Legal Education in New Jersey
Law schools, paralegal programs, certifications, bar exam resources, and continuing education in New Jersey.
Law Schools
ABA-accredited JD programs in New Jersey
Seton Hall University School of Law
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.
Rutgers Law School — Newark
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.
Rutgers Law School — Camden
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.
Paralegal Programs
Accredited paralegal education and certificate programs
Montclair State University — Paralegal Studies
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.
Bergen Community College — Paralegal Studies
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.
Middlesex College — Paralegal Studies
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.
Raritan Valley Community College — Paralegal Studies
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.
Rowan College of South Jersey — Paralegal (Gloucester)
ABA-approved since 1998 — AAS and certificate programs at the Gloucester campus preparing students to analyze legal disputes, draft documents, and assist practicing attorneys.
Fairleigh Dickinson University — Paralegal Studies
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.
Paralegal Association of New Jersey (PANJ)
Statewide nonprofit association formed in 1982 — promotes educational standards and uniform practice guidelines for paralegals. Monthly CLE dinner meetings, job bank, and networking.
Court Reporter & Captioning Programs
Stenography, digital reporting, and real-time captioning training
Mediator & ADR Certification
Alternative dispute resolution training and qualified neutral roster
New Jersey Courts — Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR)
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.
New Jersey Courts — Civil Mediation
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 Academy of Mediators & Arbitrators
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.
Legal Nurse Consulting
Certification programs for RNs providing litigation support
Bergen Community College — Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate
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.
American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)
National professional organization offering the LNCC certification — the gold standard credential for legal nurse consultants nationwide.
Notary Public Certification
How to become a notary public in New Jersey
New Jersey Department of the Treasury — Notary Public
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.
New Jersey Notary Public Online Application
Electronic application portal for new and renewal notary commissions — the online system automatically forwards your application to your district legislator for endorsement.
Bar Admission & Exam
Pathways to becoming a licensed attorney in New Jersey
New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners
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).
New Jersey Bar Exam — UBE Information
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.
New Jersey Bar Exam — Application Information
Application requirements, deadlines, fees, and character and fitness questionnaire for bar exam applicants. Detailed FAQ covering eligibility, testing accommodations, and exam logistics.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Requirements for licensed New Jersey attorneys
New Jersey Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education
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 State Bar Association — NJICLE
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.
Legal Secretary & Legal Assistant Programs
Certificate and degree programs for legal support professionals
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