Best Paralegal Schools in New Jersey

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to become a paralegal in New Jersey, your training matters. The right school will teach you state-specific legal procedures, prepare you for certification, and give you practical skills that law offices value.

Here's what you need to know about New Jersey paralegal education and where to get started.

Understanding the Paralegal Role

Paralegals help attorneys with legal research, preparing documents, filing court forms, and managing case files. In New Jersey, there is no state license requirement for paralegals. However, employers often expect:

  • A certificate or degree in paralegal studies
  • Strong legal writing skills
  • Knowledge of court procedures
  • Experience with case management software

While you can learn on the job, completing an ABA-approved (American Bar Association) paralegal program increases your employment opportunities.

How to Become a Paralegal in New Jersey

You don't need a state-issued license, but legal employers typically require formal education. Here's a common pathway:

  1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent
  2. Complete a paralegal certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree
  3. Gain internship or practicum experience during your program
  4. Consider national certification, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) from NALA or the PACE Exam from NFPA
  5. Apply for entry-level positions in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments

Note: New Jersey courts and law firms often prefer graduates from ABA-approved programs for their formal training and adherence to national standards.

Top Paralegal Schools in New Jersey

Below is a list of reputable paralegal schools in the state. These programs are either ABA-approved or have strong reputations for practical training.

1. Raritan Valley Community College - Branchburg, NJ

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Highlights: ABA-approved, internship opportunities, focus on litigation and corporate law
  • Website: Raritan Valley CC Paralegal Program

2. Rowan College of South Jersey - Sewell, NJ

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Highlights: ABA-approved, flexible scheduling, strong local employer connections
  • Website: Rowan College Paralegal Studies

3. Essex County College - Newark, NJ

4. Bergen Community College - Paramus, NJ

  • Program: Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
  • Highlights: ABA-approved, internship placement, proximity to NYC law market
  • Website: Bergen CC Paralegal Program

5. Montclair State University - Montclair, NJ

  • Program: Certificate in Paralegal Studies
  • Highlights: Designed for those with prior degrees, evening and weekend classes, comprehensive legal software training
  • Website: Montclair State Paralegal Certificate

Comparing Program Types

Program Type Length Best For
Certificate 6 months - 1 year Students with a degree seeking legal training
Associate degree 2 years New students entering the legal field
Bachelor's degree 4 years Students wanting advanced career options

What to Look for in a New Jersey Paralegal Program

When evaluating schools, pay attention to:

  • ABA Approval: This is the gold standard for paralegal education.
  • Internship Options: Internships give you real-world experience and contacts.
  • Course Offerings: Look for courses in litigation, legal research, ethics, and technology.
  • Job Placement Support: Schools with career services can help you find work faster.
  • Flexible Schedules: Evening or online classes are useful if you work while studying.

National Certification Options

While not required in New Jersey, national certifications can improve your credentials. Two leading options are:

These certifications require meeting education and experience requirements and passing an exam.

Job Outlook for New Jersey Paralegals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegal jobs are projected to grow over the next decade as law firms and corporate legal departments seek to streamline services1. Having a recognized credential and internship experience makes you more competitive.

Steps to Enroll

Here's a quick plan to get started:

  1. Decide between a certificate, associate, or bachelor's program.
  2. Select schools that are ABA-approved or have strong employer connections.
  3. Contact admissions to learn about prerequisites and start dates.
  4. Apply for financial aid through FAFSA if needed.
  5. Plan for your internship to gain practical skills.

Summary and Next Steps

If you want to work as a paralegal in New Jersey, choose an ABA-approved program with solid internship opportunities. A certificate works if you already have a degree, but an associate degree gives you a stronger footing for career growth. Once trained, you can work in law offices, government agencies, or corporate legal teams.

Your next step: Make a shortlist of two or three schools, review their program details, and set up a meeting with their admissions offices. The sooner you start, the sooner you can be job-ready.

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Paralegals and Legal Assistants ↩

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