Best Paralegal Programs in the Allentown, PA Area
The paralegal field has seen steady growth in recent years as law firms and legal departments look for ways to operate more efficiently. This increased demand, along with a contraction in law school enrollments, has strengthened the job outlook for paralegals with postsecondary certificates and degrees.
According to projections from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, employment for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow nearly 11% in the Allentown metropolitan area and over 10% statewide through 2028. The table below shows projected paralegal job growth in other major Pennsylvania metro regions:
| Metro Area | Projected Job Growth 2018-2028 |
|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 10.9% |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 8.3% |
| Pittsburgh | 7.7% |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | 14.2% |
| Scranton–Wilkes-Barre | 11.1% |
Allentown and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area feature several excellent and affordable programs to start a paralegal career. Schools offer flexible schedules with online, evening and accelerated classes to accommodate working students.
We evaluated the top paralegal programs in Allentown based on academic reputation, breadth of course offerings, career support services, affordability metrics and graduate satisfaction surveys. Here are the top 5 programs in the Allentown area:
1. Northampton Community College
Northampton Community College (NCC) offers an associate degree and post-degree certificate that cover all the key areas of paralegal study. The associate degree can be completed in two years by full-time students or spread out longer for professionals working while enrolled.
Students take courses in legal research and writing, civil litigation, real estate law, family law, torts, contracts and more. Topics also include corporate, bankruptcy and medical/health law to ensure graduates have versatile skills across legal disciplines. Assessment data shows 95% of graduates pass the voluntary Certified Paralegal exam.
NCC‘s Paralegal Studies program holds approval from the American Bar Association, representing the highest certification for non-lawyer legal training. Many courses are available online or during the evenings, providing needed flexibility. The program costs just $$7,740 total in tuition and fees for in-state students, far more affordable than law school.
Students intern at Lehigh Valley firms like Gross McGinley, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, and KingSpry, translating coursework into hands-on skills. NCC‘s dedicated Career Pathways office provides resume help, interview coaching and regular job fairs to support graduates entering the workforce. A 2019 survey of alumni found 82% were employed in a law-related field within 6 months after finishing.
With affordable tuition, strong career outcomes and flexible learning options, NCC is a top choice among aspiring Lehigh Valley paralegals. However, the program still faces challenges common to many community colleges, including graduating less than half of enrolled students according to state data. This indicates room for improvement in student support and retention efforts.
2. Lehigh Carbon Community College
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC)…
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