Trade Schools
This page compiles information about the best paralegal schools that offer programs for New Jersey residents who want to start a career in this field.
Paralegals and legal assistants work in legal offices and are usually responsible for tasks such as:
- Maintaining and organizing files
- Conducting legal research
- Drafting documents
- Investigating and gathering facts of a case
- Getting affidavits and other formal statements
- Helping lawyers during trials
- And more
Before being ready for employment as a paralegal, you will need an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree in a different field and a certificate in paralegal studies.
Many programs are also available online and can be completed by students at their own pace, from the comfort of their homes.
1Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College offers a new center for online learning.
The college has campuses in Paramus, Hackensack, and Lyndhurst and serves more than 32,000 students through degree, continuing education, and adult education programs.
In-county approximate cost is $208.55 per credit.
Courses Offered
The Legal Studies program offered by Bergen Community College Department of Criminal Justice offers a foundation for understanding the key components of criminal justice, homeland security, and emergency management.
The Associate of Applied Science degree- legal studies paralegal program provides students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in legal studies.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Fundamentals of Law
- Legal Search and Writing
- Healthcare Ethics and Law
- Business Communication for Paralegals
- Paralegalism
- Wills and Administrations
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 400 Paramus Road Paramus, NJ 07652
- Phone: (201) 447-7100
- Website: https://bergen.edu
2Brookdale Community College
About the School
Brookdale Community College offers training programs in a variety of fields of interest.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program provided by Brookdale Community College prepares students for work as paralegals under the supervision of a lawyer in a law office, government, corporate, or other private sector legal settings.
Both day and evening classes are available.
The college provides full and part-time enrollment, personal attention, and small classes.
Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies program learn how to:
- Examine the concepts and principles of substantive and procedural law
- Demonstrate information literacy
- Use legal software programs
- Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility
The Paralegal Studies Program is an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 765 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738
- Phone: 732.224.2345
- Website: https://www.brookdalecc.edu
3Camden County College
About the School
Camden County College is a community college that serves New Jersey and the surrounding region.
The college provides transfer education, workforce training, and cultural events.
Camden County College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The college has been licensed by the State of New Jersey since 1965.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies program available at Camden County College is designed to prepare students for entry-level paraprofessional positions in the legal field.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Litigation/Civil Procedures
- Introduction to Political Science
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
- Estate and Probate
- And more
Students need at least 60 credits for an Associate in Applied Science.
Those who complete this program will be prepared with skills such as:
- Discussing fundamental legal concepts and principles to think critically about law and social sciences
- Evaluating the court system in both civil and criminal procedures
- Conducting legal research using primary and secondary sources in print and electronic formats
- Interacting with clients from different cultures and backgrounds
Contact Information
- Address: 200 College Dr, Blackwood, NJ 08012-0200
- Phone: (856) 374-5089
- Website: https://www.camdencc.edu
4Essex County College
About the School
Essex County College has been educating students for more than 50 years.
A wide range of associate degree programs are available as well as academic certificate programs and certificates of completion.
The college has an open-admission policy for students who are at least 18 years of age.
Courses Offered
Essex County College provides a Paralegal Studies program accredited by the American Bar Association.
The curriculum includes 30 credits and provides classes such as:
- Intro to Law for Paralegals
- Legal Research and Writing
- Torts
- Contracts
- Administrative Law
- Litigation Procedures
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 303 University Ave, Newark, NJ 07102
- Phone: (973)877-4477
- Website: https://www.essex.edu
5Centenary University
Centenary University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and adult certificate programs.
Courses Offered
The university provides a Criminal Justice, Law & Government pathway.
This Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for employment in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
The following minors are also available:
- Criminal Justice Minor
- Law & Government Minor
- Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies Minor
The Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies Minor requires that students complete a minimum of 18 credits above and beyond any courses used to fulfill the university’s core or other program requirements.
Students take courses such as:
- Legal Research & Writing
- Law & Litigation
- Wills & Probate
- Real Estate
- 1 PLS-designated elective credit
Contact Information
- Address: 400 Jefferson Street Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840
- Phone: (908) 852 1400
- Website: https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu
6Mercer County Community College
About the School
Mercer County Community College provides a Paralegal Certificate of Proficiency program.
This certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Students enrolled in this program learn a variety of skills, including:
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of legal professionals in a variety of legal settings
- Identifying and implementing standards of legal ethics and professionalism
- Engaging in effective written and verbal professional communication
- And more
Students must complete 18 credits of designated legal specialty courses which include nine credits of core legal specialty courses.
Mercer County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Business Law
- Legal Environment of Business
- Role of the Paralegal
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Research and Writing
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Career Development for Law and Justice Professionals
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
- Phone: 609-586-4800
- Website: https://www.mccc.edu
7Montclair State University
About the School
Montclair State University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with shorter sessions.
Students who attend classes at the university receive personalized attention from a success coach.
Montclair State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate covers legal fundamentals, appropriate skills, and practical fieldwork experience needed for employment as a legal assistant.
Students who meet program standards, fulfill the 21 credit hours required in the program, maintain a 2.75 GPA, and have completed a bachelor’s degree receive a certificate of completion.
The course requirements include:
- Law and Litigation
- Research and Writing for Paralegals
- Real Estate Law
- Contract Law
- Wills, Trusts, and Probate Law
- Family Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Normal Ave. Montclair, NJ 07043
- Phone: 973-655-4000
- Website: https://www.montclair.edu
8Middlesex College
About the School
Middlesex College provides a variety of degree and certificate programs.
Associate of Art, Associate of Science, and Associate of Fine Art programs are available for students who want to transfer to a four-year college.
Associate of Applied Science and Certificates are available for students who want to train for a new career.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal Studies Certificate program available at Middlesex College is designed for students who already have a college degree.
The college is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education.
The course requirements include:
- Introduction to Paralegal Profession
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Advanced Legal Research
- And more
Students also have to choose at least 14 credits of electives such as:
- Property Transactions
- Family Law
- Wills and Estate Administration
- Torts
- Litigation Procedure
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ 08818
- Website: https://www.middlesexcollege.edu
9Ocean County College
About the School
Ocean County College offers classes at 19 off-campus sites throughout Ocean County.
The programs available at the college prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution or the workforce.
Ocean County College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The college provides the following paralegal-related programs:
- Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies
- Business A.A.S.- Paralegal Studies Diploma
The Certificate program prepares students for careers as paralegal/legal assistant positions.
Learners study law and acquire practical skills that are necessary for entry-level employment in a law office.
The Paralegal Studies, Certificate of Proficiency program includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Law and Legal Assisting
- Introduction to Litigation
- Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals
- Law Office Management
- Business Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
- Phone: 732.255.0400
- Website: https://www.ocean.edu
10Ramapo College of New Jersey
About the School
Ramapo College of New Jersey offers interdisciplinary and experiential learning programs and international and intercultural understanding.
The college has five schools with more than 40 academic programs.
The student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, according to the school’s website.
Ramapo College of New Jersey is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides a 14-week Paralegal Certificate course that prepares students for careers in the growing field of paralegals.
The program is available online through Ramapo College of New Jersey in affiliation with the Center for Legal Studies, Colorado.
Students learn how to perform legal research and the writing skills necessary to become successful paralegals.
Contact Information
- Address: 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
- Phone: 201-684-7500
- Website: https://www.ramapo.edu
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 240 | $58,100 | $27.94 | $92,060 | $31,250 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 60 | $54,310 | $26.11 | $73,180 | $35,060 |
| Trenton, NJ | 780 | $67,190 | $32.3 | $92,550 | $46,930 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 80 | $51,230 | $24.63 | $69,110 | $30,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best paralegal schools in New Jersey, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Classes are available at many colleges and universities with flexible formats that fit many different student lifestyles.
Choosing the right one it’s an important step, so take your time and choose wisely.
