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Paralegal Programs in New York

The titles "Legal Assistant" and "Paralegal" are considered synonymous in the state of New York. There are no restrictions or regulations concerning paralegal education in New York. There are paralegal education recommendations set forth by the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) and their member associations. These recommendations were put into a position statement and submitted by the ESAPA to offer guidelines for employers to evaluate paralegals when hiring as well as to help potential students evaluate and choose a paralegal program. Read more about these recommendations below.

There are 21 American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs offered at various institutions around the state of New York as well as a number of American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) member schools. Institutions accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education also offer online paralegal programs in New York including associate's, bachelor's and post-baccalaureate certificate paralegal studies options.

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

Choosing a Paralegal Program

Contacting potential employers prior to choosing a paralegal program is often a good starting point to learn what type of education is most competitive in the local marketplace. Job postings from Law firms and other employers in the urban areas of New York tend to favor hiring paralegals with work experience in a specific field of law and a formal education. Some postings do specify they are looking for paralegals with a bachelor's degree and others do not. Email or call the human resources department of any potential employer to get more specific information.

Due to the increasing complexity of the legal field and the increased expectations of paralegals a formal education is becoming a standard for entering the paralegal profession. There are varying views as to what type education is deemed essential for entry into the profession. The ESAPA has developed and submitted a position statement with recommendations regarding minimum education standards for entering the paralegal profession in the state of New York. These are just recommendations and not all employers are considering these recommendations when hiring paralegals. Many employers consider work experience in a specific field of law as the most important factor when hiring paralegals and those with a formal education in paralegal studies are just more competitive for the position.

The ESAPA holds similar recommendations to those of the AAfPE. The ESAPA recommends paralegals have an associate's or bachelor's degree with a minor, major or concentration in paralegal studies or a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies and that these credentials should be earned through an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal program, an AAfPE member school or an institution that is registered by the New York State Education Department and be offered at a school accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools or an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. More information regarding these recommendations can be found at the ESAPA web site: www.empirestateparalegals.org

Though the ESAPA recommends ABA approved paralegal programs based on their specific requirements for being considered an ABA approved program, other institutions in New York also offer well respected and high quality paralegal education. Non- ABA approved paralegal programs often have significantly less expensive tuition and offer comparable education. Read more about ABA versus non-ABA approved paralegal programs.

The ESAPA disapproves of online paralegal programs suggesting they do a disservice to the student, employers and the profession. They feel that a quality paralegal education should include interaction between the student and faculty as well as with other students. Interaction does enhance learning however, online programs do offer the ability to interact live with students and faculty as well as communication via email. Email is often how most students interact with faculty while attending on-campus based paralegal programs versus waiting around campus for faculty office hours and then again waiting in line for a turn to discuss a topic with a professor. Online paralegal programs also offer individuals an opportunity to gain formal paralegal education while maintaining their current employment and/or family life. This education or career path may not have been an option had only campus based paralegal programs been available to the individual.

Remember, the ESAPA is only offering recommendations for individuals looking to enter the paralegal profession and not all employers are following these recommendations. Choose a paralegal program that fits your goals and needs, both professionally and personally. Research the paralegal education options offered in New York below. One of these programs will help prepare you for entry into the paralegal profession.

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in New York

= Editor Recommended Program

Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

Associate's in Paralegal 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

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
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal 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

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

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

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

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in New York - Campus Based

Bronx Community College: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

University Avenue & West 181 Street
Bronx, NY 10453
PH: 718-289-5636

Everest Institute - Rochester: Everest Institute - Rochester is authorized by the New York State Board of Regents, Office of College and University Evaluation, to confer the Associate in Applied Science Degree. Everest College - Rochester is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Everest College - Rochester is also registered with the New York State Education Department.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>

Rochester

Finger Lakes Community College: ABA approved program and a member school of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

4355 Lakeshore Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
PH: 585-394-3500

Genesee Community College: ABA approved program and member school of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

One College Road
Batavia, NY 14020-9704
PH: 585-345-6820

Hilbert College: Member school of the AAfPE and ABA approved programs

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Paralegal

5200 South Park Avenue
Hamburg, NY 14075
PH: 716-649-7900

LaGuardia Community College, CUNY: ABA approved program

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room E223F
Long Island City, NY 11101
PH: 718-482-5617

Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus: ABA approved and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Marist College: ABA approved programs and an AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Bachelor's, Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies

North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1381
PH: 914-575-3000

Mercy College: AAfPE member school, LEX Chapter established, and ABA approved program

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies

555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
PH: 914-693-4500

Monroe Community College: ABA approved program and a member school of AAfPE

Programs Offered: Post-Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies

228 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604
PH: 585-262-1769

Nassau Community College: AAfPE member school and ABA approved programs

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post Degree Certificate | Paralegal Studies

Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530-6793
PH: 516-572-7774

New York City College of Technology/CUNY: ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, bachelor's | Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies

Queens College/CUNY: ABA approved, AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Schools

65-30 Kissena Boulevard
Flushing, NY 11367
PH: 718-997-5709

SUNY/Rockland Community College: ABA approved programs, AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

145 College Road
Suffern, NY 10901
PH: 845-574-4169

Schenectady County Community College: ABA approved program

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

78 Washington Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12305
PH: 518-345-6211

St. John's University: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
PH: 718-990-7417

Suffolk County Community College: ABA approved programs and member school of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

533 College Road, R-340
Selden, NY 11784
PH: 631-451-4663

Syracuse University: ABA approved programs and the University is a member of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Bachelor's, Post Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal Studies

700 University Avenue Suite 403
Syracuse, NY 13244-6020
PH: 315-443-2894

SUNY Westchester Community College: ABA approved programs and the school is a member of the AAfPE

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
PH: 914-785-6218

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