New Jersey Paralegal Schools

Top pharmaceutical firms in New Jersey like Sanofi Aventis and Merck are examples of corporations that need paralegals in the Garden State to aid them with compliance and regulatory issues. It’s just one facet of the job market that New Jersey paralegal schools target, affording aspiring paralegals with the chance to assist lawyers without actively practicing law. With targeted paralegal degree programs, becoming a paralegal in New Jersey can offer financial gains and career advancement near two of the nation’s largest cities.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Montclair State University: The Department of Justice Studies at Montclair State University has an American Bar Association approved Paralegal Studies Certificate. This 21 hour course of study is designed for individuals who already possess a bachelors degree and students can choose from three different emphases: Legal Information and Technology; Hispanic Perspectives; and Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law. For the Group III courses, students choose between Paralegal Seminar and Internship or Cooperative Education: Paralegal Studies, the latter of which integrates paid employment in a legal office. Fourteen professors and instructors teach for the Justice Studies Department and have worked within various sectors of the legal arena.

Middlesex County College: Middlesex County College has available an Associate in Applied Sciences in Paralegal Studies and a Paralegal Studies Certificate, both approved by the American Bar Association. The AAS is a 63-66 hour course of study while the Certificate is 31 hours and is normally completed within one academic year. The associate degree program is designed for students wishing to transfer to a four year degree program or gain employment after graduation while the certificate can be pursued by applicants with at least a two or four-year degree. The core major courses for both curriculums include Introduction to the Paralegal Profession, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Advanced Legal Research.

How to Become a Paralegal in New Jersey

While there are no requirements that New Jersey paralegal applicants be trained prior to employment, most law firms and corporate legal departments prefer applicants with some prior education. New Jersey paralegal schools offer coursework in legal research and document preparation as well as ethical legal practices. Paralegal aspirants also focus on various aspects of law such as trial advocacy and civil litigation before moving onto personal injury and real estate as well as other topics.

Paralegal Schools in New Jersey

There are numerous New Jersey paralegal schools in the state, including a dozen that have been certified by the American Bar Association. Community college options offering New Jersey paralegal programs resulting in an associate’s degree include Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, Cumberland College in Vineland and Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville. New Jersey paralegal aspirants may also consider four-year options like Montclair State University or Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison. For those who prefer the flexibility and convenience offered by online options, there are several online paralegal degree programs like the Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal at Rasmussen College and the Paralegal Certificate program at Boston University.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in New Jersey

Norris McLaughlin & Marcus represents clients in commercial law and personal legal matters in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Its offices in Bridgewater were recently named among “The Best Places to Work in New Jersey.” The firm recognizes the importance of work-life balance and professional development to its staff, and welcomes interested paralegal graduates to apply to openings. Winston & Strawn LLP has an office in Newark at the well known Legal Center. An international firm, Winston & Strawn offers staff the opportunity to work on diverse issues with a wide range of clients. Winston & Strawn stays on the cutting edge of technology, maintaining a proprietary communications system and company newsletters, while emphasizing a personal touch, offering staff the opportunity to participate in sports teams as well as summer and holiday gatherings. The firm consistently hires for paralegals. Archer & Greiner, P.C. is a full service firm and one of the largest in New Jersey, where it maintains its principal office in Haddonfield. Archer & Greiner believes that cultural fit is as important as knowledge and experience, and welcomes resumes from qualified paralegal applicants.

New Jersey Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Paralegal jobs in New Jersey are expected to grow by roughly 30 percent until 2018. More than three-quarters of New Jersey paralegals make more than $40,000 per year, and the top 10 percent make more than $75,000. In addition to raises for experience or supervisory roles, paralegals in New Jersey can also consider moving between law firms, government agencies and nonprofits.

Online and New Jersey Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.