Connecticut is a state with a long history and tradition of law and justice. It’s the home of the oldest public library in the nation, dating back to 1771, before the country was founded. It passed the first automobile law in the nation in 1901, setting the speed limit at 12 miles an hour. When it comes to providing the best access to legal services for the residents of the state, paralegals form a vital part of the system. They are trained in matters of law and justice and help law firms with a range of administrative assistant and legal documentation duties.
Here’s how to take part in this rewarding career and become a paralegal in Connecticut.
Connecticut Paralegal Certification
Basic Paralegal Certification Requirements
- Certification: There are no state level certification requirements for paralegals in Connecticut.
- Age: In order to practice as a paralegal you’ll need to be at least 18.
- Licensure: Connecticut doesn’t license paralegals, but the right education can help you get a job.
- Degree: While there are no specific training requirements for a paralegal, most law firms will require at least an Associate’s degree.
- Experience: While there’s no experience requirement, the more experience you have, the better chance you’ll have of landing a good job.
- Citizenship: In order to serve as a paralegal it’ll be necessary for you to be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Additional Requirements
- Supervision: paralegals in the state of Connecticut must work under the supervision of a state-licensed lawyer.
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Becoming a Paralegal in Connecticut
Paralegal Certification Process in Connecticut
There is no process for paralegals to become certified in Connecticut. You simply need to seek the right education, training and knowledge and find a job working for a certified law firm.
Connecticut Paralegal Degrees
There are many degree programs that can help you pursue a paralegal career. These include law and government, criminal justice, and business programs as well as paralegal certification programs.
Major Cities in Connecticut
- Major cities in Connecticut include Bridgeport, with a population of 147,216.
- The state capital is Hartford, which is home to 125,017 people.
- New Haven hosts 130,660 residents.
- Stamford has a population of 126,456, the third largest city in the state.
What Does a Paralegal Do in Connecticut?
Paralegals serve an important role in our nation’s legal system. They help to foster access to legal aid, prepare for trials, and perform a variety of important administrative assistant duties. They draft and file documents and motions, conduct interviews, prepare retainers, and a range of other general services for the law firms for whom they work.
Connecticut Legal Assistant and Related Careers
Similar careers to paralegals include legal assistants and secretaries as well as claims adjusters, all of whom perform closely-associated duties.
Employment Numbers in Connecticut
There are over 5,400 paralegals currently working in the state of Connecticut. Jobs are expected to increase by nearly 7% by the year 2024.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Ranges in Connecticut
The average salary for a paralegal in Connecticut is $53,410 per year.
Connecticut Paralegal Organizations
- Connecticut State Bar
- Connecticut Association of Paralegals
- National Association of Legal Statistics
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Connecticut
Online Paralegal Programs and Schools in Connecticut
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Pursuing an education in paralegal studies is vital to your success as a paralegal or legal assistant. Paralegals have a wide range of responsibilities that attorneys, law offices, and even government agencies rely on every day. A formal education is a must for paralegals looking to impress law offices in both the public and private sectors of the law.