The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 24,240 paralegals and paralegals employed in New York State in May 2017.4 The average national salary for paralegals in New York City is $58,000 per year, higher than the national median salary of $50,410.3,4 The average salary for paralegals in New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area is significantly higher. to $61,330 per year.3 These higher salaries likely reflect both the high cost of living in this part of the state and the stricter work experience requirements for paralegal positions at reputable law firms. In addition to paralegal degree programs and national certifications, hands-on work experience in the field of paralegals will greatly benefit candidates who wish to work in the New York legal environment. Professions similar to paralegals in upstate New York include government employees, paralegals, compliance officers, administrative assistants, and claims consultants. If you`re wondering about paralegal requirements in New York, you`re in luck: there are currently none. Your employer will appoint you as a paralegal. There is no state certification or license that gives you your title. You need to talk to your employer about the training they need so that you can maintain your paralegal status in their office. Are you considering becoming a paralegal in New York? It`s likely that you have questions about certifications that legally qualify you for your job. Read on to get answers to some frequently asked questions by people interested in meeting Paralegal`s requirements in New York.
Onondaga County Law Association, Paralegal Division – Offers affiliated membership to paralegals. Genesee Community College offers a relatively affordable associate of science in paralegal studies. This program teaches critical thinking, analytical skills and ethical standards; includes intake interviews, preliminary investigations, use of online research tools and databases; and provides students with a solid basic knowledge of general and special law. Students can take day, afternoon or evening classes that fit their schedule and can benefit from internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. Although New York legislators have not yet established training standards for paralegals in New York, the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) has recommended their creation. In its Statement on Paralegal Training Standards in New York State, the organization outlines what it believes to be the training requirements for paralegals in New York. These are the educational criteria that potential employers of New York paralegals look for in new employees. Therefore, as a potential paralegal in New York, it is recommended that you follow these recommendations as well. For even more paralegal jobs in New York, be sure to check out the Paralegal411 job board.
Follow the step-by-step process to become a paralegal: Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, offers a paralegal certificate program with day and evening classes. Students can participate in voluntary internships and benefit from placement services and access to the university`s law library. This non-credit program can be completed in as little as six months. Courses are taught by judges and lawyers, and faculty mentors ensure students receive one-on-one attention as they work toward their career goals. Sometimes the terms “certified” and “certified” paralegals are used incorrectly. Obtaining a post-baccalaureate certificate is different from obtaining a national certification. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs are offered to aspiring paralegals who have already graduated in another field. Certificate programs offer courses specifically for paralegals without many general educational requirements, likely because students have already completed them during their bachelor`s degree.
Graduates of these programs earn certificates of completion and become certified paralegals. New York State has one of the highest employment rates for paralegals, as well as one of the highest average salaries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. State paralegals earned an average of $58,750 in May 2018, with average salaries of $60,700 in New York City.1 The outlook for paralegals in New York is also promising. The profession in the state is expected to grow by 16% by 2026, just above the national average forecast of 15% job growth over the same period.2 This makes New York an attractive state to earn a paralegal degree and start a career in the legal field. This guide is your starting point for starting a career in the legal field. Our Paralegal Career Overview provides career resources and salary information for New York paralegals, as well as answers to other frequently asked questions about becoming a paralegal in New York. Start with the easy-to-navigate directory below to find the most relevant section for your career questions. New York – It`s the economic epicenter of the country and home to some of the country`s largest law firms.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Davis Polk & Wardwell, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Kirkland & Ellis, as well as the New York City Legal Department, one of the oldest law firms in the world and one of the largest public law firms in the country, call New York City home.
