Massachusetts Paralegal Schools

It only takes two years at many Massachusetts paralegal schools to earn a paralegal degree and start assisting legal service providers. In spite of the recession leading to stagnant job growth in other sectors, becoming a paralegal in Massachusetts means joining one of the fastest growing career paths in the state.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Suffolk University: Suffolk University’s Government Department has a bachelors degree in Applied Legal Studies, an associates degree in Applied Legal Studies, and a Certificate in Paralegal; all of which are certified by the American Bar Association. Applied Legal Studies students can choose from four different academic tracks (Public Interest, Litigation, Corporate/Business, and Family Law), all of which consists of their own specialized courses. Students have access to top libraries and legal research facilities with Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis, and the department assists with dozens of internship placements each semester. The courses are taught by licensed and practicing attorneys that have extensive professional networks in the Boston area.

Northern Essex Community College: Northern Essex Community College offers an American Bar Association approved Paralegal Studies Certificate and two unique associates degrees with either the Career Option or the Transfer Option. The Career Option is designed for students who wish to become professional paralegals upon graduation and the Transfer Option is suited for those who wish to transfer to a four year university. In addition to being ABA approved, Northern Essex Community College is an institutional member of both the American Association for Paralegal Studies and the Massachusetts Paralegal Association, through which students can be alerted of internship and employment opportunities. Seven faculty members teach for the Paralegal Studies division and all have extensive experience as attorneys and other legal professionals.

How to Become a Paralegal in Massachusetts

There are a variety of programs available at Massachusetts paralegal schools, including two year’s associate’s degrees, four year bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs. Regardless of what option one chooses, paralegal schools place a heavy emphasis on research and writing skills. Coursework affords Massachusetts paralegal aspirants knowledge of real estate law, business organization and torts and personal injury law as well.

Paralegal Schools in Massachusetts

There are several American Bar Association-certified paralegal schools in Massachusetts, including Bay Path College in Longmeadow, Elms College in Chicopee and Middlesex, Northern Essex and North Shore Community Colleges. Bay Path and Elms both offer four year options, while the community colleges and Bay Path also offer two year associate’s degree programs. For students who don’t live near a campus or have difficult schedules, online options include Boston University’s certificate program and Post University.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Massachusetts

The McLane Law Firm is a diverse and progressive practice that uses unique hiring strategies, training, and technology to assist its clients in navigating the legal landscape in specific terms. The firm has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA, and has the highest legal ability rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell. At McLane, family comes first, leading to add-on benefits few other firms offer, such as an annual Children’s Holiday Party and Ice Cream Socials. Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP is a leading law firm with a focus on top quality service. It accepts resumes from recent paralegal graduates interested in contributing to its practice. Goodwin Procter began its practice in Boston in 1912, and is now an internationally known and recognized law firm. Few other firms can claim the history that Goodwin Procter can, as the firm has taken part in historic high profile cases involving the Titanic and the Nuremberg trials, among others. It offers paralegals career tracks to higher levels of responsibility while earning the types of compensation only top firms can offer.

Massachusetts Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Paralegals in the Bay State make, on average, more than $50,000 per year with starting salaries north of $30,000. Job opportunities are available at nonprofits and corporate legal departments in addition to the numerous law firms. Networking opportunities for those aspiring to become a paralegal in Massachusetts are available with the Massachusetts Paralegal Association, instituted in 1975.

Online and Massachusetts Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.