How to Become a Paralegal in New York

There is a wide selection of paralegal programs offered in the state of New York.

These programs range from general practice to more specialized fields.

Of the array of programs offered in New York, 19 programs are ABA-approved.

A career in the legal field is a demanding and challenging career but can yield a deep sense of job satisfaction.

The process of starting a journey towards certification starts with selecting the most appropriate school.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in New York

Candidates who wish to start their career as a paralegal in the state of New York can do so without the need to attend a tertiary institution, as the state of New York does not have any standardized educational or training requirements.

However, the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) clearly states in the Position Statement on Paralegal Education in New York State that there is, to some extent, a need for standardized education and training requirements in this field.

The institution highlights educational guidelines that need to be adopted by paralegals and attorneys that employ these paralegals when practicing law and executing the functions of the paralegal.

Furthermore, the ESAPA indicates that lawyers and attorneys do prefer to hire paralegals that have gained certification through an ABA-approved program, that allows them to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and proficiency in this field.

Currently, there are no licensure requirements in the state of New York.

5 Paralegal Schools in New York

1. CUNY Bronx Community College – Bronx

The school offers two paralegal programs:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal and Legal Studies
• Paralegal Studies Certificate

These programs compromise both business and law courses to help prepare students for a career as a paralegal and to ensure that students have the required skills and knowledge to be successful in this career.

The degree program incorporates a mandatory internship of between 75 to 100 hours that enables students to network, meet industry professionals, and apply the skills and knowledge acquired through training.

Furthermore, the associate degree program may be used to apply credits earned in the program towards a bachelor’s degree in law.

Tuition for full-time study per year at this school is $4,441.

2. Daemen College – Amherst

The school offers two programs in paralegal studies:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The Bs program consists of 120 credit hours and is ABA-approved.

This course is formulated to promote and advance critical thinking skills within students while also placing focus on oral communication skills and sound knowledge of the use of legal software.

The Bs program combines paralegal courses with general education classes to produce a holistic program that prepares students to work in a variety of legal settings.

Students are required to take a course in legal research during the final year of their studies.

This course material prepares students to participate and apply learned knowledge in an internship or to apply the learned knowledge to a senior research project.

During the course of this program, students are exposed to professional environments through trips to federal court buildings, state court buildings, and local court buildings.

In addition, students receive career counseling from attorneys in the field as well as career guidance.

Tuition per year of full-time study is $18,218.

3. Mercy College – Dobbs Ferry

Mercy College offers a 120-credit bachelor’s of science in legal studies with a concentration on paralegal studies.

This course is ABA-approved.

Upon completion of their studies, students should be able to manage a law office, provide assistance with drafting legal documents, and conduct administrative duties that are commonly completed by attorneys.

In addition, graduates should be able to design and develop new procedures, conduct legal research, and also review legal documents.

Many of the courses in this program may be completed online, while a select few will need to be completed at the Dobbs Ferry campus.

The program is initiated with 60 credit hours of general studies.

Students who pursue a concentration on paralegal studies must complete an additional 24 elective credits.

Tuition for full-time students per year is $15,283.

4. Suffolk County Community College – Selden

This school offers a 61-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies program that is available in a hybrid or online format.

Up to 75% of the coursework is offered online.

However, at least 10 credits must be taken on campus and in person.

The program is designed to prepare students for the demanding legal field with a focus on providing a foundation in law.

Students learn how to draft legal documents, access legal software, and understand the ethics of this industry.

Tuition for full-time students per year is $5,152.

5. SUNY Canton

The school offers a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in the Legal Studies program.

There are two formats: on-campus and online.

Legal courses that need to be completed as part of the program include, Constitutional Law and Criminal Practice, with additional complimentary courses such as business, accounting, and criminal justice.

Students are prepared for a career as a paralegal through a variety of course materials geared toward providing students with the required skills, knowledge, and experience to be successful in this field.

Tuition for full-time students per year is $13,285.

Paralegal Schools in New York – Summary Table

Salary

There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:

• Entry level – $50,283
• Mid-career – $64,539
• Experienced – $80,455

Regional Salary in New York

Paralegal Schools by State