NHTI Paralegal Studies Program Receives Reapproval from the American Bar Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Stacey Peters

(603) 271-6484 ext.4274 | speters@ccsnh.edu

CONCORD — In February 2020, the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association, acting on the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Paralegals, granted reapproval to the Paralegal Studies Program at NHTI-Concord’s Community College.

NHTI offers two programs in Paralegal Studies: a two-year associate degree program, and an evening-only certificate program which can be completed in twelve months.  These are the only paralegal training programs in New Hampshire approved by the American Bar Association.

The paralegal program trains students for professional status as paralegals’ in banks, corporations, government agencies, insurance companies, and law firms. The program provides students with a broad-based academic curriculum, which emphasizes the skills, substantive knowledge and ethics a paralegal needs to assist lawyers effectively.  A paralegal always works under the supervision and direction of an attorney. Even though a paralegal can perform many of the tasks which have otherwise been performed by attorneys, a paralegal may not give legal advice, represent a client in court or otherwise engage in the practice of law.  Students graduating from NHTI’s Paralegal Studies program find excellent opportunities for employment and professional growth.  As employers seek to reduce costs while increasing the availability of legal services, they turn to highly skilled paralegals to perform a wider range of duties, increasing the demand for this financially rewarding profession.  According to US Bureau of Labor statistics employment of paralegals is projected to grow 12% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills have the best job prospects.  Median pay $24.49 per hour/$50,940 annually.

For more information about NHTI’s Paralegal Program contact Department Chair Stacey Peters at (603) 271-6484, ext. 4274 or speters@ccsnh.edu.

About NHTI-Concord’s Community College:

NHTI is a dynamic public institution of higher learning providing accessible, rigorous education, serving students, businesses and the community by creating pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement and civic engagement NHTI―Concord’s Community College offers more than 90 academic programs to more than 4,600 students annually. Graduates can transfer to 4-year colleges and universities, or enter directly into the workforce. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, a nongovernmental, nationally recognized accrediting agency, since 1969.

#####