Steps Toward a Paralegal Career in New Jersey

Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:

Complete Paralegal Education in New Jersey
Secure Paralegal Work Experience in New Jersey
Become a New Jersey Certified Paralegal (Optional)
Where to Find Paralegal Jobs in New Jersey
Now That You’re a Paralegal in New Jersey

Paralegal Job Description in New Jersey

According to data gathered in May 2022 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New Jersey paralegals averaged a mean salary of $65,570. This salary can be increased by paralegals in New Jersey who obtain additional education, experience, and certification, as New Jersey currently has no mandates for paralegals in these areas. To discover how to become a paralegal in New Jersey, read on.

Step 1

Embark Upon Paralegal Education in New Jersey

Most New Jersey employers prefer that paralegals hold a certificate, associate, or bachelor degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, or a closely related field.

New Jersey Paralegal Online and Campus Schools

Featured Programs:

Paralegal Work Experience in New Jersey

Your college or university paralegal studies program in New Jersey will likely offer (or require) you to take a paralegal work experience externship/internship. This experience will provide you with knowledge and the day-to-day skills of a working paralegal. If your school does not provide this wonderful opportunity, you may still pursue volunteer work experience on your own. These legal aid agencies in New Jersey would probably welcome the help of a paralegal student:

South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. in Camden
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services Corporation in Jersey City
Legal Services of Northwest Jersey in Somerville
Essex-Newark Legal Services Project, Inc. in Newark
Central Jersey Legal Services, Inc. in New Brunswick

Step 3

New Jersey Certified Paralegal (Optional)

Developed by the South Jersey Paralegal Certification, the New Jersey Certified Paralegal (NJCP) credential is an optional credential for paralegals working in New Jersey. It is designed as a benchmark for paralegals in the state. In order to become a NJCP, you must be a member of the South Jersey Paralegal Association and meet at least one of these criteria:

Hold a PACE Registered Paralegal (RP), Certified Paralegal (CP), or other national paralegal certification and two years of paralegal experience
Have five years of paralegal experience
Have a certificate from a non-ABA-approved paralegal program and four years of paralegal experience
Have an associate degree in any field and four years of paralegal experience
Have a certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program and three years of paralegal experience
Have an associate degree in paralegal studies and two years of paralegal experience
Have a bachelor degree in any field and three years of paralegal experience
Have a bachelor degree in any field, a certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program, and one year of paralegal experience
Have a bachelor degree in paralegal studies and one year of paralegal experience

To apply for NJCP certification, you must complete an application form and mail it, along with supporting documentation and $35, to South Jersey Paralegal Association, P.O. Box 355, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.

Step 4

Where to Find Paralegal Jobs in New Jersey

Paralegals in New Jersey do not only work in law firms or with legal practices. They are also found in corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, nonprofit agencies, and more, such as the following entities in New Jersey:

K Hovnanian Companies – Edison
Baseil Associates – Livingston
Pearson Education – Upper Saddle River
BAYADA Home Health Care – Wenonah
Archer & Greiner, P.C. – Princeton
Pioneer Data Systems – New Brunswick
Law Offices of William J. Courtney, LLC – Flemington
Carroll, McNulty & Kull, LLC – Basking Ridge
Prudential – Newark
Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC – Morristown
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company -Orange

Step 5

You Have Become a Paralegal in New Jersey

Congratulations! You are now a paralegal working in the state of New Jersey! If you are an NJCP, remember to maintain your credential correctly. It must be renewed every two years. During each two-year period, you must complete 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE), with at least two hours in ethics. Only courses on substantive law issues and tasks pertinent to the paralegal profession will be accepted. CLE is accepted from in-person or online courses or activities such as:

ABA or any state bar association approved courses or seminars
Courses approved by national or state law organizations like the New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association
Courses offered by a state or national paralegal association
Courses offered by an accredited college or university or organization
Courses offered by professional education providers
Courses offered by a federal or state government authority
Courses offered in-house by your employer
Self-study programs via audio or videotape (only two CLE credits every two years may be earned this way)
Teaching, lecturing, or speaking at a law course or seminar (only two CLE credits every two years may be earned this way)
Authoring a publication on substantive law (only one CLE credit every two years may be earned this way)
Giving substantive pro bono legal services (only two CLE credits every two years may be earned this way), with one hour of CLE credit given for every three hours of pro bono legal services provided
Attendance at the monthly luncheon of the South Jersey Paralegal Association, with one half-hour of CLE credit given for each luncheon attended

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2023.