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There is currently a demand for qualified paralegals all across the country and in New Mexico.
Anyone currently considering a career as a paralegal should consider their career outlook in this lucrative field.
This career is very promising if you are organized and can conduct research and learn various legalities and skills.
Keep reading to learn more about the prospective salary, requirements, and education options available in the state of New Mexico.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements to Become a Certified Paralegal in New Mexico
Those individuals who want to become certified paralegals in New Mexico can get certified in a few ways.
First, they must have a GED or high school diploma.
They can work as a paralegal under the supervision of an attorney in the area for a period of 7 years.
The state also accepts a certificate from the American Bar Association for one of the ABA-approved programs.
You may also have an associate’s or a BS degree in paralegal studies, even a full law degree.
Upon completing one of the six methods for qualification, you can take one of four tests. PACE, PCCE, CLA/CP, and PP are there.
Once you pass a national exam and pass it, you may then begin working as a nationally certified paralegal.
5 Paralegal Schools in New Mexico
There are several educational opportunities across the state of New Mexico.
These top five provide comprehensive education and training to help individuals become successful paralegals.
Central New Mexico Community College
Individuals who want to become parallels in New Mexico can acquire their associates in applied science from such children in Mexico Community College.
This program requires 63 credit hours and includes general education and business courses.
The location of the campus is 900 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106.
The phone number for the admissions office is 505-224-3000.
Clovis Community College
Individuals can attend Clovis Community Colleges to get their applied science and paralegal degrees.
The 62-credit-hour course takes approximately four semesters to complete.
It provides the hands-on Training and education necessary to become a qualified paralegal in New Mexico.
The interstate cost of tuition for the year is $1,616.
The location of the school’s campus is 417 Schepp’s boulevard, Clovis, NM 88101.
The number for the admissions office is 575-769-2811.
New Mexico State University
Individuals who decide to attend New Mexico State University can expect to earn an Associate of applied science for paralegal studies.
The course comprises 61 credit hours and encourages general education and other classes.
Those who finish their course successfully are also offered the certified paralegal exam by NALA, which provides a 29-credit certificate program as a legal assistant.
The cost of in-state tuition for the school is $7,301 per year.
The location of school’s campus is 1780 East University avenue, La Cruces, NM 88003.
The phone number for the campus admission office is 575-646-0111.
University of New Mexico
This program is offered through the continuing education department of New Mexico University.
This certificate program is for paralegals with a GED or a high school diploma.
This program requires 96 credit hours.
This hybrid course involves half of the time spent learning on campus.
The end state tuition for this class is approximately $8,400 per year.
The phone number for the admissions office is 505-277-0111.
Santa Fe Community College
This community college offers a 61-credit degree program allowing students to get their Associate and applied science degrees in paralegal studies.
This course covers all areas of civil and criminal law and provides the legal Office training and operations insight to become a successful paralegal.
The cost of in-state tuition for this college is $2,505 per year.
The location of the college campus is 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508.
The phone number for the admissions office is 505-428-1000.
Paralegal Schools in New Mexico – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | 900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
| Clovis Community College | 417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101 |
| New Mexico State University | 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003 |
| University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM 87131 |
| Santa Fe Community College | 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508 |
Salary of Paralegal in New Mexico
The average salary of a paralegal in New Mexico is currently $60,148 annually.
However, that figure can reach beyond $70,000 per year based on the individual’s experience, skill sets, specialties, and length of employment.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $56,468 |
| Las Cruces | $51,269 |
| Santa Fe | $56,999 |
| Rio Rancho | $56,287 |
| Roswell | $52,897 |
| Farmington | $55,828 |
| Alamogordo | $53,802 |
| Clovis | $54,336 |
| Hobbs | $53,844 |
| Carlsbad | $52,897 |
Regional Salary in New Mexico
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,090 | $56,760 | $27.29 | $73,630 | $41,600 |
| Farmington, NM | 40 | $63,320 | $30.44 | $95,850 | $47,230 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 140 | $52,910 | $25.44 | $74,670 | $31,390 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 220 | $59,640 | $28.68 | $76,650 | $48,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does it take to become a certified paralegal in New Mexico?
There is no set number of years required to study to be a paralegal in New Mexico.
However, if you do not enroll in a formal training program or college to receive the appropriate instruction or degree, you must work for a law firm or an attorney for at least seven years before qualifying to take a certification exam.
Are you required to have a degree to work as a paralegal in New Mexico?
You are not required to have a degree to become a paralegal in New Mexico.
However, it is one of the six ways to qualify to take one of the four exams offering a certification.
Can a paralegal work without the supervision of an attorney or law firm in New Mexico?
If you want to work independently, you will need to have a certification from one of the four tests offered in New Mexico.
If you are not certified, you will need to work directly with an attorney or a law firm in the state to provide you with the direction and supervision required.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State