Professional Responsibilities and Legal Ethics
- Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Torts
FAQs from Paralegal Students in New Jersey
Is it better to get a certificate or an associate degree in paralegal studies in New Jersey?
That’s a really common question! It depends on your current education level and your career goals. A certificate program is often a quicker route and can be a great option if you already have an associate degree or bachelor’s in another field. These programs usually focus specifically on paralegal skills.
While the paralegal studies associate degree will give you a better basis of legal knowledge than a certificate, it is generally going to be a mix of general studies and paralegal specialty classes. These will prepare you to enter at the initial level and will keep more doors of opportunity open later on. There are institutions that offer both of these types of programs, so you will have plenty of choices.
Ultimately, you should think about where you see yourself in a few years and choose the path that best fits those aspirations.
Are there any fully online paralegal programs available in New Jersey?
As shown in our degree highlights, there are certain paralegal programs in New Jersey with 100% online coursework. Rowan University is another example, which offers an entirely online certified paralegal course you can complete in about a year.
So, if going to campus is not on the cards, you can easily acquire high-quality paralegal studies from the comfort of your own home in New Jersey. Just make sure the program you choose is appropriate to your learning needs and timetable and is accredited.
How important is it for a paralegal program in New Jersey to be approved by the ABA?
Admittance to an ABA-approved paralegal program is of extreme importance in the field of paralegal studies. While not necessarily a guarantee of employment, accreditation holds substantial sway for potential employers.
The ABA lays out specific standards that programs must meet in the areas of curriculum content, faculty aptitude, and provided resources. When you see that a program like the ones at Montclair State University, Mercer County Community College, or Rowan College of South Jersey are ABA-approved, it tells you they’ve met those high standards.
Graduating from an ABA-approved program can give you a competitive edge when you’re applying for jobs and can also make it easier if you ever decide to pursue further education in the legal field. It’s definitely something worth considering when you’re making your choice.
What kind of career services support do paralegal programs in New Jersey typically offer?
Career services are a really important part of any good paralegal program. Many schools in New Jersey understand this and offer various types of support to help their students launch their careers. For example, Raritan Valley Community College prides itself on its wide network of contacts and assists students with internship and job placement.
You might also find that schools offer resume workshops, interview skills training, and networking events to help you feel prepared and confident when you start your job search. It’s worth checking with each program you’re considering to see what specific career support they provide.
What can I learn in a paralegal program in New Jersey?
You can expect to learn a whole range of essential legal skills and knowledge in a paralegal program. Most programs will cover the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system, legal research, and writing, how to prepare legal documents, and ethical considerations for paralegals.
While the majority of the programs are broad in nature, you may discover some that include specialization or special classes within law fields, such as real estate law, family law, or corporate law, giving you a chance to focus on an area that particularly interests you.
New Jersey’s Paralegal Salary Trends
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $39,710 | $98,830 | $60,970 |
| New Jersey | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $42,920 | $99,210 | $68,370 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $41,430 | $104,610 | $62,400 |
| Ocean City, NJ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $31,200 | $75,530 | $59,900 |
| Trenton, NJ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $48,310 | $103,250 | $73,860 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $35,430 | $73,910 | $53,550 |
Source: Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 354,300 | 369,100 | 14,800 | 4.20% |
| New Jersey | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 9,770 | 9,880 | 110 | 1.10% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Helpful Resources for New Jersey Paralegal Students & Professionals
For paralegal students and professionals in New Jersey, there are a few helpful avenues to explore. Consider joining professional groups, as they often offer great networking opportunities, keep your skills current with continuing education, and help with job searches. Below are some links to resources and organizations to help you in your career path as a New Jersey paralegal.
- Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey This is a professional organization for Black American women working in the legal field in New Jersey. It is New Jersey’s oldest women’s bar association, and paralegals are welcome to join.
- New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) This state bar association is the largest organization of legal professionals in New Jersey. It offers professional, educational, and networking opportunities across the legal field, as well as online resources.
- NJ Paralegal Convention This annual event has been bringing New Jersey paralegals together for over 25 years. Attend to meet fellow paralegals and other professionals in the field, make connections, and even win prizes.
- Paralegal Association of New Jersey The main statewide professional association for New Jersey paralegals, this registered nonprofit with over 40 years of experience is dedicated to promoting and advancing the paralegal profession across the state.
- South Jersey Paralegal Association For paralegals and students living and working in the southern part of New Jersey, this membership organization offers networking, continuing education, and mentorship opportunities for those at all paralegal career levels.
