Paralegal Schools in New York

New York’s colleges and universities offer a broad array of paralegal programs from general practice to specialty practice areas like public interest legal studies or government and politics. The following overview of paralegal schools in New York is designed to equip you with key information so that you can make the educational decision that is right for your career. You might also consider online paralegal programs as alternatives to traditional on-campus programs. Please visit our paralegal careers in New York page for information on career opportunities for paralegals in the state.

Quick Facts

• There are 34 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in New York.¹
• 15 schools offer a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 19 schools offer an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 11 schools offer a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 1 school offers a master’s degree for paralegals/legal assistants.¹
• 2 schools ranked in Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs.²
• 5 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools in 2022.³
• 5 schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs in 2022.⁴
• 19 ABA-approved paralegal degree programs are in New York.⁵

For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.

Table of Contents

• Comparison of Paralegal Programs
• Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs in New York
• Select Schools in New York with Paralegal Degrees
• Student Reviews

Comparison of Paralegal Programs

The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in New York based on various factors. The table includes paralegal program-specific information such as the programs offered and whether there are any online options. It also includes general school information to help you compare the colleges and universities that host these programs, including overall acceptance rate, graduation rate for first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, median debt for graduates, and net tuition per year for full-time undergraduate study. We have also included information on approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). While ABA approval is not required in order to work as a paralegal, it is a mark of program quality that is preferred by many employers.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs

Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs

• SUNY College of Technology at Canton (#4)
• Mercy College (#27)

US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022

• St. John’s University (#72 tie)
• University at Buffalo (#98 tie)
• Hofstra University (#119 tie)
• Pace University (#139 tie)
• Touro College (#147-193)

US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022

• Hofstra University (#46 tie)
• St. John’s University (#46 tie)
• Touro College (#46 tie)
• University at Buffalo (#100 tie)
• Pace University (#144 tie)

Select Schools in New York with Paralegal Degrees

Traditional Programs

CUNY Bronx Community College

City University of New York’s (CUNY) Bronx Community College (BCC) offers an ABA-approved Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal and Legal Studies. This program focuses on business and law courses that offer a comprehensive background in legal fundamentals and key paralegal skills such as legal research, document preparation, client interviews, and computer skills. The mandatory 75- to 100-hour internship component allows students to gain valuable experience within a legal setting, network among potential employers, and familiarize themselves with the ethical and professional responsibilities of the profession. This program also allows students to apply earned credits toward a law-related bachelor’s degree. BCC strives to impart sound business ethics and a sense of professional responsibility to graduates of the AAS in Paralegal Studies in order to prepare them to enter the paralegal job market. To enroll in the program, students must have at least 18 credits of general education across a minimum of three disciplines. BCC also offers a Paralegal Studies Certificate for students seeking to supplement their previous college education.

CUNY New York City College of Technology

CUNY’s New York City College of Technology (City Tech) is a public institution that offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies that are ABA-approved. Both programs are built upon a solid liberal arts foundation and offer a wide range of specialty courses for those interested in focusing their degree in a specific area of law. The program aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the American legal system, the fundamentals of legal analysis, and proficiency in legal technology. In addition to imparting general legal knowledge, the program offers courses in specialized skills such as Real Estate Law, Family Law, and Public Speaking. Both the BS and the AAS programs incorporate an internship requirement into the curriculum, giving students an opportunity to apply coursework to real-world situations and the potential to form valuable professional relationships. City Tech is home to an in-house law library and is within walking distance of state and federal courts and local law firms, providing students with nearby resources in the study of law.

Daemen College

Daemen College offers an ABA-approved Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to pursue careers as paralegals with an understanding of the scope and ethical bounds of the profession. Students of the 120-credit hour program will develop professional skills such as critical thinking, oral communication, and the use of technology, with a foundation based in the liberal arts. The curriculum combines general education classes with paralegal courses such as Law Office Computer Technology, Law for Society, and U.S. Judicial Process. In the final year of the program, students will take a course in legal research and then use that knowledge towards either a paralegal internship or a senior research project. Daemen’s Legal Studies program will expose students to professional environments through trips to local, state, and federal court buildings, and provide mentorship and career counseling from practicing attorneys. Daemen also offers double major opportunities for paralegal students, in Business or Global and Local Sustainability.

Social networking on LinkedIn provides an opportunity for legal recruiters, and HR managers in law firms and corporate law departments to search for worthy candidates by reviewing your online resume.” –Laura Kryta, President of the Western New York Paralegal Association and Paralegal at Phillips Lytle LLP

Hybrid and Online Programs

Mercy College

Students at Mercy College can earn an ABA-approved Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies with a concentration in Paralegal Studies. Many of the courses for this major can be taken online, but the remaining courses must be completed on the Dobbs Ferry campus. The four-year bachelor’s curriculum starts with 60 credits of general education courses. Legal Studies students must complete 36 credits of major-specific classes, such as Intro to Legal Studies and Constitutional Law and Policy. In addition to the core curriculum, students interested in the Paralegal concentration must take 24 elective credits in courses such as Litigation, Advance Seminar in Paralegal Studies, and Law Office Management. Coursework teaches the oral and written communication skills needed in the legal field as well as negotiation and mediation tactics. Students learn how to research and interpret the law with an emphasis on ethical practices. Graduates are prepared to work in entry-level positions or pursue further graduate study with eventual careers in law, business, or government.

Suffolk County Community College

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies at Suffolk County Community College (SCCC), part of the State University of New York (SUNY), is a 61-credit degree program available at the Ammerman and Grant Campuses through either a traditional or hybrid format, as at least 75% of the required coursework is offered online. The ABA-approved curriculum is designed to give students a foundation in law as it is practiced in an office environment and the necessary training to prepare a variety of legal documentation and filings. Students will learn how to perform legal research, access court websites and online documents, and understand the ethical standards of the legal profession. Classes in the two-year program include Civil Litigation, Legal Writing, and Law of Property. While many classes are available online, students must take at least 10 credits of legal specialty courses in person to complete the program. Admission to the program requires an ACT or SAT score of at least 21 or 1080, respectively. College students seeking enrollment must have at least 12 credits and a GPA of at least 3.0. SCCC also offers a certificate in Paralegal Studies.

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

The State University of New York’s College of Technology at Canton (SUNY Canton) offers a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Legal Studies program that prepares students for careers as paralegals. The program can be completed on campus or entirely online. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes legal research and legal writing as well as the ties between law and business. Students are required to take legal courses such as Constitutional Law and Criminal Practice and are encouraged to take complementary courses in such areas as Accounting, Business, and Criminal Justice. Legal Studies students have the opportunity to take an optional internship that allows them to earn credits while gaining real-world experience. The instructors at SUNY Canton bring broad practice experience to the classroom, providing an additional experiential basis for learning. Students seeking to advance to a law degree can take advantage of SUNY Canton’s 3+3 option and complete both degrees in six years.

Student Reviews

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Hofstra University
1000 Fulton Ave
Hempstead, NY 11549
(800) 463-7872
https://www.hofstra.edu/

Student Review: “My paralegal experience at Hofstra University so far has been great and it has really re-inspired me in what I want to be doing with my professional life. I decided to take this course because I was on the fence about law school and I have had a little over a year off since I graduated with my BA in Political Science, so this program is great for anyone who is in an in-between phase like me, anyone who wants to be a paralegal or anyone who is thinking about going to law school but not exactly sure about it just yet. I’m very happy that I decided to take this program and there are also extra workshops that are included in the program fees that teach you good resume-building skills, interview skills, and there is even a workshop to learn everything you need to know before taking the test to become a Notary Public. This program really promises to open a lot of doors professionally, and I am very excited about my next step.” -student at Hofstra University

Hunter College
695 Park Ave
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000
https://hunter.cuny.edu/

Student Review: “The paralegal program at Hunter College was exceptional. My professors encouraged me to apply for various graduate schools to further my career path. My classes consisted of lectures and internships. The college helped me look for an internship that I can use as class credit toward my degree. I was grateful for their help. I found myself being supported by my colleagues and my professors throughout the program. I thank the program at Hunter for their professionalism in preparing each student for their career in law by sharing their personal experiences while working as attorneys and other various related fields. The program itself helped me prepare myself for what it would be like outside in the real world. Their focus was not based on theories alone and their method of teaching has enabled me in becoming a member of the law field.” -Student at Hunter College

Jefferson Community College (SUNY Jefferson)
1220 Coffeen Street
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 786-2200
https://www.sunyjefferson.edu

Student Review: “The paralegal program at my school was geared toward educating people who could be of use to my community. The classes consisted more of education about legal principle than of paralegal concerns. My favorite classes were the real property law classes. Real property is a big draw to my area (Watertown NY). The family law classes were also really fun, and there’s a huge draw for it here because we’re right near a military base. My favorite class by far was constitutional law. It required us to study precedent and apply our learnings to the time period in which the decisions were made. I got the Westlaw outstanding paralegal student award.” -Student at SUNY Jefferson

John Jay College of Criminal Justice
524 W 59th St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 237-8000
https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/

Student Review: “At John Jay Overall I think the paralegal program is challenging and teaches important information and is full of people who are experts in their field. I’ve had opportunities to work on research projects in my first year. However, sometimes we have graduate classes in the old building which is hot in the summer and cold in winter and smells funny all the time. You’d think for the money we pay we’d get to be in the newer building with the better tech and nicer rooms. There is affiliated housing offered but it’s very expensive as is the surrounding area because it’s New York. Nevertheless, college is a wonderful and delightful learning experience. The most of gotten from college was to overcome my fear of public speaking which is much needed in almost all fields of business. I also appreciated the knowledge of my professors and their willingness to share and engage with us all no matter what level of experience we were on.” -Student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York University – School of Professional Studies
7 E 12th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 998-7200
https://www.sps.nyu.edu/

Student Review: “I really enjoyed studying at New York University, the quality of my professors and curriculum were outstanding. Also, taking classes in the middle of Greenwich Village in Manhattan is amazing. Most importantly the alumni base and being based in New York City allowed me to land a paralegal internship at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom law firm, one of the best in the country. I ended up getting full-time offer from them after two months of interning. I cannot imagine I would have had this opportunity at another school. The only thing I didn’t like about the program was the old building that the classes took place in, they need to do some serious updating of the dated facilities considering how much tuition costs. All around enrolling in the NYU paralegal studies program was the best career decision I have ever made.” -Student at New York University – School of Professional Studies

Stony Brook University
100 Nicolls Rd
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 632-6000
https://www.stonybrook.edu/

Student Review: “Even though my paralegal studies class was online I never felt like I was alone. My professors were always available to answer any questions I had, and doing this study online allowed me to do things at my own pace. I was still able to be at home for my son who was only a year old at the time and do my studying at night. I was able to finish the program two weeks early and I never felt like I had to give up any part of my normal life while at the same time achieving something to make my life better. As a single mom, I was concerned that I would not be able to keep up with the workload and my home life, but my professors were so eager to help and explain anything I didn’t understand that I never had to question if what I had thought I read was what was being said. I had received a BA in History from Stony Brook University as an undergrad and I was thrilled when I realized that SBU was also an option for this paralegal study as well. I knew that in their hands, I couldn’t fail. I was right. I am a proud Seawolf and I love SBU.” -Student at Stony Brook University

Westchester Community College
75 Grasslands Rd
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 606-6600
https://www.sunywcc.edu/

Student Review: “I was generally unimpressed with the Paralegal Certificate Program at Westchester Community College. There were a few standout professors, namely in the contract law and bankruptcy law classes, that made attending worth it. I felt the program does not prepare you for real work as a paralegal. Far too much time is spent teaching a high-level overview of legal concepts, something generally unneeded in a paralegal’s day to day job, leaving us without simple important skills like teaching us how to track down the court rules or e-file a document. On the plus side, most classes are offered at night so it is very easy to schedule while working.” -Student at Westchester Community College

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs: https://www.paralegal411.org/degrees/bachelors/online/
3. US News & World Report Best Law Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Legal Writing Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/legal-writing-rankings
5. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
6. Niche: https://www.niche.com/
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/