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Entering the field of law can be an exciting and yet challenging field to master.
There are several jobs within the legal industry that candidates may wish to pursue.
One such field is that of a paralegal.
These professionals are also known as legal assistants.
Paralagelas, a member of the legal team, has excellent knowledge of the legal system and all matters pertaining to this branch.
However, they are not qualified as lawyers.
These professionals traditionally work in either the public sector or in private law firms.
The journey to becoming a qualified paralegal starts with selecting an accredited school.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Connecticut
There are no certification requirements in the state of Connecticut to become a qualified paralegal.
The process may, however, be initiated by finding and attending an accredited school where candidates can gain the right education, knowledge, and skills to be successful in this field.
This may be followed by securing a job at a certified law firm.
The state does not license, nor does it require licensure, in order to practice as a paralegal.
However, there are a few requirements that need to be met in order to be able to work as a paralegal in the state of Connecticut:
- Candidates must be older than 18
- Candidates must have citizenship or the legal right to work in the US.
- Candidates must work under a state-licensed lawyer
5 Paralegal Schools in the State of Connecticut
1. Manchester Community College
The school offers two ABA-approved programs:
- Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal (61-62 credits)
- Paralegal Certificate (29 credits)
This program is approved by The American Bar Association.
The programs are offered in full-time and part-time formats.
The Associate degree program can be completed in four semesters of full-time study and the certificate program can be completed in two semesters of full-time study.
Classes are structured in such a way that most of the classes are offered in the evening so as to accommodate working adults. There are some classes that are offered during the day.
The difference between these courses is that the associate degree course requires that students take general education classes in addition to the legal courses required by this program.
The legal aspect of the program is comprised of:
- Legal Studies Capstone Course
- Computer Applications in Law
- Probate Practice
Tuition and fees are calculated at $7,533 for a certificate course.
2. University of New Haven
The university offers a bachelor’s program for candidates who would like to pursue a career as a paralegal or legal assistant:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies with a Concentration in Paralegal Studies (124 credits)
- Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Studies (ABA approved)
- Paralegal Certificate (ABA approved)
This program is comprised of:
- General education courses
- Paralegal courses
- Electives
- Legal studies courses
- Civil Procedure
The program requires that students complete a two-semester internship which will give students exposure to the working world before graduating.
Tuition per semester for 12 – 17 credit hours is approximately $20,685.
3. Norwalk Community College
The school offers two ABA-approved courses:
- Associate of Science (AS) as Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant Certificate program
Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination.
Students are prepared to work as legal assistants through a range of courses including:
- Family Law
- Business Law
- Administrative Law
Students in both courses are required to take an internship in order to gain real-world experience.
The internship may be waived for those candidates that are already working in the field.
Tuition and fees are $6,759 for the certificate program.
4. Naugatuck Valley Community College
The college offers two courses to prepare students for a job in the legal field:
- Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Assistant/Paralegal
- Legal Assistant/Paralegal Certificate (24 credits)
These programs are designed to offer instructional skills to students in a variety of courses, such as:
- Drafting legal documentation
- Working with Legal Software
- Conducting Legal Research
In addition, students will focus on subjects such as:
- Real Estate Practice
- Business Law
- Probate Practice
- Estate Administration
Tuition and fees at this school for this course are $6,965.
5. Quinnipiac University
The school offers an ABA-approved Certificate in Legal Studies program that is taught by practicing lawyers.
The program incorporates an internship that prepares students for the working world and allows them to put theory to practice.
The program focuses on areas such as:
- Family Law
- Probate
- Civil Procedures
- Wills
- Estate Administration
Students learn about the theory of law and how these laws are established.
Students are trained to write properly formatted legal memos, conduct research, as well as analyze legal problems.
Tuition and fees amount to approximately $41,815 for the certificate course.
Paralegal Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | Great Path, Manchester, CT 06040 |
| University of New Haven | 300 Boston Post Rd, West Haven, CT 06516 |
| Norwalk Community College | 188 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854 |
| Naugatuck Valley Community College | 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, CT 06708 |
| Quinnipiac University | 275 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518 |
Salary
There are three salary ranges as candidates progress in this industry and in this field, with varying levels of experience:
- Entry level – $50,705
- Mid-career – $65,080
- Experienced – $81,130
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $68,328 |
| New Haven | $65,182 |
| Hartford | $64,647 |
| Stamford | $69,216 |
| Waterbury | $64,840 |
| Norwalk | $69,216 |
| Danbury | $66,774 |
| New Britain | $64,960 |
| West Hartford | $64,647 |
| Greenwich | $69,216 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 1,220 | $76,150 | $36.61 | $98,210 | $51,850 |
| Danbury, CT | 150 | $71,540 | $34.4 | $87,890 | $46,790 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 2,030 | $71,970 | $34.6 | $98,650 | $44,250 |
| New Haven, CT | 710 | $69,960 | $33.63 | $96,960 | $49,810 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 280 | $57,780 | $27.78 | $79,330 | $47,270 |
| Waterbury, CT | 230 | $62,010 | $29.81 | $78,830 | $45,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools in Conneticut offer a course for paralegals?
There are seven schools in the state that offer a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree course.
Is it a requirement that I attend an internship?
Some schools offer programs that include an internship as a requirement to graduate.
But not all schools require that students attend an internship.
The internship does help to secure a better job.
Is formal education a requirement to work as a paralegal in this state?
No, formal education is not a requirement.
However, it can help to secure a good-paying job.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State