New Brunswick doesn’t require paralegals to hold licenses or certifications, but they must work under attorney supervision and avoid unauthorized practice of law. While formal education isn’t mandatory, completing a paralegal program through a certificate, diploma, or degree significantly improves career prospects in this emerging market.
New Brunswick’s paralegal profession has grown substantially since the early 2000s. The 2006 Canadian census recorded approximately 370 paralegals in the province, a significant increase from 260 employed in 2000. This growth demonstrates New Brunswick’s emergence as a developing market for legal support professionals.
Most of New Brunswick’s paralegals work in or near Fredericton, the provincial capital, employed by private law firms or government agencies. The profession remains unregulated, offering flexibility for entry but also creating a competitive landscape where education and professional development make the difference in career advancement.
Overview of the Paralegal Profession
The paralegal profession in New Brunswick operates without formal regulation. No license or certification is required to work legally as a paralegal in the province. This regulatory environment differs from provinces like Ontario, where the Law Society of Ontario must license paralegals.
Despite the lack of formal requirements, New Brunswick paralegals must adhere to significant limitations. They must work under the direct supervision of a lawyer and avoid any activities that could constitute the unauthorized practice of law. Misrepresenting yourself as a lawyer, barrister, or solicitor is prohibited under the province’s Law Society Act of 1996.
The job duties of paralegals in New Brunswick vary depending on the type of office and its specialization. Common responsibilities include:
- Performing legal research using statutes, case law, and legal databases
- Preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and contracts
- Assisting lawyers with transactions and closings
- Communicating with clients and maintaining case files
- Conducting fact-finding and data collection for case preparation
- Organizing and archiving documents using legal software tools
Education and Training
Because the paralegal profession in New Brunswick is still emerging, many law firms and government agencies provide on-the-job training to paralegals. This practical approach means some employers hire candidates without formal paralegal education and train them in-house.
That said, completing a paralegal education program offers significant advantages in a marketplace where anyone can technically work under a lawyer’s supervision. Formal education demonstrates concrete mastery of skills critical to paralegal work, making your résumé more competitive. Many working paralegals supplement their on-the-job training with coursework to advance their careers and distinguish themselves professionally.
Paralegal education in New Brunswick and throughout Canada comes in three main formats:
Paralegal Certificates
Certificate programs are available through in-person or online study and are designed to meet the needs of working students. Many offer classes in the evening or on weekends. These programs provide focused coursework in paralegal studies without general education requirements and can often be completed in one year or less.
Paralegal Diplomas
Diploma programs typically take 2 years to complete and are offered by career or vocational colleges. Students take courses directly related to paralegal education without general education requirements. Diplomas provide more comprehensive training than certificates and often include practical field placements.
Paralegal Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees in fields like law or business typically take four full-time years to earn at a university. Degree programs combine general education coursework with major-specific classes and may offer field placements that provide supervised work experience. These provide the most comprehensive educational foundation.
Paralegal Programs in New Brunswick
New Brunswick offers several quality paralegal education options through colleges and universities across the province. These programs cover everything from practical career skills and developing an attractive résumé to detailed legal specializations including litigation, environmental law, criminal defense, maritime law, and family law.
Atlantic Business College – Paralegal and Legal Assistant Program
This full-time two-semester program is offered from the school’s Fredericton campus. It comprises 19 courses covering topics such as property law, business law, career skills, work placement, family law, and more. The condensed format allows students to complete their training quickly and enter the workforce.
Eastern College – Paralegal Diploma
This 77-week on-campus program features an eight-week supervised field placement that provides students with real-world legal office experience. Admission requires graduation from high school or equivalent. Eastern College has New Brunswick campuses in Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton, offering convenient access across the province.
Oulton College – Paralegal/Legal Assistant Diploma
This program features 9 months of classroom instruction covering legal theory, family law, torts, corporate law, and legal databases. After completing the didactic portion, students undertake a two-week practicum that provides hands-on experience in a legal office. Classes are offered from the school’s Moncton campus.
NBCC – Business Administration Diploma
Offering hybrid course delivery options from campuses in Woodstock, Moncton, Miramichi, Fredericton, and Saint Andrews, this program can be completed full-time in two years or at an accelerated pace within 20 months. Areas of focus include management, insurance and risk management, accounting, and financial management. This program works well for paralegals specializing in business and corporate law.
Crandall University – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
This 120-credit, four-year program is offered at the school’s Moncton campus and offers multiple areas of focus. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship and participate in a co-op program over three work terms that provides paid on-the-job experience. This degree path suits paralegals interested in corporate legal work.
University of New Brunswick – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
This four-year program offers concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, e-commerce, and more. It’s particularly valuable for paralegals who want to specialize in financial fields and corporate law. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities through a co-op program consisting of three four-month work terms. Classes take place on the school’s campuses in Fredericton and Saint John.
Paralegal Salaries in New Brunswick
Paralegal salaries in New Brunswick have grown substantially over the past two decades. While the profession employed only 260 people in 2000 with an average salary of $26,073, the market has matured considerably. Current data shows significantly higher earning potential as the profession has become more established.
As of 2024, the average paralegal salary in New Brunswick is closer to $55,000–$60,000 CAD annually. This represents considerable growth from the early 2000s and reflects the profession’s increasing value in the provincial legal market.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range (CAD) | Hourly Rate Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (1-3 years) | $42,000 – $48,000 | $20 – $23 |
| Mid-Career (4-7 years) | $55,000 – $65,000 | $26 – $31 |
| Senior (8+ years) | $68,000 – $75,000 | $33 – $36 |
Geographic Salary Variations
Salaries vary by location within New Brunswick. Fredericton, as the provincial capital and primary employment center for paralegals, tends to offer salaries in the range of $40,706 to $67,038 annually. Other major centers, such as Moncton and Saint John, offer comparable compensation.
The hourly wage range across New Brunswick typically ranges from $18 to $30 per hour, with a median of around $23–$25 per hour. These figures reflect the diversity of practice settings and experience levels across the province.
Additional Compensation
Beyond base salary, some paralegals in New Brunswick receive additional compensation through bonuses and benefits packages. Bonuses vary significantly and are not consistently reported in public data, but benefits packages may include health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development support.
Job Outlook and Employment
The paralegal profession in New Brunswick has demonstrated consistent growth since 2000. Employment increased nearly 30% between 2000 and 2005, growing from 260 to 370 positions. The profession has continued expanding as New Brunswick’s legal market matures.
Most paralegal positions are concentrated in the Fredericton area, reflecting the concentration of government agencies and law firms in the provincial capital. Moncton and Saint John also support significant paralegal employment.
The emerging nature of New Brunswick’s paralegal market creates opportunities for qualified professionals. As more law firms recognize the value paralegals bring to efficiency and cost management, demand continues to grow. Job prospects are strongest for candidates with formal education and specialized skills in areas like litigation support, real estate law, and corporate transactions.
Professional Associations
New Brunswick doesn’t yet have a provincial paralegal association. Paralegals in New Brunswick can instead join one of the national professional paralegal associations, primarily the Canadian Association of Paralegals (CAP).
With over 700 members nationally, CAP has representatives from the Maritimes and works to represent their interests at the national level. The organization promotes the paralegal profession and works to increase the use of paralegals within the legal system, especially in emerging regions like New Brunswick.
CAP provides individual benefits to its members, including:
- Scholarships for continuing education
- Job bank with employment opportunities
- Professional development seminars and webinars
- Networking opportunities with paralegals across Canada
- Advocacy for the profession at the national level
- Resources for professional standards and ethics
Major Employers
Law firms nationally employ the most significant numbers of paralegals, and New Brunswick is no exception. Private law firms can be valuable contacts when researching job prospects and understanding current requirements for paralegal positions. New Brunswick’s largest law firms include:
- Barry Spalding – Provides legal services across multiple practice areas
- McInnes Cooper – One of Atlantic Canada’s largest law firms with a New Brunswick presence
- Cox & Palmer – Major Atlantic firm offering diverse practice areas
- Stewart McKelvey – Full-service law firm with offices throughout Atlantic Canada
Beyond private law firms, paralegals in New Brunswick find employment with government agencies at the provincial and federal levels, corporate legal departments, real estate firms, and nonprofit organizations. The provincial government in Fredericton represents a significant employer of legal support professionals.
Important Contacts
These organizations and resources can help you navigate your paralegal career in New Brunswick:
- Canadian Association of Paralegals – National paralegal association providing professional development and advocacy
- Law Society of New Brunswick – Provincial law society governing the legal profession
- School Career Services – Most paralegal programs offer job placement assistance and career counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a paralegal in New Brunswick?
No, New Brunswick doesn’t require paralegals to hold licenses or certifications. The profession is unregulated, meaning you can work as a paralegal without formal credentials. You must work under the supervision of a lawyer and avoid activities that constitute unauthorized practice of law, but no provincial license is required.
What education do I need to become a paralegal in New Brunswick?
While no specific education is legally required, completing a paralegal certificate, diploma, or degree program significantly improves your career prospects. Programs range from one-year certificates to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Many employers provide on-the-job training, but formal education demonstrates concrete skills and makes your résumé more competitive in the job market.
How much do paralegals earn in New Brunswick?
As of 2024, the average paralegal salary in New Brunswick is approximately $55,000–$60,000 CAD annually. Entry-level paralegals with 1-3 years of experience typically earn $42,000–$48,000, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn $68,000–$75,000 or more. Hourly wages usually range from $18 to $30, with a median around $23–$25 per hour.
Where can I study to become a paralegal in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick offers several paralegal education options, including Atlantic Business College, Eastern College (Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton), Oulton College (Moncton), NBCC (multiple campuses), Crandall University (Moncton), and University of New Brunswick (Fredericton and Saint John). Programs range from short-term certificates to four-year bachelor’s degrees.
What does a paralegal do in New Brunswick?
Paralegals in New Brunswick perform legal research, prepare legal documents like pleadings and contracts, assist lawyers with transactions, communicate with clients, conduct fact-finding and data collection, and organize case files. Specific duties vary by practice area and employer, but all work must be performed under attorney supervision.
Can I work independently as a paralegal in New Brunswick?
No, paralegals in New Brunswick cannot work independently. The Law Society Act of 1996 requires that paralegal functions be carried out under the supervision of a practicing member of the Law Society of New Brunswick. You must work for or under the direct supervision of a lawyer and cannot represent yourself as a lawyer, barrister, or solicitor.
Are there professional associations for paralegals in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick doesn’t have a provincial paralegal association. Paralegals in the province typically join the Canadian Association of Paralegals (CAP), which has over 700 members nationally and represents Maritime paralegals. CAP provides scholarships, a job bank, professional development seminars, and networking opportunities.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in New Brunswick?
The paralegal profession in New Brunswick has shown consistent growth since 2000, with employment increasing nearly 30% between 2000 and 2005. As an emerging market, New Brunswick offers opportunities for qualified paralegals, especially those with formal education. Most positions are concentrated in Fredericton, with additional opportunities in Moncton and Saint John.
Key Takeaways
- New Brunswick doesn’t require paralegal licenses or certifications, but formal education significantly improves career prospects and earning potential
- Paralegals earn an average of $55,000–$60,000 CAD annually, with entry-level positions starting around $42,000–$48,000 and senior roles reaching $68,000–$75,000 or more
- Six institutions across New Brunswick offer paralegal education programs ranging from one-year certificates to four-year bachelor’s degrees
- All paralegals must work under attorney supervision and avoid unauthorized practice of law, as defined by the Law Society Act of 1996
- The profession has grown nearly 30% since 2000, with most employment concentrated in Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in New Brunswick?
Explore accredited paralegal programs across New Brunswick and find the education path that fits your schedule and career goals.
Salary Disclaimer: Salary data presented reflects 2024 information from various Canadian employment sources including SalaryExpert, Job Bank Canada, and industry surveys. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, location, employer, and individual qualifications. This information is for general guidance only.
