New Jersey is one of the most populous states in the US, and about 8,120 paralegals were employed here as of 2018.1 The New York-New Jersey metropolitan area has the highest concentration of paralegals in the entire country.1 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. This is just one facet of the job market that New Jersey paralegal schools can offer preparation for, 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 career advancement near some of the nation's largest cities.
How to Become a Paralegal in New Jersey
While there are no requirements set by law for New Jersey paralegals, most law firms and corporate legal departments prefer applicants with formal education. New Jersey paralegal schools offer coursework in legal research and document preparation as well as ethical legal practices. Following graduation, it is strongly recommended that aspiring paralegals pursue certification. In addition to national certification programs offered by associations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the South Jersey Paralegal Association offers the New Jersey Certified Paralegal credential.
New Jersey Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook
Paralegals in New Jersey earned an average annual salary of $58,260 as of 2018, making it one of the highest-paying states in the country for the occupation.1 In the areas of Trenton and Newark, paralegals earned averages between $50,000 to over $60,000 per year.1 Paralegal jobs in New Jersey are expected to grow by 15.7% by 2026.2 With its high salaries and excellent prospects for the future, New Jersey can be a fitting place to start your journey to becoming a paralegal.
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in New Jersey
Montclair State University – Montclair: The Department of Justice Studies at Montclair State University has an American Bar Association-approved paralegal studies certificate. This 21-credit hour course of study is designed for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree. Students can choose from three different emphases: Legal Information and Technology; Hispanic Perspectives; or Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Law. As part of their upper-level courses, students choose between Paralegal Seminar and Internship or Cooperative Education: Paralegal Studies, the latter of which integrates paid employment in a legal office. Over a dozen professors and instructors teach for the Justice Studies Department.
Middlesex County College – Edison: Middlesex County College has available an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies and a paralegal studies certificate, both approved by the American Bar Association. The AAS is a 63 to 66 credit hour course of study, while the certificate is 31 credit 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. The certificate is for applicants with a two- or four-year degree in another subject. The core major courses for both curricula include Introduction to the Paralegal Profession, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Advanced Legal Research.
Cumberland County College – Vineland: The Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies program at Cumberland County College offers students a broad general education background paired with specialized legal assisting courses to prepare graduates for entry-level work in law offices, government agencies, and other paralegal environments. The structured course sequence, which requires 62 credit hours to complete, includes courses like Business Law, Civil Litigation, Estate Administration, and Legal Office Management. With full-time study, the degree can be completed in four semesters. A Paralegal Studies/Spanish track is also available that prepares future paralegals to work with Spanish-speaking clients.
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. The firm consistently hires for paralegals.
Archer & Greiner, PC 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.
Paralegal Schools and Programs in New Jersey
An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).Atlantic Cape Community College (Mays Landing)*Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesAssociate of Applied Science | Paralegal Studies
Bergen Community College (Paramus)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Legal Nurse Consultant
Brookdale Community College (Lincroft)*Associate of Applied Science | ParalegalCertificate | Paralegal Studies Academic Credit
Camden County College (Blackwood)Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Centenary University (Hackettstown)Associate's | Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies
Cumberland County College (Vineland)Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesAssociate of Science | Paralegal Studies/Spanish
Essex County College (Newark)Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate of Completion | ParalegalCertificate of Completion | Nurse ParalegalCertificate of Completion | Legal Secretary
Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison)*Minor | Pre-LawPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Administrative Law SpecialtyCertificate | Advanced Contracts SpecialtyCertificate | Alternative Dispute Resolution SpecialtyCertificate | Bankruptcy Law SpecialtyCertificate | Elder Care Law SpecialtyCertificate | Employment Law SpecialtyCertificate | Environmental Law SpecialtyCertificate | Federal Practice and Procedure SpecialtyCertificate | Franchise Law SpecialtyCertificate | Immigration Law SpecialtyCertificate | Intellectual Property SpecialtyCertificate | Landlord/Tenant Practice SpecialtyCertificate | NJ Land Use Practice SpecialtyCertificate | NY Practice and Procedure SpecialtyCertificate | Torts (Personal Injury) SpecialtyCertificate | Workers' Compensation Specialty
Mercer County Community College (Trenton; West Windsor)*Associate of Applied Science | ParalegalCertificate of Proficiency | Paralegal
Middlesex County College (Edison)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal StudiesCertificate of Achievement | Paralegal StudiesProgram | Pre-Law
Montclair State University (Montclair)*Bachelor of Arts | Jurisprudence, Law and SocietyBachelor of Arts | Justice Studies: ParalegalMaster of Arts | Law and GovernanceMaster of Arts | Law and Governance, Governance, Compliance, and RegulationMaster of Arts | Law and Governance, Intellectual PropertyMaster of Arts | Law and Governance, Legal ManagementMinor | Pre-Law StudiesMinor | Paralegal StudiesPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Ocean County College (Toms River)Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate of Proficiency | Paralegal StudiesCertificate of Completion | Legal Secretary
Raritan Valley Community College (North Branch)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal Studies
Rowan College (Pemberton, Gloucester)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal
Salem Community College (Carneys Point)Associate in Fine Arts | Paralegal Studies
Seton Hall University (South Orange)Minor | Legal Studies in Business
Sussex County Community College (Newton)Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesAssociate of Arts| Liberal Arts: Pre-Law OptionCertificate | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Elder Law Specialist
Union County College (Cranford)*Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal StudiesCertificate of Achievement | Paralegal Studies
*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
Additional Resources
The Paralegal Association of New Jersey – Promotes uniform educational standards and practice guidelines for paralegals and legal assistants in New Jersey.
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
