While the jobs of paralegals can be extremely demanding, they can also be quite rewarding and intriguing, as well.
These trained professionals are a vital part of law teams anywhere, as they conduct many of the time-consuming and essential tasks necessary to law practices.
If people in New Jersey would like to work in the field, there are many paralegal schools for them to choose among, and following are some of the best.
Atlantic Cape Community College
Located in the city of Atlantic City, Atlantic City Cape Community College has a top-notch associate of applied science degree program in paralegal studies, accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. Prospective students can contact Atlantic Cape at – 609-343-4800, or they may choose to correspond with them at the following address – 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City, New Jersey, 08401. There is also useful information within the college’s website at – www.atlantic.edu.
For people to earn their associate degrees from Atlantic Cape, they must complete the following liberal education curriculum – Composition I and II, Introduction to Computers, Science course, two Social Science electives, and one History or Humanities elective.
They must also complete the following paralegal-related curriculum – Introduction to Law and Litigation, Law Office Management, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Bankruptcy Law and Practice, Administrative Law, Trial Advocacy, Litigation Assistant Procedures, Family Law, Wills and Estates, Torts and Personal Injury Litigation, Cooperative Education, Legal Research and Writing, Word Processing I, Real Estate Transactions, and Business Law I or Public Speaking.
Bergen Community College
Located in Paramus, Bergen Community College has a first-class associate of applied science degree program in paralegalism, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. If people would like to attend Bergen, they can contact the main office at – 201-447-7195, or they can write to them at – 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey, 07652. They can also find the program’s curriculum at – www.bergen.edu.
The paralegal program at Bergen is a two-year curriculum comprised of several liberal arts and law-related course work. The liberal arts portion of the curriculum is as follows – English Composition I and II, Social Science elective, two Humanities electives, Mathematics or Computer Science or Natural Science, and Speech Communication.
The law-related portion of the curriculum is as follows – Fundamentals of Law, Legal Research and Writing, Legal Ethics, Principles of Real Estate, Business Communications for Paralegals, Paralegalism and Legal Procedure, Computer-Assisted Legal Research, New Jersey and Federal Courts, Mechanics of Property Transactions, Wills and Administration, Mechanics of Family Law, Mechanics of Commercial Transactions, Legal Accounting I, Personal Injury and Product Liability, and Co-op work Experience.
Camden County College
Camden County College in Camden is another school that offers an amazing associate of applied science degree program in paralegal studies, accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. Prospective paralegals can phone the school’s main office at – 856-338-1817, or they may write to them at – 200 North Broadway, Camden, New Jersey, 08102. They can also find the college’s admissions requirements at – www.camdencc.edu.
The paralegal program at Camden County College consists of a variety of basic skills and paralegal-related course work. The basic skills course work within the program is as follows – English Composition I and II, Computer Literacy, Mathematics, two Health and Exercise Science electives, Introduction to Political Science, Public Speaking, Social Diversity, and one Humanities elective.
The paralegal-related course work included in the program is as follows – Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Litigation and Civil Procedures, Criminal Law, Law Office Management, Legal Environment and Business Law I, Legal Systems, Family Law, Real Estate Law or Bankruptcy Basics, Estates and Probate, and Paralegal Internship.
Warren County Community College
Located in Washington, Warren County Community College also offers a unique associate of applied science degree program in legal assistant/paralegal studies, accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. Aspiring paralegals can call the college at – 908-835-9222 or write to the following address – 475 Route 57 West, Washington, New Jersey, 07882. They can also find the application procedures online at – www.warren.edu/.
For students to earn their paralegal degrees from Warren County, they must take the following common studies courses – English Composition I and II, Introduction to Psychology, Foundations of Success, Macroeconomics, Speech I or Interpersonal Communications, Laboratory Science, and Math Analysis for Business and Economics or Statistics.
They must also take the following law-specific courses – Microcomputer Software Applications, Contracts, Introduction to Paralegalism, Criminal Law for Paralegals, Legal Research and Writing I and II, Torts, Litigation, Wills/Estates and Trusts, Administrative Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Legal Studies Internship or Introduction to Law.
Other Superb Paralegal Schools in New Jersey
- Brookdale Community College in Lincroft
- Hudson County Community College in Jersy City
- Mercer County Community College in West Windsor
- Burlington County College in Pemberton
- Middlesex County College in Edison
- Cumberland County College in Vineland
- Berkeley College in West Paterson
- Essex County College in Newark
- Gloucester County College in Sewell
- Ocean County College in Toms River
How to Obtain Paralegal Certification in New Jersey
There are many benefits to obtaining paralegal certification. Certified paralegals often enjoy broader employment opportunities, more pay raises and more promotions than those who do not have certification. For paralegals to obtain certification, they will need to pass a written examination, or they must have several years of experience in the field. The following organizations offer certifications to paralegals whom meet their requirements.
- The National Association of Legal Secretaries (requires a written examination)
- The National Association of Legal Assistants (also requires a written exam)
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (requires a written paralegal exam, as well)
- The American Alliance of Paralegals (requires several years of work experience in the paralegal sector
Some terrific places to obtain study materials for the paralegal examination are the NALA, the NFPA, online and public libraries.
When people are studying for the exam, they need to focus on the various main areas of the field such as government, legal terminology, litigation, legal ethics, family law, civil procedures and criminal law.