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Best Online Paralegal Schools in New York

The Elite Five: Top 5 Online Paralegal Schools in New York

Background

Based on recent surveys of lawyers and hiring managers at New York area law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies, what is most important to these paralegal employers is that their paralegals 1) have a diploma, certificate or degree from a reputable school with high academic standards, and 2) be fully versed in essential New York and Federal case law, rules and statutes, in order to best assist their attorneys and legal staff.

Moreover, paralegal employers in the fast paced legal world of New York emphasize the academic quality of the graduate's paralegal program over whether it is from a ABA or non-ABA approved school. Interestingly, while American Bar Association approval is essential for law schools, this approval is entirely optional for paralegal schools. In fact, it has never been a legal requirement for paralegal employment in New York, nor anywhere in the United States for that matter. Also, currently no official state or government certification, nor state licensing is required for paralegal employment in New York or likewise in any State in the United States.

In recent years, a growing number of respected top-tier New York paralegal schools with online certification programs have decided not to seek ABA approval or opt out altogether. Many have exceptionally high graduation rates, high job placement rates and reasonable tuition costs. The following list of quality cutting edge paralegal schools and online programs preferred by New York paralegal employers are all non-ABA approved:

The Top 5 Online Paralegal Schools in New York (Ranked in Order)

1. New York Paralegal (NYC / Online)

https://www.newyorkparalegal.org

As the city’s premier online vocational powerhouse, New York Paralegal is designed for entry level students. It has a long standing positive law firm reputation with law firms. Following its merger with Institute Polytechnic and its status as an IACET Internationally Accredited provider, it now offers a globally recognized credential. Its programs are non ABA approved. Its teachers are attorneys.

Program: Basic and Advanced Certifications (NALA aligned and IACET Accredited)
Hours: 180 Hour & 360 Hour and longer Advanced Programs
Duration: 16 Weeks & 33 Weeks (Starts Anytime)
Low-Cost Tuition: ~$1,200 – $2,000 (Discounted payment plans are available. Includes all textbooks and access to both Lexis & Westlaw)
The Edge: Great reputation in New York’s legal community. Pre-recorded live video classes. Proprietary textbooks used by other schools. Reasonable tuition pricing. In person and remote offered Internships while students train.

2. CUNY City College of New York (NYC/Online)

https://careertraining.ccny.cuny.edu/training-programs/certified-paralegal/

CCNY’s Office of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a respected certificate that carries the prestige of the City University of New York system without the multi-year commitment of a degree. Its program is non-ABA approved. It is NALA affiliated. Its teachers are attorneys and paralegals.

Program: Certified Paralegal
Hours: Approximately 225 Hours
Duration: Up to 12 Months (Start Anytime)
Tuition: ~ $2,775 to $3,150
The Edge: 24/7 Access. Good reputation for those seeking roles in the public sector, district attorney offices, or city agencies.

3. The CLS by BARBRI (NYC/Online)

https://www.legalstudies.com/

Provides top-tier legal education, paralegal certificate programs. While headquartered in Dallas, they offer online, flexible courses popular in NYC, with CLS offering affordable paralegal certificates often partnered with local colleges. Its CLS course/program is non-ABA approved. Its teachers are attorneys and paralegals.

Program: CLS by BARBRI Certificate Course
Length: 45 to 90 Clock Hours (Relatively short core course/program)
Duration: 14 Weeks (offered only six times per year)
Tuition: ~$2,095 (Plus $400-$600 in books/Westlaw fees)
The Edge: Leveraging the massive BARBRI legal network, this program is designed for rapid entry into paralegal employment. It provides a standardized, nationally recognized curriculum that focuses on the core foundations required for paralegal certification.

4. Pace University (NYC & Westchester)

https://continuinged.pace.edu/

Pace University offers a non-ABA certificate through its Continuing of Professional Education division. This program is tailored for professionals who already hold a degree and want a prestigious university credential. Its teachers are attorneys and paralegals.

Program: Paralegal Certification
Hours: Approximately 140 - 180 Hours (Concentrated format)
Duration: 12 - 16 Weeks (Starts a Few Times Each Year)
Tuition: ~$3,500 - $4,200
The Edge: 24/7 Access. Strong emphasis on the integration of legal technology and the university's deep-rooted connections in the Westchester and Manhattan legal communities

5. Touro University (NYSCAS)

https://nyscas.touro.edu/landing/paralegal

Touro caters specifically to the working professional, offering a flexible Associate degree that skips the ABA approval process to maintain its focus on career-ready evening and weekend education. Its teachers are attorneys and paralegals.

Program: Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies
Hours: 60 Credits (Full degree track)
18 -24 Months (Starts 3 Times Per Year
Tuition: ~$450 - $600 per credit (Financial aid is often available)
The Edge: Ideal for students who want a formal college degree and a supportive environment while working a full-time job

Summary

Choosing a paralegal school in New York ultimately comes down to your timeline and budget. If you want to master the actual paperwork of the NYC court system and be placed in a firm within months, a recognized job placement leader like New York Paralegal is often the most direct path. If you are looking for low cost tuition, the high quality New York Paralegal and the CLS BARBRI programs are reasonably priced. If you are looking for long-term academic credits, the City College and Touro University path are excellent choices.