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Taking the steps to become a paralegal in New Hampshire is easier than you might think.
Depending on the certificate or degree program you want to pursue, you can be actively working within the legal system in a year or more.
From there, you can actively participate in legal research, writing documents, and even preparing for the courtroom – basically anything that lawyers need you to assist with.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in New Hampshire
Becoming licensed as a paralegal in New Hampshire is actually very easy.
The state does not require any kind of licensure or certification.
Law firms and other employers may request to see certification, which typically comes from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Having certification can also provide you with a competitive edge.
While the state does not have a minimum degree requirement for paralegals, employers will dictate whether they want to see a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
5 Paralegal Schools in New Hampshire
A variety of paralegal schools in New Hampshire will provide you with the education you need to thrive as a paralegal.
Some courses are online while others are on campus. By exploring the different schools, you can decide which path is right for you.
Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University, located in Rindge, offers an undergraduate certificate program in Paralegal studies.
It is offered completely online for your convenience.
You will learn practical skills and develop a theoretical understanding of the laws in New Hampshire and across the country.
The program is completed in approximately one year – you’ll take 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
The total cost of the program will be around $12,000, though that excludes books and other fees.
Nashua Community College
The Paralegal Program at Nashua Community College allows you to earn an associate degree in approximately two years.
You will learn from practicing attorneys and take courses that include how to perform legal research, prepare for court and trial, and much more.
A total of 60 credits are needed to complete the program, which typically includes fall and spring semesters for two consecutive years.
The cost of the program is approximately $7140 per year.
New Hampshire Technical Institute
At NHTI, you can earn an Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies.
You can choose full or part-time enrollment, and many of the courses are offered in the evening.
You will learn about the skills needed to assist lawyers as well as entire business communities.
The cost of the program is $7200 per year, and you will need to enroll for two years so that you can complete all 120 credit hours to meet the requirements of the AS degree.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies.
This allows you to get the education needed to be a paralegal or obtain your pre-law degree so that you can go on to enroll in law school.
The four-year degree can be completed with online and on-campus courses.
There is a flat rate of $15,000 per year for undergraduate students if you attend full-time.
The total ends up being $60,000 after four years, though that assumes that no scholarships or financial aid are obtained.
University of New Hampshire
At the University of New Hampshire, you can complete a Certified Paralegal program in 12 months.
All of the courses are accessible online, and it will take 225 hours for you to work through.
The tuition for the program is $2699.
Throughout the program, you will learn about the role of a paralegal in the legal system, ethics, analysis, legal writing, and the various branches of law.
Paralegal Schools in New Hampshire – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Franklin Pierce University | 40 University Dr, Rindge, NH 03461 |
| Nashua Community College | 505 Amherst St, Nashua, NH 03063 |
| New Hampshire Technical Institute | 31 College Dr, Concord, NH 03301 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 2500 N River Rd, Manchester, NH 03106 |
| University of New Hampshire | 105 Main St, Durham, NH 03824 |
Salary for Paralegals in New Hampshire
The salary for a paralegal in New Hampshire can vary dramatically depending on such things as geographic location, education, experience, and certifications.
You will also want to compare law firms as some will pay higher than others based on casework.
According to salary.com, paralegals in Concord, New Hampshire earn an average salary of $62,073.
Those with more experience may be in the 90th percentile, which increases the salary to a possible $77,381.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $61,712 |
| Nashua | $65,200 |
| Concord | $62,073 |
| Derry | $63,386 |
| Rochester | $61,339 |
| Salem | $64,238 |
| Dover | $61,591 |
| Merrimack | $65,200 |
| Londonderry | $65,200 |
| Hudson | $65,200 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 50 | $61,260 | $29.45 | $86,280 | $45,120 |
| Manchester, NH | 380 | $63,320 | $30.44 | $93,070 | $35,580 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 220 | $60,940 | $29.3 | $85,480 | $36,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the most opportunities for paralegals in New Hampshire?
Some of the greatest opportunities are in some of the bigger cities of New Hampshire, including Manchester, Nashua, and Concord.
Additionally, once you get experience, you can explore jobs in neighboring cities and states.
Is there a growing need for paralegals in New Hampshire?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies that paralegals are in high demand – and growing at a rate of 12% over the next five years.
This means that the demand for paralegals is higher than in many other careers across the U.S., including in New Hampshire.
What state-level associations are there to join?
The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire can be a great association to join so that you have more connections.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State