• Paralegal Schools in the U.S.
• ABA versus non-ABA Programs
• Criminal Justice Programs in NM

Paralegal Programs in New Mexico

There is only one American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program in the state of New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, this program is not going to be geographically convenient for all those looking to become a paralegal in the state. This is one of the main reasons that online paralegal programs in New Mexico have become increasingly popular. Though not ABA approved, all of the the online paralegal programs you see listed on this site are accredited by a major accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Currently there are no specific regulations set forth by the state of New Mexico for paralegals. However, in 2004 the Supreme Court did amend it's rules regarding the necessary qualifications to call oneself a "paralegal". They fall directly in line with those requirements needed to become a member of the "Paralegal Division" of the New Mexico State Bar. You can find these revised minimum education standards and training requirements below.

Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in New Mexico

Choosing the Right Paralegal Program for You

According to the State Bar of New Mexico, in order to be referred to as a "paralegal", you should meet one or more of the following education, training, or work experience requirements:

• Graduate from an ABA approved program.
• Graduate from a Paralegal associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate program.
• Complete a post-secondary legal assistant program (minimum of 60 semester hours). At least 18 hours should be general education courses and eighteen hours of legal specialty courses.
• Have a bachelor's degree in any field plus 2 years of legal-related work experience under the supervision of an attorney.
• Graduated from an accredited law school and not disbarred or suspended from practicing law by the state of New Mexico
• Certification by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or other equivalent national or state competency examination. Must also have one year of law-related experience.
• A high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of experience under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney.

There is no question that formal education and training are significant and a paralegal that has both of these qualities can set themselves apart from the competition for the best job opportunities. This statement is further supported by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. When you are trying to decide which program is right for you, the criteria listed above are a good point of reference. They may help you narrow your choices down significantly.

Other things to consider when looking for a paralegal program include learning about the additional services offered by the schools. Many schools offer things such as job or internship placement, career counseling, academic advisement, financial aid packages, and access to resources such as the law library. Think about the advantages of enrolling in an online program over a more traditional campus based program. Distance learning paralegal programs may give you the additional flexibility to work or intern during the day.

Regardless of which one you decide to go with, you can feel confident that each of the paralegal programs you see here are nationally or regionally accredited and will provide you with a high standard paralegal education.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in New Mexico

= Editor Recommended Program

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Associate's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Campus Based Paralegal Degree Programs in New Mexico

Central New Mexico Community College: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

525 Buena Vista SE, Business & Information Technology Division
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Ph: (505) 224-3823

New Mexico State University:

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

2400 N Scenic Dr
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Ph: (505) 439-3671

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