"Paralegal support crosses every boundary. It's the great equalizer. There isn't an industry in the world that doesn't have a legal division that needs someone with these skills. It's one of the fastest growing fields in law, and in the career world overall." — Prof. Brent Cutler
At NYSCAS, the paralegal studies program goes beyond the certificates offered at other colleges. In as few as 18 months you can earn an associate's degree and be ready to start an in-demand career. Paralegals earn a good salary (around $80,000 in NYC) and can choose from lots of openings (35,000+ new jobs in the U.S. each year).
Our career-focused approach emphasizes practical skills from day one. As a paralegal student, you'll gain hands-on experience in:
- Legal research
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Organizing and filing important legal documents
Our program also lays an excellent foundation for law school. Online and evening classes make it easy to balance your studies with work and family life. And you can start in spring, summer, or fall.
Learn legal theory — and apply it to the real world
NYSCAS’ paralegal coursework combines foundational legal knowledge with the skills you'll use every day as a paralegal. You’ll study the structure of the U.S. legal system, learn to navigate legal research databases, understand court procedures, and apply legal theory in real-world settings.
For even more insights into your future career, you can take an internship elective that places you in real legal settings. With an internship you can gain firsthand experience at:
- Law firms
- Courts and judicial offices
- Prosecutor's offices
- Corporate legal departments
- Legal aid societies
This practical experience helps you build professional connections and often leads to job offers after graduation.
“The professors know what they're talking about. They answered all the questions I gave them, even after class. I also liked that the homework assignments involved real-world practice. My professor once gave us the assignment to figure out how to find and go about changing a home deed in New York City.”
- Steve Rosado, litigation paralegal and 2016 NYSCAS graduate
What you'll study
Our paralegal faculty have decades of experience as educators and as legal professionals. They’ll help you gain:
- Core legal knowledge. Build a strong understanding in foundational subjects such as contracts, property law, wills and trusts, criminal law, and legal ethics. You'll learn how cases move through the courts and how to identify legal issues.
- Practical skills. Master legal writing, document preparation, and interview techniques. You'll learn how to support attorneys as you learn to prepare case materials, conduct research, and assist in hearings and trials.
- Specialized knowledge. Electives in real estate law, elder law, and family law give you the opportunity to deepen your expertise in these areas. These specializations can lead to higher salaries and more career opportunities.
Your role as a paralegal
Today's paralegals do much more than basic administrative tasks. Working under the supervision of licensed attorneys, you'll handle important responsibilities like:
- Assisting with trial preparation
- Managing case files and organizing evidence
- Conducting legal research
- Interviewing clients and witnesses
- Drafting and filing court documents
“ My favorite part of my job is when one of our clients receives their permanent resident status (green card) and I get to see the expression of joy on their face. It's the best moment, because I know that this person will have a better life, thanks to the role I played in helping them achieve that goal. ”
- Tamara Burks, immigration paralegal and 2022 NYSCAS graduate
Pathways at Touro
Your associate’s degree can be just the beginning. Many of our paralegal graduates:
- Transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree at Touro or other schools
- Continue to law school after completing a bachelor's degree
- Pursue an MBA or other graduate degree
- Specialize in areas like business law, real estate, or public interest law
Popular undergraduate majors include business management, law & social sciences, psychology, and interdisciplinary studies.
Ready to start your paralegal career?
If you're interested in law and want to make a difference in people's lives, apply today! Our flexible program lets you start in spring, summer, or fall.
