New Mexico Paralegal Schools

New Mexico paralegal schools afford aspirants the ability to receive specialized training and earn a paralegal degree in one of the fastest growing fields, and one with strong prospects for good financial earnings. New Mexico paralegals cannot engage in the practice of law; instead, they are involved with research, case preparation and document review on behalf of attorneys at law firms, corporate finance and legal departments as well as agencies at all levels of government.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Central New Mexico Community College: The School of Health, Wellness and Public Safety at the Central New Mexico Community College has an American Bar Association approved Associate of Applied Science and a Post Degree Certificate of Completion in Paralegal Studies. The AAS is meant for individuals that wish to either become employed upon graduation or transfer to a four-year university while the 32 hour certificate is designed for those who already possess a two-year or four-year degree. Students from both courses of study must complete and pass Introduction to Paralegal Studies, American Law and Ethics, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, and Civil Litigation. All majors are required to pursue an internship during their final semester within a designated law office in the Albuquerque area.

Doña Ana Community College: One of the many professional degrees offered by Doña Ana Community College in Las Cruces, New Mexico is the Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science. Thus is a 69-76 hour program that has 34-40 of those hours dedicated to paralegal courses. Additionally, students must complete 16-17 hours of related/professional courses, including Accounting Procedures I, Work Readiness and Preparation, Keyboarding Basics and Information Processing. Majors can earn up to six credit hours through an internship and core Paralegal Studies courses include Legal System for the Paralegal, Legal Terminology, Virtual Law Office, and Litigation for the Paralegal.

Coursework at New Mexico Paralegal Schools

Coursework for New Mexico paralegal aspirants closely resembles that of first or second year law students, with introductions into legal theory, contracts and tort law as well as business administration and real estate transactional law. Paralegal studies students also take a number of classes on computerized research and general document review and preparation. After that, they can take electives in more specialized areas such as elder law, maritime law or internships.

Paralegal Schools in New Mexico

The only program certified by the American Bar Association is Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque. Two-year associates degrees and eight-month New Mexico paralegal certificate programs are available, with a mandatory internship for on-the-job training. Those who live far from an on-campus program or those who desire added flexibility and convenience  may want to consider online paralegal degree programs, such as the Associate of Arts in Paralegal at Keiser University or the Paralegal Certificate online program at Boston University.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in New Mexico

As one of the largest law firms in New Mexico, Miller Stratvert P.A. offers comprehensive legal services in twenty practice areas, with strong experience in civil practice and complex litigation. Miller Stratvert offers its staff challenging work with rewarding compensation and benefits. Resumes from interested applicants are always accepted. Rodey Law Firm has offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, with departments devoted to business and litigation. Rodey Law Firm is firmly committed to diversity, believing that this focus makes it a better law firm and a better place for staff to work. Rodey promises a stimulating work environment with cooperation and support. Also in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Modrall Sperling has been ranked by the Best Lawyers in America, Southwest Super Lawyers, US News, and many other prestigious publications. Modrall Sperling needs qualified paralegals to support its expanding practice.

New Mexico Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Thanks to a low cost of living in the state, New Mexico paralegals can do a lot with an annual starting salary above $30,000. The average compensation is $40,000 per year for those with more experience. New Mexico paralegals can expect lateral advancement through jobs at government agencies or corporate legal departments as well as vertically with supervisory positions.

Online and New Mexico Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.