New Hampshire has no mandatory certification or education requirements for paralegals. However, completing a certificate or degree program from an accredited institution and pursuing voluntary national certification through organizations like NALA or NFPA can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential in the state’s competitive legal market.
Whether you want to launch your career with a major law firm like Bernstein, 
Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, McLane Law Firm, or Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, or pursue corporate legal work with companies like GE Aviation in Hooksett, Texas Instruments in Manchester, or Oracle in Nashua, New Hampshire offers exciting opportunities for paralegals.
The state’s strong economy, driven by low unemployment and favorable corporate tax rates, has fueled growth in healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing industries. This economic strength translates to steady demand for legal professionals. With 1,580 paralegals currently employed across the state and job growth projected at 6.7% through 2032, well above the national average, New Hampshire provides a promising career landscape for aspiring paralegals.
Learning how to become a paralegal in New Hampshire involves understanding your educational options, exploring certification opportunities, and familiarizing yourself with the state’s legal employment landscape.
Education Requirements
New Hampshire has no regulations in place that govern the training or educational requirements for becoming a paralegal. Those aspiring to work as paralegals may find employment that offers on-the-job training or may choose to pursue education prior to beginning their careers.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court defines paralegals as nonlawyer assistants. As such, they fall under Rule 5.3, which requires lawyers to provide adequate supervision of all nonlawyer assistants, including guidance in ethics and confidentiality. Supervising lawyers are also responsible for the professional conduct of their employees.
As career opportunities for paralegals have grown, many aspiring paralegals have chosen to pursue formal education in paralegal studies. Educational program options include certificates and degrees. The American Bar Association (ABA) approves some programs that meet standards of rigor and comprehensiveness. Not all programs are offered by accredited institutions. Both ABA approval and accreditation can be important considerations to employers and to the professional organizations that offer national certification.
Certificate Programs
Certificated paralegals are paralegals who have completed a certificate program. Certificate programs are typically the short route to becoming a paralegal, as they don’t have many general education requirements. Instead, they offer a specialized focus on paralegal studies. Many certificate programs require that applicants have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, some programs accept students with no previous higher education.
Degree Programs
Prospective paralegals may also choose to earn a degree in paralegal studies. Degree programs combine paralegal coursework with the fundamentals of higher education. Students may choose from associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. Students who are interested in reaching high levels of education as paralegals may also pursue master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
Certification Options
It’s important to understand the distinction between two similar terms: “certificated” refers to completing a certificate program (an educational credential), while “certified” means passing a national certification exam (a professional credential). Both can be valuable for your paralegal career.
While New Hampshire doesn’t require certification, paralegals with education, work experience, or a combination of the two may choose to become certified paralegals by successfully completing a national certification exam. National certification demonstrates professional competence and can enhance career advancement opportunities.
National Certification Exams
Currently, four national certification exams are offered by three national professional paralegal associations:
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCCE is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Each exam has its own eligibility requirements based on education level, work experience, or a combination of both. Certification typically requires passing a comprehensive examination covering legal research, writing, ethics, and substantive law areas.
Paralegal Programs in New Hampshire
The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in New Hampshire have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Whether you imagine yourself assisting a civil litigator in trial preparation, being part of a dynamic legal team focused on healthcare law, or working closely with a small law firm specializing in bankruptcy law, you’re going to need a quality education in paralegal studies to make your dream a reality.
Accredited Paralegal Programs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers several quality paralegal education options through accredited institutions. While the state currently has no ABA-approved programs, many successful paralegals attend regionally accredited programs. Below are the primary programs available in the state, each offering different formats and credential levels to match your educational goals:
Franklin Pierce University
Paralegal Studies Online Undergraduate Certificate – Online
Franklin Pierce offers a flexible online certificate program designed for students who want to enter the paralegal profession or add paralegal credentials to their existing education.
Nashua Community College
Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
This comprehensive two-year degree program combines general education requirements with specialized paralegal coursework, preparing students for entry-level positions.
Paralegal Certificate – Campus
A shorter certificate option for students who want focused paralegal training without the general education requirements of a degree program.
New Hampshire Technical Institute
Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
NHTI’s associate degree program provides thorough training in legal research, writing, and practical skills needed for paralegal work.
Paralegal Studies Certificate (admission requires at least 45 college-level credits) – Campus
This certificate program is designed for students who have already completed some college coursework and want to add paralegal credentials.
University of New Hampshire
Minor in Legal Advocacy – Campus
UNH offers a legal advocacy minor that can complement various majors and provides foundational knowledge for students considering paralegal careers or law school.
Salary and Job Outlook
A low unemployment rate (consistently one of the best in the nation) and low corporate tax have allowed New Hampshire to enjoy economic gains in recent years and have supported the growth of its healthcare, professional and scientific services, and manufacturing industries. This economic strength has created favorable conditions for paralegal employment.
As of 2024, 1,580 paralegals call New Hampshire home, representing 2.31 jobs out of every thousand positions in the state. Whether you have your sights set on working in the legal department of a major corporate player or a regional law firm specializing in family law, immigration law, or litigation, you’ll have plenty of options in New Hampshire.
Average Paralegal Salary in New Hampshire
As of 2024, paralegals in New Hampshire earned an average salary of $63,910 per year, or $30.72 per hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $66,510, experienced paralegals, particularly those with specialized expertise, can earn significantly more. The top 10% of paralegals in New Hampshire earned $87,260 or more annually.
The table below shows how paralegal salaries in New Hampshire vary by experience level, based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $35,870 | $17.25 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,660 | $23.39 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $60,640 | $29.16 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,660 | $36.38 |
| Experienced (90th Percentile) | $87,260 | $41.95 |
| Mean (Average) | $63,910 | $30.72 |
The median salary for New Hampshire paralegals ($60,640) is comparable to the national median of $61,010, differing by less than 1%.
Salary by Region in New Hampshire
Paralegal salaries vary across New Hampshire’s regions based on local legal markets, cost of living, and employer concentration. The table below shows compensation data across the state’s five major employment areas based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
| Region | Employment | Median Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central NH Nonmetropolitan | 250 | $61,830/year ($29.73/hour) | $85,770/year ($41.23/hour) |
| Manchester-Nashua Metro | 490 | $60,250/year ($28.97/hour) | $88,430/year ($42.51/hour) |
| Southwestern NH Nonmetropolitan | 150 | $58,610/year ($28.18/hour) | $75,900/year ($36.49/hour) |
| Northern NH Nonmetropolitan | 120 | $49,840/year ($23.96/hour) | $64,300/year ($30.91/hour) |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 6,050 | $77,470/year ($37.25/hour) | $118,990/year ($57.21/hour) |
Central New Hampshire leads the state’s nonmetropolitan areas for paralegal compensation. The Manchester-Nashua metro area, home to many of the state’s largest employers, offers competitive salaries and the highest concentration of paralegal jobs. For paralegals willing to commute to the Boston metro area, significantly higher salaries are available, with median pay nearly 28% above the state median.
Northern New Hampshire offers the lowest compensation, reflecting lower costs of living and a smaller legal market. However, paralegals in this region may benefit from lower housing costs and a different quality-of-life balance.
Job Growth and Employment Outlook
New Hampshire’s paralegal profession is projected to experience stronger growth than the national average. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections from 2022 to 2032, the state is expected to see substantial increases in paralegal employment:
- Current Employment (2024): 1,580 paralegals
- Projected Growth Rate: 6.7% (2022-2032)
- New Jobs Created: 90 positions over the decade (2022-2032)
- Average Annual Openings: 150 positions per year (includes both new jobs and replacement needs)
- National Comparison: New Hampshire’s 6.7% projected growth significantly exceeds the near-flat national projection of 0.2%
This strong projected job growth reflects New Hampshire’s expanding economy and the increasing complexity of legal work requiring skilled paralegal support. The 150 average annual openings result from both newly created positions and turnover from retirement or career changes, providing consistent opportunities for new graduates and career changers throughout the decade.
Professional Associations
The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH), an affiliate of the NFPA, is open to paralegals, students, law firms, and any other parties who are interested in strengthening the paralegal profession. PANH offers many seminars and continuing legal education (CLE) opportunities throughout the year. Networking, companionship, a job bank, and other resources are also available to PANH members.
PANH Membership Levels
PANH has four levels of membership designed to serve different segments of the paralegal community:
- Voting – Open to any individual employed as a paralegal
- Associate – Open to any individual who has previously been employed as a paralegal or who has graduated from a paralegal program and is not currently employed
- Student – Open to any individual enrolled in a paralegal program or serving in a paralegal internship
- Sustaining – Open to entities that work with PANH and that are concerned with the betterment of the paralegal profession
Job Search and Major Employers
Private Law Firms
Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals in New Hampshire. Some of the state’s prominent law firms include:
- Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer & Nelson, P.A.
- Cleveland, Waters and Bass, P.A.
- Cook Little Rosenblatt & Manson, P.L.L.C.
- Devine Millimet & Branch, P.A.
- McLane Law Firm
- Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green, P.A.
- Gallagher Callahan & Gartrell, P.A.
- Orr & Reno, P.A.
- Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
- Sulloway & Hollis, PLLC
- Wiggin & Nourie, P.A.
Corporate Legal Departments
New Hampshire is home to several major corporations with in-house legal departments that employ paralegals:
- GE Aviation (Hooksett)
- Texas Instruments (Manchester)
- Oracle (Nashua)
- Velcro USA (Manchester)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (Portsmouth)
- Lonza Biologics (Portsmouth)
Important Contacts for New Hampshire Paralegals
- Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH), affiliated with the NFPA
- New Hampshire Bar Association
- New Hampshire Secretary of State
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire require paralegals to be certified?
No, New Hampshire has no mandatory certification or education requirements for paralegals. The state defines paralegals as nonlawyer assistants who must work under attorney supervision according to Rule 5.3. However, voluntary national certification through organizations like NALA, NFPA, or NALS can enhance your credentials and career prospects.
What education do I need to become a paralegal in New Hampshire?
While no specific education is legally required, most employers prefer or require completion of a paralegal certificate or degree program. Options in New Hampshire include associate degrees from Nashua Community College and New Hampshire Technical Institute, a certificate program from Franklin Pierce University, or a legal advocacy minor from the University of New Hampshire. ABA-approved programs and regionally accredited institutions are preferred by many employers.
How much do paralegals make in New Hampshire?
The median paralegal salary in New Hampshire is $60,640 per year ($29.16 per hour) as of 2024. Entry-level paralegals typically earn around $35,870 annually, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% earn $87,260 or more. Salaries vary by region, with Central New Hampshire and the Manchester-Nashua metro area offering competitive compensation. Paralegals working in the Boston metro area can earn significantly more, with a median salary of $77,470.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in New Hampshire?
The job outlook for paralegals in New Hampshire is very positive. The state is projected to experience 6.7% growth in paralegal employment from 2022 to 2032, significantly exceeding the national average of 0.2%. This translates to approximately 90 new positions over the decade, with an average of 150 annual job openings when accounting for turnover. New Hampshire’s strong economy and growing legal services sector support this favorable employment outlook.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire currently has no ABA-approved paralegal programs. However, ABA approval isn’t required to work as a paralegal in New Hampshire, and many successful paralegals attend regionally accredited programs. The state offers quality programs through Franklin Pierce University (online certificate), Nashua Community College (AS and certificate), New Hampshire Technical Institute (AS and certificate), and the University of New Hampshire (minor). Students interested in ABA-approved programs may also consider online options from institutions in other states. Learn more about the American Bar Association’s paralegal program approval.
What does the Paralegal Association of New Hampshire offer?
The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire (PANH) offers members access to continuing legal education seminars, networking opportunities, a job bank, and professional development resources. As an NFPA affiliate, PANH provides four membership levels: Voting (employed paralegals), Associate (former or graduated paralegals), Student (enrolled students or interns), and Sustaining (organizations supporting the profession). PANH helps paralegals stay current with industry developments and connect with other professionals.
Can I become a paralegal without a degree in New Hampshire?
Yes, because New Hampshire has no mandatory education requirements, some employers offer on-the-job training for paralegal positions. However, this path is becoming less common as the legal field grows more complex. Most employers strongly prefer candidates with formal paralegal education through a certificate or degree program. Completing formal training significantly improves your job prospects, earning potential, and eligibility for national certification exams.
Which regions in New Hampshire pay paralegals the highest salaries?
Central New Hampshire leads the state’s nonmetropolitan areas with a median salary of $61,830, slightly above the state median. Manchester-Nashua offers competitive pay at $60,250 and has the highest concentration of paralegal jobs (490 positions). However, paralegals working in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area (which includes southern New Hampshire) earn the highest salaries at $77,470 median, nearly 28% above the state median. Northern New Hampshire offers lower compensation at $49,840 median, reflecting its smaller legal market and lower cost of living.
Key Takeaways
- New Hampshire has no mandatory certification or education requirements for paralegals, though formal education is strongly recommended and preferred by employers
- The median paralegal salary in New Hampshire is $60,640 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to $87,260 or more annually
- Job growth for paralegals in New Hampshire is projected at 6.7% through 2032, significantly exceeding the national average and creating approximately 150 annual job openings
- Multiple educational pathways are available, including certificate programs, associate degrees, and online options from regionally accredited institutions
- National certification through NALA, NFPA, or NALS provides professional credentials that can enhance career advancement and earning potential
- The Paralegal Association of New Hampshire offers networking, continuing education, job resources, and professional development opportunities for all career stages
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in New Hampshire?
Explore accredited paralegal programs throughout New Hampshire and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career in the Granite State.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
