New-York Paralegal Associations and Information
Statewide Paralegal Associations
Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA)
Description: The Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) was formed on January 30, 1988, when five New York State (NYS) paralegal associations met in Binghamton. The associations in attendance were from Long Island, Manhattan, Buffalo, Binghamton and Rochester. The statewide alliance arose from the need to strengthen the paralegal profession in NYS through networking. The goals of the association is to develop working relationships with local bar associations, paralegal associations and other law-related entities across NYS, establish criteria for curricula of paralegal education programs, keep informed on paralegal issues at local, state and national levels and monitor legislative issues affecting the paralegal profession.
Contact:
Website: http://www.empirestateparalegals.org/
Local Paralegal Associations
Capital District Paralegal Association (CDPA)
Description: The Capital District Paralegal Association, Inc. (CDPA) is a nonprofit association organized to promote and improve the image of paralegals
as professionals within the legal community; to promote communication
among paralegals in the Capital District; to promote continuing legal
education of paralegals; and to promote public awareness of the role of
paralegals within the legal profession. Membership is open to paralegals, paralegal students, paralegal educators and paralegal employers throughout the Capital District area.
Contact:
Capital District Paralegal Association
P.O. Box 12562
Albany, NY 12212-2562
E-mail: info@cdpa.info
Website: http://www.cdpa.info/
Long Island Paralegal Association (LIPA) )
Description: The Long Island Paralegal Association (LIPA) was originally a chapter of the Greater New York Paralegal Association, and was incorporated as an independent association in 1983. LIPA is a founding member of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Association, formed in 1988. LIPA is a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.
Contact:
Long Island Paralegal Association (LIPA)
1877 Bly Road
East Meadow, NY 11556
Telephone: 516-357-9820
Email: LongIsland@paralegals.org
Website: http://www.liparalegals.org/main_web/
Paralegal Association of Rochester
Description: The Paralegal Association of Rochester, Inc. was founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit corporation. The association acts in the interest of its members to meet a variety of objectives which include: 1) to establish and maintain high standards of ethical conduct by members of the Association; 2) to organize and conduct seminars, conferences and study groups to aid and supplement members’ legal education; 3) to encourage continuing education; 4) to act as a resource center for the paralegal profession; 5) to encourage members to donate their time and services to local legal and social service agencies; 6) to provide a forum for the exchange of viewpoints on matters of professional interest; 7) to provide a network for local paralegals in the support and exchange of ideas; and (8) to keep members abreast of case law which affects or may affect the paralegal profession.
Contact:
P.O. Box 40567
Rochester, NY 14604
Telephone: 585-234-5923
Website: http://www.rochesterparalegal.org/
Western New York Paralegal Association, Inc. (WNYPA)
Description: The Western New York Paralegal Association, Inc. (WNYPA) is a voluntary, nonprofit association formed in 1976 to promote the professional development and continuing legal education of paralegals in the Western New York area. The Association has been a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) since 1981 and is a founding member (1988) of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA).
Contact:
P.O. Box 207
Niagara Square Station
Buffalo, NY 14201
E-mail: contact@wnyparalegals.org
Website: http://www.wnyparalegals.org/
Adirondack Paralegal Association
Description: Adirondack Paralegal Association is a member of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA).
Contact:
Lisa M. Bushman
338 Reynolds Road
Ft. Edward, NY 12828
Telephone: (518)792-2049
E-mail:bushmanmlds@gmail.com
Onondaga County Bar Association Paralegals Committee
Description: Onondaga County Bar Association Paralegals Committee Association is a member of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA).
Contact:
1000 State Tower Building
Syracuse, NY 13202
Telephone: (315) 471-2667
E-mail: ljm@ccf-law.com
Oswego County Paralegal Association
Description: Oswego County Paralegal Association is a member of the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA).
Contact:
C/o Cynthia E. Wade, Paralegal
Hancock & Estabrook, LLP
1500 Tower 1
P.O. Box 4976
Syracuse, NY 13221
Telephone: (315) 471-3151
E-mail: cwade@hancocklaw.com
New York City Paralegal Association
Description: The New York City Paralegal Association envisions developing a strong professional association that encourages meaningful interaction amongst entry level and experienced paralegals, as well as paralegal students. The Association provides numerous opportunities for members to participate in various conferences, networking events, seminars and study groups that will both aid and supplement members’ legal education and be a source of information on topics affecting the paralegal profession in general and New York City paralegals in particular.
Contact:
Letitia M. Smith
P.O. Box 4484
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163-4484
Email:president@nyc-pa.org
Website: http://www.nyc-pa.org/
New York Paralegal Schools and CLE
Berkeley College of New York City
Description: The Berkeley College of New York City program approved by the American Bar Association focus on the technical skills, general knowledge, and communication abilities necessary to be a successful legal assistant, prepares paralegals to work in legal areas such as business/corporate, real estate, family, criminal, environmental and intellectual property law. Attorneys as faculty who impart firsthand experience prepares paralegals for certifying exams offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
3 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
Telephone: 212.986.4343 (Ext: 4401)
Fax: 212.818.1169
Website: http://www.berkeleycollege.edu/associates/Paralegal/Faculty.htm
Bronx College
Description: The Bronx Community College Paralegal Studies Curriculum was developed according to guidelines provided by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals. It offers students a background in the legal fundamentals, appropriate skills and practical experience necessary for professional employment. A paralegal education can prove to be a good background for an executive career in professions other than law and for the professional itself. One can apply earned credits towards a law-related bachelor’s degree. The program has a large liberal arts component which enables students to continue their education after completion of the A.A.S. Paralegal Degree.
The certificate course of study is designed for advanced students who do not wish to enroll in the Paralegal A.A.S. Degree program. Minimum entrance requirements are 60 college credits or a two-year degree. Students entering with 60 credits should have completed courses in the following areas: English, Communication, Social Science, History, Music or Art, Science and Mathematics.
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree, Certificate
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Director: Raymond Canals
Paralegal Studies Program
University Avenue & West 181 Street
Bronx, NY 10453
Telephone: 718.289.5636
Fax: 718.289.6425
Website: http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/DegreePrograms/DegreePrograms.cfm?DegreeID=26
Finger Lakes Community College
Description: The Associate in Applied Science Paralegal Degree program at Finger Lakes Community College is designed to prepare the student for entry into the job market immediately upon graduation. The class sizes are small, which allow students individualized attention while fulfilling their educational goals. Students are encouraged to join Legal Society, a student club in which they network with other students and members of the legal community as well as participate in various activities planned throughout the year.
Type of Institution: Public, 2yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 68 semester hrs.
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Paralegal Program
4355 Lakeshore Drive
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Telephone: 585.394.3500, ext. 7486
Fax: 585.394.5005
Website: http://www.fingerlakes.edu/academics/paralegal/index.cfm
Genesee Community College
Description: The Genesee Community College Paralegal Program offers students the opportunity to take classes in a small and personalized setting. The paralegal faculty members are all attorneys who have teaching experience. The College offers online courses. The paralegal specialty courses are offered so that day and evening courses rotate. Full student support services are available, including on-campus child care.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 2 yrs (less if student transfers with acceptable college credit; minimum 30 credits must be taken at Genesee)
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
One College Road
Batavia, NY 14020-9704
Telephone: 585.345.6820
Fax: 585.343.0433
Website: http://www.paralegal-degrees-certificates.com/schools-in/New-York/genesee-community-college.html
Hilbert College
Description: Hilbert’s ABA-approved Paralegal Program offers both two year (AAS) and four year (BS) degrees. The program is offered in flexible day/evening format full- or part-time. The program offer several “concentrations” including legal research and writing, litigation, child and family law, and business/corporate law.
Type of Institution: Private, 2 yr; 4 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 30 semester hrs for BA or BS transfer students; 60 semester hrs for AAS; 120 semester hrs for BS
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Legal Studies Program
5200 South Park Avenue
Hamburg, NY 14075
Telephone: 716.649.7900
Fax: 716.649.0702
Website: http://www.doceos.com/usa/course/paralegal-studies-program-AQFNfVQabb.html
LaGuardia Community College
Description: The LaGuardia Community College Paralegal Studies program is administered by the Accounting and Managerial Studies Dept., and on successful completion of the curriculum students will be awarded the A.A.S Degree. The program aims at providing students with the practical skills and substantive knowledge to enable them to seek employment in entry-level vacancies as paralegals; preparing undergraduates for transfer to a 4-year college for further legal studies and providing students with a foundation that will enable them to secure a lifelong career and develop personal growth.
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room E223F
Long Island City, NY 11101
Telephone: 718.482.5604
Website: http://www.paralegal-degrees-certificates.com/schools-in/New-York/cuny-laguardia-community-college.html
Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus
Description: Long Island University’s Paralegal Studies Program was established in 1976 and has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1980. In order to maintain ABA approval, the program is conducted in accordance with the ABA’s comprehensive guidelines that include strict requirements for the curriculum, admission standards, faculty qualifications, and a law library.
Degrees Offered: Certificate Program
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
1 University Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5372
Telephone: 718.488.1066
Fax: 718.488.1367
Website: http://www.brooklyn.liu.edu/bbut05/paralegal_studies/paralegal_studies.htm
Marist College
Description: The objective of the Marist Paralegal Program is to offer organized and comprehensive training in the theory, information, and skills required to qualify as a legal assistant, in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Bar Association. The program is offered within the context of the educational purpose of the college and its commitment to a liberal arts, humanist, value-oriented curriculum.
The program combines required paralegal courses with general education courses. In order to receive the Paralegal Certificate, undergraduates accepted into the Paralegal Program are required to matriculate and pursue a major field of study leading to the baccalaureate degree. The certificate will be awarded after a student has completed all of the course requirements in paralegal studies (24 credits) and at least 36 additional credit hours toward the Marist baccalaureate degree. Students already holding baccalaureate degrees are eligible to receive the Paralegal Certificate upon completion of the paralegal course requirement (24 credits).
Degrees Offered: Baccalaureate Degree, Certificate Program
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Program
North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1381
Telephone: 914.575.3000
Website: http://www.marist.edu/liberalarts/paralegal/
Mercy College
Description: The Mercy College Paralegal Studies Certificate Program provides the legal and business communities with theoretically and practically trained, highly qualified paralegals. The comprehensive curriculum is taught by practicing lawyers, judges and paralegals. Graduates of the program are provided with free placement assistance.
Type of Institution: Private, 2 yr, 4 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.
Minimum length of time to complete program: 5 months (day program), 9 months (evening program)
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
Department of Law & Criminal Justice
555 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Telephone: 914.693.4500
Fax: 914.693.9455
Website: https://www.mercy.edu/pages/906.asp
Monroe Community College
Description: MCC’s Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is approved by SUNY and the State Education Department. Applicants participate in a selective admissions process. An individual with a Bachelor’s degree can matriculate directly into the program through the MCC Admissions Office.
Type of institution: ABA approved
Degrees Offered: Certificate
Contact:
Paralegal Program
228 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604
Telephone: 585.262.1769
Fax: 585.262.1786
Website: www.monroecc.edu/
Nassau Community College
Description: Nassau Community College offers two types of ABA approved programs – an AAS Degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. The student may attend day, evening, or weekend classes, and career guidance and resume and interview workshops are offered. The program features a very active student Paralegal Club which runs special trips, lectures, and a Moot Court competition. Classes are small and are taught by practicing attorneys.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate of Applied Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Minimum length of time to complete program: AAS Degree – 2-year; Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – 21 credit hours
Internships: Degree – Mandatory; Certificate – Elective
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530-6793
Telephone: 516.572.7774
Fax: 516.572.9747
Website: www.ncc.edu/Academics/AcademicDepartments/LegalStudies/Default.htm
New York City College of Technology/CUNY
Description: The programs provide an understanding of law, practical skills and technical proficiency needed to compete in today’s legal environment, combining a solid background in liberal arts with a range of legal specialty courses. The program offers opportunities for pro- bono service in elder law, immigration and divorce. The student club has various activities, including trips, to law related venues here and abroad. As a publicly funded institution, the costs are low and a wide range of financial assistance is available.
Type of Institution: Public, 4 yr. ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Science, Associate of Applied Science
Internships: Mandatory and Elective
Contact:
Legal Assistant Studies
300 Jay Street, Room N-622
Brooklyn, NY 11201-2983
Telephone: 718.260.5124
Fax: 718.260.5387
Website: http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/academics/deptsites/legalstudies/index.shtml
New York University (NYU)
Description: The Institute of Paralegal Studies at NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) provides students with the necessary training to enter and succeed in the highly demanding paralegal profession. Upon completion of the program, students receive an ABA-approved diploma.
The program aims to provide the knowledge and expertise in legal concepts and procedures necessary to succeed as a paralegal in both the legal and business arenas. While placing emphasis on the analytical, organizational, and technological skills necessary to thrive in the workplace, the Institute strives to raise ethical awareness and responsibility, to instill values of professionalism, and to inspire a commitment to expanding the integral role of paralegals.
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Institute of Paralegal Studies
School of Continuing & Professional Studies
11 West 42nd Street, Room 428
New York, NY 10036
Telephone: 212.992.8360
Fax: 212.995-3653
Website: http://www.scps.nyu.edu/areas-of-study/diplomas/paralegal-studies/
Suny Rockland Community College
Description: The Paralegal Studies program at Rockland Community College offers students a wonderful educational experience in the highly employable paralegal profession. The Paralegal program was developed as a result of the demand for professional paralegals in the metropolitan area. The Business department offers a two-year Paralegal Studies (A.A.S.) degree, and for those students who have already earned an associate of arts or associate of science degree, or higher, there is a one-year Paralegal Studies certificate. The goal of both the degree and certificate programs is to prepare students to become entry-level paralegals.
Degrees Offered: Associate, Certificate
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
145 College Road
Suffern, NY 10901
Telephone: 845.368.0237
Fax: 845.574.4762
Website: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/academics/academic-departments/paralegal?utm_source=go%26utm_medium=redirect%26utm
Schenectady County Community College
Description: The two-year curriculum is designed to educate and train students to be legal assistants. The curriculum is composed of core introductory courses in the law as well as courses in the liberal arts, sciences and business. The curriculum is designed to prepare the graduate to do non-secretarial paralegal work in a law office or in the legal department of a business, banking institution or corporation. It also prepares graduates to perform tasks in other law-related institutions and activities in the community, including the judicial system.
Type of Institution: Public, 2 yr, ABA approved
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Associate in Applied Science.
Minimum length of time to complete program: two academic years
Internships: Elective
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
Department of Business and Law
78 Washington Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12305
Telephone: 518.345.6211
Website: www.sunysccc.edu/academic/bus-law/progpal.htm
St. John’s University
Description: There are three programs in legal studies at St. John’s University: a four-year bachelor’s degree, a two-year associate degree and a 21-credit certificate. In addition, students may choose legal studies as a minor while majoring in another area. All three programs are offered in the day, evening and weekend divisions on both campuses, providing students with a variety of options to suit their schedules and needs. St. John’s University is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the national organization of paralegal programs. Students attending St. John’s are offered a wide variety of extracurricular activities, such as nationally ranked Mock Trial Team. All Legal Studies students also receive an individual password to the Westlaw on-line legal research system.
Degrees Offered: Baccalaureate Degree, Associate Degree, Certificate Program
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
St. Vincent’s College
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
Telephone: 718.990.7417
Fax: 718.990.1882 / 718.893.1313
Website: http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/undergraduate/professionalstudies/departments/cjls/degrees/ls
Suffolk County Community College
Description: The Suffolk County Community College program provides students with a background in law as practiced in legal offices and trains them to prepare documents such as probate forms, title searches and closing statements, pleadings and discovery proceedings, legal memoranda, and corporate minutes and filings. Skilled use of the English language is essential, and a high level of verbal competence is required for completion of the curriculum. Knowledge of word processing software packages is strongly recommended.
Degrees Offered: Associate Degree
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Program
533 College Road, R-340
Selden, NY 11784
Telephone: 631.451.4663
Website: http://www3.sunysuffolk.edu/Curricula/333.asp
Syracuse University
Description: The Syracuse University program is designed for adults seeking employment in a legal setting, the Programs develop competencies in both substantive and procedural law and foster the development of skills in legal research and writing, drafting of legal documents, interaction with clients, legal administration, and legal ethics. The program includes coursework in such areas as litigation, commercial law, real estate, business organizations, civil practice, estates, criminal law, family law, and law office technology. Graduates are qualified to work in a variety of legal environments as paralegals or legal assistants and perform independent legal work under the general supervision of a lawyer.
Type of Institution: Private, 4 yr, ABA approved.
Degrees Offered & Conditions: Bachelor of Professional Studies (NYS Education Dept. Approved), Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Post-Secondary Certificate
(Credit and Non-Credit Certificates – contact program for additional information)
Minimum length of time to complete program: three semesters (for certificate); contact program for Bachelor degree information.
Internships: Mandatory for degree, elective for certificate
Contact:
Legal Studies Program
700 University Avenue Suite 403
Syracuse, NY 13244-6020
Telephone: 315.443.2894
Fax: 315.443.4410
Website: http://suce.syr.edu/lap
Westchester Community College
Description: The Westchester Community College Paralegal Program offers comprehensive, intensive, and hands-on training for Paralegals/Legal Assistants. Within the curriculum, the five mandatory courses (Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Computer Applications for the Law Office, and Paralegal Internship) provide students with the core knowledge needed in the legal environment.
Type of institution: ABA approved
Contact:
Paralegal Studies Program
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Telephone: 914.785.6218
Fax: 914.785.6439
Website: http://www.sunywcc.edu/dep/paralegal/
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