Full-time or part-time, inside law firms or businesses, there are a variety of jobs for paralegals in New Hampshire. As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported about 1,120 jobs in New Hampshire for paralegals.
During this time, paralegals here earned an average salary of $56,590, or $27.21 per hour, while the top-paid paralegals – likely those with considerable experience and industry credentials – earned about $79,880, which represents the top 10%.
Paralegals are trusted members of the legal team whose job skills allow businesses, nonprofits and government entities to keep legal costs to a minimum. Employers often seek paralegals with knowledge in specialty fields and a solid educational background.
Paralegal Certification
There is no mandatory licensing of paralegals or legal assistants in New Hampshire.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in New Hampshire
Paralegal Certificates
Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire looks beyond job training and emphasizes the development of individuals as people and their career aspirations, whether local or on a global scale. The 10 courses required for its online paralegal certificate program can be completed in one year. These courses are transferable to an associate or bachelor’s degree program at Franklin Pierce.
- Estimated Program Cost: $10,350
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Analysis, Research and Writing
- Tort Law
- Probate Law
- Litigation
Nashua Community College
Nashua Community College‘s paralegal certificate program gives students in-depth knowledge of the law and our legal system, and trains them in the practical skills needed to effectively, competently, ethically and successfully perform paralegal duties under the supervision of a lawyer. All paralegal courses are taught by experienced attorneys, and courses are held in the evening to accommodate working students.
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,880 for state residents; $8,820 New England Regional Student Program rate; $13,384 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High School Graduate, GED or home-school certificate
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On Campus
Sample required courses:
- Basic Legal Studies
- Contracts and Business Organizations
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
- Family Law
- Criminal Law
New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI)
Located in Concord, Hew Hampshire Technical Institute offers a paralegal certificate program through which students gain substantive legal knowledge and learn practical legal skills. Students are instructed in legal research (including Lexis/Nexis), preparing legal correspondence and documents and preparing for litigation and trials. The program culminates with an optional internship that can give students real-world experience. Graduates are versed in elements of New Hampshire law. A legal nurse consultant certificate is also available for Registered Nurses who wish to combine their clinical expertise with specialized legal knowledge.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,620 for state residents; $6,930 New England Regional Student Program rate; $10,516 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 45 college credits in general education courses from an accredited institution; two letters of recommendation; essay
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Foundations of Paralegal Studies
- Causes of Action in Contract & Tort
- Legal Research
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
- Business Organizations and Bankruptcy
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Mount Washington College
Mount Washington College offers a paralegal Associate of Science at all five of its campuses. This program encompasses instruction in legal research, civil and criminal law, property law, wills, estates and trusts, as well as in modern legal technology necessary in today’s law offices and corporate and government environments. Students can opt to put their learning to work in challenging externships.
- Estimated Program Cost: $19,740 (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High School Graduate, GED or home-school certificate
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On Campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research
- Administrative Law
- Family Law
- Civil Litigation and Tort Law
Nashua Community College (NCC)
Working individuals in the greater Nassau area can take advantage of Nashua Community College‘s Associate in Science in paralegal studies, an evening program that requires 64 credits. Students are taught how to support lawyers in legal settings in law offices and business. Upon graduation, students should be able to perform analytical legal research, organize case materials, interview clients and witnesses and prepare legal documents.
- Estimated Program Cost: $13,440 for state residents; $20,160 New England Regional Student Program rate; $30,592 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High School Graduate, GED or home-school certificate
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On Campus
Sample required courses:
- Financial Accounting
- Computer Technologies and Applications
- Litigation & Trial Preparation
- American Constitutional History
New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI)
Hew Hampshire Technical Institute‘s Associate in Science in paralegal studies prepares students to enter the workforce or to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Students receive a solid substantive knowledge of the law while learning the practical skills sought after in law firms and corporate enterprises. Students may pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis, and most legal courses are available as evening courses, allowing individuals to pursue their educational goals while working or taking care of family.
- Estimated Program Cost: $14,070 for state residents; $21,105 New England Regional Student Program rate; $32,026 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; math requirement; interview; two letters of recommendation; essay
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Legal Studies
- Contracts and Torts
- Legal Research and Writing
- Litigation and Trial Preparation
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Post University
Post University was founded in 1890 and has been offering online accelerated degree programs since 1996. The quality of these programs was recognized when U.S. News & World Report put Post University on its 2013 list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. Its online Bachelor of Science in legal studies gives students a base in general studies and a solid core legal education through courses that stress innovation. Faculty members have advanced degrees and years of experience in the legal field. Classes are small and students can access technical help by phone, chat and email 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Estimated Program Cost: $66,000 (based 2013 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: Online
Sample required courses:
- Legal Writing
- Introduction to Law
- Civil Litigation Practice
- Legal Research
- E-Commerce: The Legal Context
Professional Organization
- The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH) is a non-profit professional organization comprised of paralegals, law firms and other organizations dedicated to the development of the paralegal profession; it’s a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Members receive subscriptions to both the “Annotator” and “National Paralegal Reporter,” receive discounts on PANH and NFPA events and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) progams, can take part in networking and volunteer opportunities and have access to a job bank.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.