New Hampshire Paralegal Schools

Though one of the least populous states, 1,140 paralegals were employed in New Hampshire in 2018.¹ New Hampshire paralegal schools offer prospective paralegal students the tools they need to enter one of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the legal field. High-quality legal administration is a growing asset to both attorneys and law firms who seek to cut costs by increasing efficiency through relying on paralegal labor.

How to Become a Paralegal in New Hampshire

While there are no minimum educational or training requirements set by law for prospective paralegals in New Hampshire, most hiring attorneys and firms expect some formal education, and it is important for those entering the paralegal job market to know these expectations. New Hampshire offers numerous options for people interested in pursuing a paralegal education. Paralegal programs range from certificate programs to master's degree programs in paralegal studies. A growing number of paralegal degree programs are being offered online, providing students looking to enter this career field with scheduling flexibility.

New Hampshire Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

In 2018, New Hampshire paralegals brought home an average salary of $54,550, which was close to the US average.¹ With an unemployment rate of 2.4%, the state has the fourth-lowest unemployment rate in the nation.² The job outlook for paralegals in New Hampshire is positive, with an increase of 14% in paralegal and legal assistant jobs expected through 2026, similar to the national average for this field.³

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Technical Institute: The New Hampshire Technical Institute, Concord's Community College, has the only American Bar Association-approved paralegal programs in the state: an Associate in Applied Science (AAS), a certificate, and a legal nurse consultant certificate. The AAS is a 67- to 69-credit hour course of study, while the paralegal studies certificate and legal nurse consultant certificate are 22 to 25 credit hours and 19 credit hours respectively. The legal nurse consultant certificate is a unique program that combines the standard paralegal curriculum with specialized instruction in health care law as well as a field-specific internship. Both certificate programs are available during the evenings to assist students who have full schedules.

Nashua Community College: Students can pursue an Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies at Nashua Community College in Southern New Hampshire. This 64-credit hour degree takes four semesters to complete, with students enrolling in either a Paralegal Internship and Seminar or the Paralegal Capstone during their final term. This paralegal program is accredited by the American Association for Paralegal Education and Nashua Community College is an institutional member of the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire. Core paralegal studies courses include Basic Legal Studies, Legal Research and Writing, Contracts and Business Organizations, Litigation and Trial Preparation, and Real Estate Law.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in New Hampshire

• Shaheen & Gordon PA is a local New Hampshire firm with a national reputation for excellence in trial litigation, serving clients across northern New England. Shaheen & Gordon encourages its staff to be involved with the local community and be active in civic life. The firm welcomes inquiries from paralegal graduates regarding career opportunities.
• Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell PC is a business and litigation law firm representing local, regional, national, and multi-national businesses, as well as non-profits, municipalities, and individuals. Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell lawyers have received AV and BV ratings from Martindale-Hubbell and been ranked by The Best Lawyers in America, while the firm itself has been recognized by US News with multiple Metropolitan First-tier Best Law Firm rankings.
• Bradley & Faulkner, PC is the largest law firm in southwestern New Hampshire, providing a full suite of services to clients.

Paralegal Schools and Programs in New Hampshire

An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Franklin Pierce University (Rindge)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies (online)
Pre-Professional Program | Pre-Law

Nashua Community College (Nashua)
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies (evening program)
Certificate | Paralegal Studies

New Hampshire Technical Institute (Concord)*
Associate of Science | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Paralegal Studies
Certificate | Legal Nurse Consultant

*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)

Additional Resources

• Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH) - Exists to promote the paralegal profession in New Hampshire by setting professional standards and offering networking and educational opportunities to its members.

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References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Unemployment Rates for States: https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
3. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm