Trade Schools
A Paralegal training program can prepare you for careers within and outside the legal field.
As a paralegal, you may find employment at law firms, banks, accounting firms, the court system, hospitals, and other similar fields.
As a paralegal, your main responsibilities will be:
- Drafting legal documents
- Investigating facts relevant to a case
- Organizing and maintaining documents on paper and in electronic formats
- Helping lawyers during trials
- File exhibits, briefs, and other documents
- And more
Before being ready for employment in this field, the first step is to earn a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
If you live in New York, there are many schools that provide programs designed to prepare you for employment after graduation.
To help you choose the format that best meets your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best paralegal training programs available for New York students.
1Bronx Community College
About the School
Bronx Community College provides a variety of majors/degrees & certificate programs.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Among many other academic paths, the following paralegal-related programs are available at the college:
- Paralegal and Legal Studies
- Paralegal Studies and Legal Studies: Lay Advocate
The Paralegal and Legal Studies Associate in Applied Science degree was developed according to American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Paralegals guidelines.
The program covers legal fundamentals, appropriate skills, and the practical experience needed when seeking employment in the field.
Students can acquire an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal and Legal Studies degree or Paralegal Certificate.
Graduates are ready to perform tasks such as:
- Drafting legal documents
- Conducting legal research
- Assisting attorneys when preparing for trials
- Interviewing clients
Contact Information
- Address: 2155 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453
- Phone: 929-314-4711
- Website: https://www.bcc.cuny.edu
2Daemen University
Daemen University offers a wide range of undergraduate majors.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal program offered by Daemen University offers the following paths:
- Paralegal Studies, B.S.
- Double Up: Business & Paralegal Studies
- Double Up: Global & Local Sustainability & Paralegal Studies
The Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Science is accredited by the American Bar Association.
Students are taught by the Socratic method, similar to the law school classroom.
During internships, they participate in substantive legal work and the university’s paralegal clinic.
Paralegal majors learn legal reasoning and legal argument and apply this knowledge when writing legal documents.
Scholarship opportunities are available through the Western New York Paralegal Association and the Lambda Epsilon Chi Honor Society.
A Paralegal Certificate is also available to be pursued by undergraduate Daemen students or any students with a four-year degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226
- Phone: 800.462.7652
- Website: https://www.daemen.edu
3Dutchess Community College
Dutchess Community College offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs to help students find something that suits their academic and career goals.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal program available at the college helps students build a foundation in law, business, research, and communication to start a career in the paralegal field or transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree.
Students can earn between 64-68 credits in law, legal writing and research, business, and more.
Most students complete the program after two years of full-time study.
After graduation, students may get to work right away or transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Business Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Legal Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Phone: (845) 431-8000
- Website: https://www.sunydutchess.edu
4Elmira College
About the School
Elmira College encourages students to become active learners, effective leaders, responsible community members, and globally engaged citizens.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
A variety of undergraduate bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs are included in the college’s catalog.
The pre-Law program available at Elmira College covers education in liberal arts and sciences and prepares students for a career in law.
The Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, History, English, Economics, and Political Science programs give students a strong foundation as they pursue a law degree.
Contact Information
- Address: One Park Place, Elmira, NY 14901
- Phone: (607) 735-1800
- Website: https://www.elmira.edu
5Herkimer County Community College
About the School
Herkimer County Community College provides more than 40 degree and certificate programs.
The college provides an 18 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Tuition for New York State residents enrolled for a minimum of one year is $2,558 per semester.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides the following pathways:
- Legal Studies, Associate in Applied Science
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
The Paralegal Studies Certificate trains students in legal content areas such as torts, property/real estate law, contracts, wills, legal research and writing, civil procedure and litigation, criminal law, and more.
After completing the certificate program students are ready to work as a paralegal/legal assistant in law firms, business, governmental agencies, and other law settings.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Business Law
- Intro to Law for Paralegals
- Administration of Estates
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Reservoir Road, Herkimer, NY 13350
- Phone: (315) 866-0300
- Website: https://www.herkimer.edu
6Hofstra University
Hofstra University prepares students for a lifetime of growth in any career.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the university provides a Paralegal Certificate program approved by the American Bar Association.
Flexible day or evening classes are available, allowing students to complete the certificate in just one term.
The 306-hour program includes courses taught by practicing attorneys and judges who understand the current trends.
Students have access to the school’s Law Library.
The Legal Research and Writing course also teaches students how to use Westlaw, a computer research tool used in law firms.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Real Estate
- Criminal Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Family Law
- Immigration Law
- Information Technology for Paralegals
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 121 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
- Phone: (516) 463-5858
- Website: https://law.hofstra.edu
7Ithaca College
About the School
Ithaca College provides more than 70 majors and minors at its five schools.
The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Among other programs, the college provides a Legal Studies B.A. and a Pre-Law program.
The Legal Studies B.A. includes program requirements such as:
- Foundations in Law and Justice
- Philosophical Problems in Law
- Legal Research Seminar: Investigation Law and Justice “on the Ground”
- And more
This program includes 120 credits in total: 81-83 integrative core curriculum requirements and electives and 37-40 credits of major requirements.
Contact Information
- Address: 953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
- Phone: (607) 274-3011
- Website: https://www.ithaca.edu
8Long Island University Brooklyn
About the School
Long Island University Brooklyn provides more than 125 academic programs.
The university is located just steps away from Barclays Center.
Courses Offered
Among many other career paths, Long Island University Brooklyn provides a Paralegal Studies Certificate Program.
This program provides 328 hours of either onsite and/or online instruction over two academic semesters and covers a wide range of legal subjects.
The program is offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
- Probate, Trusts, and Estates
- Real Estate Law
- Matrimonial Law
- Bankruptcy Law
- And more
To be considered for admission to the certificate program, prospective students need at least an Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits from an accredited institution with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, New York 11201-5372
- Phone: 718-488-1364
- Website: https://www.liu.edu
9Manhattanville College
About the School
Manhattanville College is a private, nonprofit school in New York.
The college is located in the heart of Westchester County, just 30 miles from New York City.
Courses Offered
Manhattanville College provides a Criminal Justice and Law pathway.
This program is designed to be completed in four years.
Students learn from expert professors with experience in the field and demonstrate their knowledge through mock trials, in-class oral arguments, and internships.
The Criminal Justice and Law curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Procedure
- Criminal Law
- Introduction to Common Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577
- Phone: 914.694.2200
- Website: https://www.mville.edu
10Marist College
Marist College provides a variety of programs of study.
Courses Offered
The college provides a Paralegal Certificate Weekend Program and a Paralegal Certificate Program.
The Paralegal Certificate Program is approved by the American Bar Association.
The program is designed to prepare students with practical experience, hands-on learning, and resources to move toward a career at their own pace.
The program has two articulation agreements in place with three local two-year community colleges: SUNY Ulster, SUNY Orange, and SUNY Columbia-Green.
Graduates earn an Associate in Science in Individual Studies from SUNY Ulster and an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate from Marist.
Students learn a variety of skills, including how to:
- Complete legal research on federal and state issues
- Practice intake procedures
- Develop a professional portfolio
- Preparing settlements and disclosure statements for real estate transactions
- Drafting legal memoranda, family court petitions, and more
Contact Information
- Address: 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Phone: 845-575-3000
- Website: https://www.marist.edu
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,340 | $60,660 | $29.16 | $83,030 | $44,940 |
| Binghamton, NY | 230 | $57,880 | $27.83 | $77,320 | $45,140 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 1,840 | $54,410 | $26.16 | $73,310 | $37,830 |
| Elmira, NY | 90 | $55,840 | $26.85 | $81,690 | $36,200 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 110 | $56,390 | $27.11 | $81,270 | $38,780 |
| Ithaca, NY | 90 | $59,480 | $28.59 | $80,470 | $39,420 |
| Kingston, NY | 150 | $60,670 | $29.17 | $88,310 | $38,800 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 29,080 | $72,320 | $34.77 | $105,680 | $47,330 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,240 | $55,640 | $26.75 | $81,420 | $34,460 |
| Syracuse, NY | 740 | $56,350 | $27.09 | $72,370 | $38,710 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 180 | $56,080 | $26.96 | $79,270 | $33,820 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 60 | $52,870 | $25.42 | $77,850 | $38,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
New York provides plenty of training options for students who want to start a career in the paralegal profession.
Now that you have read our selection of the top training programs available in your region, it’s time to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
