About 7,330 paralegals are employed in Massachusetts, with over 6,040 of these professionals working in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan area.1 It can take as little as two years to complete a paralegal degree at one of the numerous Massachusetts paralegal schools. Becoming a paralegal in Massachusetts means joining one of the fastest-growing career areas in the state.
How to Become a Paralegal in Massachusetts
There are a variety of programs available at Massachusetts paralegal schools, including two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor's degrees. There are also certificate programs available for those who have college and/ or work experience. The state prohibits paralegals from giving legal advice to clients and mandates that they work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Prospective paralegals in Maryland may choose to pursue national certification after completing a paralegal degree, which increases candidates' competitiveness in the job market.
Paralegal Quote:
Massachusetts Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook
Massachusetts paralegals earn higher salaries than the national average, averaging $60,320 per year as of May 2018.1 The Boston-Cambridge-Newton area boasts the 10th-highest employment level of paralegals out of all metro areas in the US.1 The job prospects for paralegals in the state of Massachusetts are good, with an increase of 13.9% in paralegal jobs expected through 2026.2 Job opportunities are available at nonprofits and corporate legal departments in addition to the numerous law firms.
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Massachusetts
Boston University: Boston University's online Certificate in Paralegal Studies program allows students to benefit from BU's high standards of academic quality without ever coming to campus. Designed to present an affordable, flexible path towards working as a paralegal, the program's curriculum focuses on the skills employers expect, offering hands-on practice working with the technologies and databases paralegals use on a regular basis. Through specialized modules, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, students can prepare to excel in the field with the help of expert BU faculty members. The program also includes access to the WestLawNext database, an essential case research tool, to help give students direct experience navigating one of the paralegal's most fundamental job functions. Students can complete the program in just 14 weeks, making it a perfect option for career changers looking to make a quick transition and explore new opportunities.
Suffolk University: Suffolk University's Government Department offers a bachelor's degree in law, an associate degree in paralegal studies, and a paralegal studies certificate, all of which are approved by the American Bar Association. Applied legal studies students can choose from four different academic tracks in Public Interest, Litigation, Corporate/Business, or Family Law, each of which are based on 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. Courses are taught by licensed and practicing attorneys who have extensive professional networks in the Boston area.
Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Massachusetts
Mclane Middleton is a diverse and progressive practice that uses unique hiring strategies, training, and technology to assist its clients in navigating the legal landscape. 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 Middleton 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 levels of compensation that only top firms can offer.
Paralegal Schools and Programs in Massachusetts
An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).Assumption College (Worcester)Minor | Law, Ethics, and Constitutional StudiesCertificate | Paralegal StudiesProgram | Pre-Law
Bay Path University (Longmeadow)*Bachelor of Arts | Legal StudiesBachelor of Science | Legal StudiesBachelor Degree | Dual Major: Legal StudiesBachelor of Arts | Legal Studies: Forensic StudiesAssociate of Science | Paralegal StudiesMinor | Legal StudiesCertificate | Advanced Paralegal Studies
Boston University (Boston)Bachelor of Science | Business Administration- Law ConcentrationExecutive Master of Laws | International Business LawMaster of Laws | American LawMaster of Laws | Banking & Financial LawMaster of Laws | Intellectual Property LawMaster of Laws | TaxationMaster of Laws | Taxation (online)Program | Pre-LawCertificate | Paralegal (online program)
Bristol Community College (Fall River)Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal Studies
Bunker Hill Community College (Boston)*Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal
Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable)Certificate | Paralegal
Elms College (Chicopee)*Associate of Arts | Paralegal StudiesBachelor of Arts | Paralegal StudiesBachelor of Arts | Social Services and Paralegal StudiesMinor | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Advanced Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Legal Nurse Consulting
Lasell College (Newton)Bachelor's Degree | Legal Studies
Massachusetts Bay Community College (Wellesley Hills)Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesAssociate of Science | Paralegal Studies (online)Certificate | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal Studies (online)
Middlesex Community College (Bedford; Lowell)*Associate of Science | Liberal Studies: ParalegalAssociate of Science | Liberal Studies: Paralegal TransferPost-Graduate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner)Associate's Degree | Legal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal
Newbury College (Brookline)Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Northeastern University (Boston)Master of Legal Studies
Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill)*Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal
North Shore Community College (Danvers)*Associate of Science | Legal Administrative AssistantAssociate of Science | ParalegalCertificate | Legal Office SupportCertificate | Paralegal
Quincy College (Quincy)Associate in Science | Legal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal Studies
Suffolk University (Boston)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesBachelor of Arts | Applied Legal StudiesBachelor of Science | Applied Legal StudiesAccelerated Master of Business Administration for LawyersJD/Master of Laws | Taxation: Accelerated Dual DegreeMaster of Laws | GeneralMaster of Laws | Global Law and TechnologySix-Year Bachelor's/Law DegreeCertificate | Legal Practice SkillsCertificate | Paralegal Studies
University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst)Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies
*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
Additional Resources
Massachusetts Paralegal Association – The MPA has approximately 500 paralegal members in the Massachusetts area, and is dedicated to improving the profession.
Western Massachusetts Paralegal Association – Non-profit organization that promotes the development and continuing education of paralegals in the area.
Central Massachusetts Paralegal Association – The CMPA works to grow and advance the paralegal profession in central Massachusetts.
References:1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
