Connecticut is not a large state, but it is loaded with paralegals and growing opportunities for them. As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were 4,860 paralegal jobs in Connecticut, which ranked the state fifth in the nation for its concentration of paralegal jobs.
During this same period, paralegals in Connecticut earned an average salary of $61,070, or $29.36 per hour. However, that figure was far from the income ceiling. Paralegals working overtime or those with more experience and specialized knowledge earned upwards of $85,550, or $41.13 per hour, which represented the top 10%.
Thanks to the ever-increasing effort to keep costs down and remain efficient, there is a growing need for individuals with paralegal skills. Those who are seeking career advancement or who are straight out of high school and looking for a challenging career would do well to consider pursuing a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
Connecticut Paralegal Certification
There is currently no mandatory licensing or certification of paralegals in Connecticut. Several proposals to establish licensure for paralegals have been rejected in the state legislature.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Connecticut
Paralegal Certificates
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk Community College is a two-year public institution with state-of-the-art facilities that offers a legal assistant certificate designed for those who already have a degree and wish to specialize in paralegal studies. All students in this 30-credit program become members of the school’s Legal Assistant Society, an organization that arranges yearly visits to the Supreme Court, sponsors seminars and provides networking opportunities that aid in job placement.
- Estimated Program Cost: $3,786 for state residents; $11,318 for non-residents (based on fall 2013 per-semester tuition and common fees)
- Requirements: Bachelor’s or associate degree with a minimum of 18 liberal arts credits
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegalism
- Legal Research and Writing
- Real Estate Practice
- Business Law I & II
University of New Haven
Located in West Haven, the University of New Haven (UNH) is a four-year private institution that offers several legal studies programs. Its paralegal certificate program is designed for those who already have some degree of higher education or are in the process of completing their undergraduate studies. UNH uses “smart classrooms” and computer labs that allow students to maximize their learning, and students have access to Westlaw for gaining practical expertise in legal research. This program focuses on analytical skills, oral and written communication and quantitative reasoning; it also helps students gain an understanding of the legal system and understand alternate methods of dispute resolution.
- Estimated Program Cost: $19,440 (based on 2013-2014 per credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: At least 42 undergraduate credits, or in the process of earning these credits
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Legal Concepts
- Civil Procedure I
- Legal Research & Writing I & II
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Manchester Community College
Manchester Community College‘s paralegal Associate of Science degree combines a liberal arts education with business and paralegal courses. Students learn to perform case management tasks following office policy and court procedures, and an emphasis is placed on problem solving, organizational skills, critical thinking and practical paralegal skills. Classes are held primarily in the evening.
- Estimated Program Cost: $8,820 for residents; $26,460 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or college degree
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On ampus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility
- Composition
- American Government
- Legal Environment of Business
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Naugatuck Valley Community College‘s (NVCC) Associate of Science in legal assistant/paralegal emphasizes ethics and the paralegal’s role in the legal profession. Courses cover topics such as interviewing clients and condensing facts into a concise legal summary, the structure of the judicial system, trial functions, forensic science, research, oral and written communication and working cohesively in the office.
- Estimated Program Cost: $8,540 for residents; $25,620 for out-of-state students (based on spring 2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Software Applications
- Advanced Legal Research & Writing
- Introduction to Paralegalism
- Litigation
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Post University
Established in 1890, Post University offers a Bachelor of Science in legal studies on its main campus in Waterbury. It also offer this degree as an accelerated evening and weekend program and an online program for the convenience of students balancing their studies with other responsibilities. Student in these career-focused courses of study benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty and the latest in software technology.
- Estimated Program Cost: $109,800 for main campus programs; $66,000 for online program (based on spring 2014 full-program tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; completion of enrolled in at least 16 credit
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Quinnipiac University
Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac University is a private, four-year institution. Its Bachelor of Arts in legal studies focuses on cultivating skills in legal research and writing, critical and analytical thinking and fundamental knowledge. The faculty is comprised of attorneys who bring real-world experience to the classroom. Liberal arts and businesses courses round out a balanced, challenging program.
- Estimated Program Cost: $157,320 (based on 2013-2014 annual tuition)
- Prerequisites: College preparatory curriculum; students gaining admission generally have a B or stronger average (average GPA of 3.3) in high school with an SAT score range of 1080 to 1240
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Civil Procedures I & II
University of Hartford (formerly Hartford College for Women)
A private, four-year institution, the University of Hartford offers a Bachelor of Arts in university studies with a paralegal concentration that combines general education courses and a core paralegal studies program. Multi-disciplinary work is encouraged to enrich the student’s understanding of the ways in which the legal system intersects with business and society. Students complete up to 15 credits in an internship setting.
- Estimated Program Cost: $127,216 (based on 2013-2014 annual tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Business Organizations
- Civil Litigation
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility for Paralegals
- Introduction to the Legal System
University of New Haven
Located in West Haven, the University of New Haven‘s Bachelor of Science in legal studies with a concentration of paralegal studies pairs a solid liberal arts education with legal studies courses. Students may combine their concentration with courses in criminal justice, business, accounting, political science, psychology or global studies, which may enable them to enter careers in specialty areas of law. All students participate in a two-semester internship. Students can also gain valuable experience by joining the Mock Trial Team, and have the option to study abroad.
- Estimated Program Cost: $129,760 (based on 2013-2014 per-semester full-time tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma; GED; SAT/ACT scores
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Legal Concepts
- Administrative Law and Regulation
- Constitutional Law
- Legal Investigation
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Manchester Community College
Manchester, Connecticut
Degrees Offered: certificate, Associate of Science
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Waterbury, Connecticut
Degree Offered: certificate
Norwalk Community College
Norwalk, Connecticut
Degree Offered: Associate in Science
Post University
Waterbury, Connecticut, online
Degrees Offered: certificate, Associate on Science (online only)
Professional Organizations
- The Central Connecticut Paralegal Association, Inc. (CCPA) provides opportunities for networking and continuing education, job bank listings and news on state and national issues that pertain to the paralegal profession.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.