There are many jobs for people who hold law degrees in NH. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science, legal studies or something similar during their undergraduate years.

The only New Hampshire school of law has strict admission requirements, and being the best student you can be will only help your chances of getting accepted. You can begin with getting a paralegal certificate, then advance to get your A.S. or B.S., then proceed to law school.

1. Look into paralegal studies to start your journey to law schools in New Hampshire. Paralegal careers pay well and offer great experience.

2. Get your undergraduate degree before applying to New Hampshire law schools. All law programs require a Bachelor's degree for admission.

3. Apply for law school in NH. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and offers a great program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a certificate in paralegal studies to help get you into law schools in NH

Paralegals assist attorneys, in short. Depending on their education, they may do almost as much as the attorney himself, although they do not hold bar cards. This is a great career for those interested in law but don't have the time and/or money to attend law school for a J.D. degree. If you plan to eventually go to law school, you'll need a Bachelor's degree, but a paralegal certificate can be the first step in your preparation.

I recommend: Attend Nashua Community College's paralegal certificate program during the day or in the evening. Take a look at the objectives covered in the paralegal studies program at McIntosh College to decide if you want to apply to the college.

Prepare yourself for admission into New Hampshire law universities with an undergraduate degree

Admission into law school is extremely competitive. Getting good grades while working on your Bachelor's isn't the only deciding factor as to your acceptance into a law program; teacher recommendations and extracurricular activities factor in as well. Choose a school with a program that interests you as well as has academic clubs and caring teachers.

I recommend: See if the political science program at the University of New Hampshire is right for you. Plymouth State University offers a Criminal Justice major with an accelerated law school option, in which students start at the Franklin Pierce Law Center at the end of their third undergraduate semester.

Earn a J.D. degree from an accredited school in New Hampshire

The J.D. is the highest degree that can be held by those in the legal field. There is only one law school in New Hampshire, the private Franklin Pierce Law Center, located in Concord.

I recommend: Browse through the concentrations offered at Franklin Pierce Law Center and then fill out an online application. Check out the Internet Legal Research Group to see how the school ranks.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a general rule, private schools cost more than public schools, but may offer a better curriculum. Carefully weigh your options before choosing a program of study to prepare yourself for getting a degree from New Hampshire law colleges.