Connecticut Paralegal Schools

Connecticut paralegal schools offer a variety of courses of study for students looking for a quicker way to get into the legal field than a four year bachelor of arts degree and the succeeding juris doctor programs. Considering Connecticut remains in the top five states for paralegal salaries with a mean annual wage of $50,850, the prospects for both a fulfilling and lucrative career are high for individuals who earn a paralegal degree.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

University of New Haven: The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven has three paralegal programs; a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a Paralegal Concentration, an Associates in Paralegal Studies, and a Paralegal Studies Certificate. The BS is a 120 credits hour program while the Associates and Certificate are 60 hours and 25 hours respectively; all approved by the American Bar Association. All students are required to take the standard fundamental courses such as Introduction to Legal Studies while advanced course requirements vary by degree. Students looking to network and pursue research projects can do so through the Legal Society and the Center for Dispute Resolution.

University of Hartford: Students at the University of Hartford can choose from three different paralegal programs within the Department of University Studies: an Associate of Science, a Bachelor of Science (includes certificate), and a Paralegal Certificate. All three programs have been approved by the American Bar Association and are taught by fourteen expert faculty. The BS in Paralegal Studies is a full 120 hours while the AS and the Paralegal Certificate are 60 hours and 19 hours respectively. The Department of University Studies already has established relationships with over two dozen law firms, government offices and courthouses where students can work to complete internships for course credit.

How to Become a Paralegal in Connecticut

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are over 4500 people working as paralegals in the state of Connecticut. There have been discussions by lawmakers to regulate this group of workers but as of right now, there are no training requirements. The paralegal is required to be directly supervised by a state licensed attorney who will take full responsibility for the paralegal’s professional conduct.

In such a competitive environment, people have noticed that paralegals that have attained at least a bachelor’s degree are receiving preference in the workplace. There are also certificate programs that can be used as a vehicle for entering the workforce sooner. The median salary for paralegals in the state of Connecticut is $53,255.00.

Types of Paralegal Programs in Connecticut

Paralegal schools in the Constitution state can offer certificate programs, two year associates degree programs or even be included as part of a four-year bachelor’s degree program in legal studies. The two-year and four-year programs do not require any education beyond a high school degree or a GED.

Curriculum of Connecticut Paralegal Programs

Coursework depends both on the length of schooling and the schools in question. In general, Connecticut paralegal school students will gain an introduction to the legal system, an understanding of the difference in roles between paralegals and attorneys, and then begin to focus on specific areas of law that they might want to enter following graduation. These elective courses generally come after introductory classwork on litigation, contracts, torts and classes on how to perform legal research and write briefs.

Paralegal Schools in Connecticut

The American Bar Association has accredited many Connecticut paralegal schools, and the best fit often depends on the education level of prospective applicants. For example, standalone paralegal studies associates degrees are offered at Lincoln College of New England in Southington as well as Manchester Community College. Norwalk Community College offers the same program, but also offers a one-year certificate program for those who have already completed some schooling, and offer internships to improve skills in the real world.

Quinnipaic University in Hamden, as well as the University of New Haven and the University of Hartford, offer bachelor’s degrees in legal studies, all of which carry mandatory internships. The latter two also offer shorter term programs for AAS degrees or certificates, and internships are optional for those programs.

There are also several online programs that can provide a paralegal degree without the need to travel to a campus to attend class. These include Everest University Online which offers a bachelor’s paralegal degree and Rasmussen College offers an associate’s in applied science – paralegal.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Connecticut

Finn Dixon & Herling LLP is the only law firm in Connecticut to have recently been named by Chambers as a Band 1 Corporate/M&A law firm, a ranking it has held for several years. Finn Dixon & Herling was founded in 1987 and specializes in business and financial law at a reasonable cost to its clients. The firm has grown rapidly and prides itself on providing opportunities to those who are committed to excel. Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara LLC is the oldest and largest law firm based in Greenwich, covering multiple practice areas for its clients. It invites recent paralegals interested in a career at Ivey, Barnum & O’Mara to apply, and offers a great benefits package that includes a bonus program. Ryan Ryan Deluca LLP has been named the Top Mid Size Litigation Firm in Connecticut by the Super Lawyers Business Edition. RRD has immediate openings for those holding certification in Connecticut.

Online and Connecticut Paralegal Schools

 

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.