Legal Education in New Jersey

Newark, New Jersey — New Jersey`s only private law school, founded in 1951 in Newark. Ranked 61st nationally by U.S. News — offers JD, LLM, and Master of General Legal Studies programs in a 22-story downtown Newark building.

Newark, New Jersey — Public law school at Rutgers University`s Newark campus — 21 clinical programs across both campuses, strong public interest tradition, and direct access to the New York City and New Jersey legal markets.

Camden, New Jersey — Public law school at Rutgers University`s Camden campus — exceptional breadth in theory, practice, and interdisciplinary studies with immediate access to the Philadelphia, Delaware, and DC legal markets.

Montclair, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — The first and only state college or university in New Jersey to receive ABA approval — post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate through the Department of Justice Studies.

Paramus, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved AAS in paralegal studies combining general education with legal coursework — specialty courses in property transactions, family law, and personal injury. Also offers an ABA-approved Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate.

Edison, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved AAS and certificate programs in paralegal studies — the certificate requires 31 credits in one year, the associate degree 66 credits in two years.

Branchburg, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved for over 25 years — one-year certificate for degree holders and two-year associate program. Flexible day, evening, and online classes with internship placements and strong career outcomes.

Sewell, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved since 1998 — AAS and certificate programs at the Gloucester campus preparing students to analyze legal disputes, draft documents, and assist practicing attorneys.

Teaneck, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved two-year associate degree in paralegal studies — courses in legal writing, real estate, ethics, civil litigation, and family law taught by experienced legal professionals.

Statewide nonprofit association formed in 1982 — promotes educational standards and uniform practice guidelines for paralegals. Monthly CLE dinner meetings, job bank, and networking.

State licensing board under the Division of Consumer Affairs — licenses and regulates certified shorthand reporters. NCRA RPR certification exam is the qualifying exam for NJ licensure. 14 CE credits required every two years.

Court-sponsored CDR programs allowing civil disputes to be resolved without trial — mediators must complete approved basic dispute resolution training and meet education, training, and mentoring requirements under Court Rule 1:40-12.

Mediation program for civil cases — a court-maintained roster of screened mediators is available, and parties have 14 days to select a suitable mediator (from the roster or otherwise) when referred.

New Jersey chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals — a vetted roster of experienced civil and commercial mediators and arbitrators practicing throughout the state.

Paramus, New Jersey — ABA-Approved — ABA-approved 30-credit Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate for registered nurses — one of the few ABA-approved LNC certificate programs in the country, offered at the Paramus campus.

National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the gold standard credential for legal nurse consultants nationwide.

Official guide to becoming a New Jersey notary public. Non-attorney applicants must complete a six-hour approved course and pass a state exam. Applications require a state legislator endorsement. $25 fee. Five-year commission term.

Electronic application portal for new and renewal notary commissions — the online system automatically forwards your application to your district legislator for endorsement.

Appointed by the NJ Supreme Court to administer bar admission. New Jersey adopted the UBE — minimum passing score of 266 on a 400-point scale. MPRE score of 75 required (or passing an approved law school ethics course).

UBE score transfer accepted within 36 months — $675 non-refundable transfer fee. Applicants must be 18+, hold a JD from an ABA-accredited school, and be in good standing in all jurisdictions of admission.

Application requirements, deadlines, fees, and character and fitness questionnaire for bar exam applicants. Detailed FAQ covering eligibility, testing accommodations, and exam logistics.

Active attorneys must complete 24 CLE credits every two years, including 5 in ethics/professionalism (with 2 in diversity, inclusion, and elimination of bias). Up to 12 credits may carry over.

New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education — the NJSBA`s primary CLE programming arm offering live seminars, webcasts, on-demand courses, and annual meeting CLE materials.

Comprehensive directory of ABA-approved and non-approved paralegal and legal assistant programs across New Jersey — a starting point for aspiring legal support professionals comparing program options.