Trade Schools
If you want to start a non-lawyer career in the legal field, the paralegal profession is worth exploring.
With an estimated job growth of 14 percent, paralegals and legal assistants will continue to be needed in law offices to perform a variety of tasks.
As a paralegal, your main responsibilities will be:
- Drafting legal documents
- Investigating facts relevant to a case
- Organizing and maintaining documents on paper and in electronic formats
- Helping lawyers during trials
- File exhibits, briefs, and other documents
- And more
Before being ready for employment in this field, the first step is to earn a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
If you live in Massachusetts, there are many schools that provide programs designed to prepare you for employment after graduation.
To help you choose the format that best meets your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best paralegal training programs available for Massachusetts students.
1Boston University
About the School
Boston University provides a variety of degree and certificate programs through its School of Law.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the university:
- American Law- LLM
- Banking & Finance Law- LLM
- International Business Law- Certificate
- Legal English Certificate
- Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management & Compliance
- Certificate in Financial Services Compliance
- Certificate in Transactional Skills
- Estate Planning Certificate
- And more
The following Center for Professional Education Programs are also available at the university:
- Financial Planning- online
- Paralegal Studies- online
- Real Estate Studies- on campus
- And more
The online Paralegal Studies program introduces students to comprehensive legal theory and provides them with hands-on experience.
Students also take classes in legal research, legal writing, technologies, real estate law, litigation, probate and family law, and many other related topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 233 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215
- Phone: 617-353-2300 (Admissions)
- Website: https://www.bu.edu
2Bay Path University
Bay Path University provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the University provides the following Paralegal related programs:
- Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies Program
- Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Program
The Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies Program includes 22 credits.
Students learn how to:
- Understand the legal profession and its role in our society
- Think critically and write competently
- Use technology to perform legal research
- Act ethically in their professional and personal lives
- Act on opportunities for professional growth and continuing education
The legal programs available at Bay Path are approved by the American Bar Association.
The Paralegal Studies degree requires 120 total credits.
Students take classes such as:
- Research and Writing in the Disciplines
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- Principles of Litigation
- Tort Law
- Principles of Criminal Procedure
- Contract Law
- Real Estate Law
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106
- Phone: 800.782.7284
- Website: https://www.baypath.edu
3North Shore Community College
About the School
North Shore Community College is a public, non-profit, two-year institution of higher education that serves residents who live on the North Shore.
Its campuses, curriculum, and resources provide academic and professional achievement without leading to unnecessary student debt.
North Shore Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The college provides the following paralegal-related courses:
- Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice- a course available face-to-face and online
- Legal Research- a course offered face-to-face
- Basic Criminal Law and Procedure- a course offered in a hybrid format
- Legal Writing- a videoconference and accelerated course
- Real Estate Law- an online course
- Estates and Trusts- a course provided face-to-face
- Litigation- a face-to-face course
- Business Organizations- a course available in a videoconference accelerated format
Each of the above courses awards three credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
- Phone: 978-762-4000
- Website: https://www.northshore.edu
4Middlesex Community College
About the School
Middlesex Community College provides honors programs, certificates and degrees, and academic support.
The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Among many other programs, the college provides the following paralegal programs:
- Paralegal Studies Career
- Paralegal Studies Transfer
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
The Paralegal Studies Certificate includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Contract Law
- Family Law
- Real Estate Law
- Wills, Trusts, and Estates
- Litigation
- And more
The Certificate requires 27 credits in total.
The program prepares students for employment in the paralegal profession.
They will learn the skills needed when assisting lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents.
The certificate program focuses on legal courses and is appropriate for students who have already earned an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree and are interested in changing careers.
The program has been approved by the American Bar Association.
Contact Information
- Address: 591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730 | 33 Kearney Square, Lowell, MA 01852
- Phone: 800-818-3434
- Website: https://www.middlesex.mass.edu
5MassBay Community College
About the School
MassBay Community College provides programs for students who plan to transfer to four-year institutions, and for those who want to take classes for credit or advance in their career.
The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The College provides an Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies and a Paralegal Certificate program.
Students learn how to prepare legal documents, investigate and research legal issues, interview clients and witnesses, and render practical procedural assistance in law-related matters.
The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Legal Research and Writing
- Principles of Business Law
- Litigation for Paralegals
- And more
The Certificate requires 27 credits, while the Associate in Applied Science Degree requires 62-63 credits.
Degree students also take courses such as Financial Accounting, English Composition, Intro to Statistics, and more.
Contact Information
- Address: 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02481
- Phone: 781-239-3000
- Website: https://www.massbay.edu
6Bunker Hill Community College
About the School
Bunker Hill Community College offers more than 100 degrees and certificates.
The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The college provides a variety of Law and Public Service and Safety pathways, including:
- Associate in Science Paralegal Studies
- CT Paralegal
- And more
Paralegal students learn how to assist lawyers in gathering and analyzing factual data, drafting correspondence, researching legal questions, and preparing legal documents.
The Certificate has the following admission requirements:
- Proof of a completed Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
- Submission of a Letter of Interest
- Submission of a Professional Resume
- Three Letters of Reference
Students take classes such as:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Legal Ethics
- Business Organizations
- And more
Electives such as Family Law, Real Estate Law, Criminal Law, Estates and Trusts, Paralegal Internship, and more are also available.
Contact Information
- Address: 250 New Rutherford Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02129-2995
- Phone: 617-228-2000
- Website: https://www.bhcc.edu
7Suffolk University
About the School
Suffolk University is a private higher learning institution that provides a variety of degrees and majors.
Programs are available in more than 60 areas of study.
Courses Offered
Among many other pathways, the university provides the following programs:
- Law & Paralegal Studies Major
- Law & Paralegal Studies Minor
The following Undergraduate Legal Studies Programs are available:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Law
- Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Law & Paralegal Studies curriculum includes courses on:
- Ethical and Legal Practice Skills
- Introduction to Law
- Litigation
- Law of Contracts
- Legal Research and Writing
- U.S. Constitutional Law & Civil Liberties
- And more
The following electives are available:
- Corporate Crime and Financial Fraud
- Juvenile Justice
- Crime and Law in Indian Country
- Restorative Justice
- Criminal Law
- Education Law
- Philosophy of Law
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108
- Phone: 617-573-8000
- Website: https://www.suffolk.edu
8ELMS College
About the School
ELMS College provides an online Paralegal Course that prepares students for the Certified Paralegal exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Students learn how to perform legal research, interviews, analysis, and other tasks that paralegals face every day.
ELMS College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Tuition (post-bac) per credit is $720 for the 2022-2023 year.
Courses Offered
The Paralegal curriculum includes courses such as:
- Paralegal in the Legal System
- Paralegal Employment
- Attorney and Paralegal Ethics
- Legal Interviewing
- Litigation Management
- Legal Research 101
- Legal Writing
- Introduction to Law Office Administration
- And more
This course is available 100% online and allows students to start anytime.
Contact Information
- Address: 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013-2839
- Phone: 413-594-2761
- Website: https://www.elms.edu
9Massasoit Community College
About the School
Massasoit Community College provides a Paralegal Certificate, a non-credit program that includes 90 hours.
Students who complete this course are awarded a Certificate of Completion.
The instruction is practice-oriented and focuses on the areas of law that are most in demand.
Classes take place Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The course is designed for beginners as well as advanced legal workers.
Students learn how to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and a variety of other skills.
The course is available online.
Massasoit Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
- Phone: 978-556-3000
- Website: https://massasoit.edu
10Bristol Community College
About the School
Bristol Community College provides more than 130 degree and certificate programs.
Courses are available in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes a Paralegal and Legal Studies pathway that offers the following credentials:
- Associate of Science in Paralegal & Legal Studies- 21 courses
- Certificate of Achievement in Paralegal & Legal Studies- 9 courses
Classes are available during the evening, day, and online.
Students get work experience through an Internship program.
The Bristol Community College Paralegal & Legal Studies program was approved by the American Bar Association.
Students need between 60-62 credits for an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies and 27 credits for the Certificate.
The program requirements include:
- Law Office Management
- Civil Litigation and Procedure
- Basic Legal Research
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Wills, Estates, and Trusts
- Paralegal Internship
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: Attleboro Campus: 11 Field Road, Attleboro, MA 02703
- Phone: 774.357.2811
- Website: https://bristolcc.edu
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 160 | $66,520 | $31.98 | $98,200 | $47,610 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 6,000 | $77,050 | $37.05 | $106,060 | $49,990 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 40 | $62,120 | $29.87 | $81,410 | $47,160 |
| New Bedford, MA | 80 | $63,830 | $30.69 | $99,590 | $46,960 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 70 | $62,500 | $30.05 | $96,480 | $44,370 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 450 | $63,260 | $30.41 | $83,720 | $45,240 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 490 | $66,070 | $31.77 | $99,440 | $46,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to become ready for employment as a Paralegal in the state of Massachusetts, there are plenty of schools that provide specialized training programs.
Classes are available online and in person so students can complete the coursework while keeping a full-time job.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Paralegal schools that offer programs in your area, the next step is to continue the research and choose the program that best meets your needs.
