Paralegals work alongside attorneys.
They don’t provide legal advice.
Instead, they perform many duties that support attorneys.
These duties can include performing client interviews, performing case research, and creating legal briefs.
Paralegals can earn a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree before beginning their career.
1 Quinnipiac University, Hamden
About School
Quinnipiac University has received several awards in recent years.
Forbes recognizes Quinnipiac as one of America’s Top Colleges.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Quinnipiac is one of the best universities in the nation.
Quinnipiac is a private coed university.
Students receive an education that is challenging and personalized.
The faculty is well-qualified and cares for students’ well-being and success.
They offer a wide range of programs and courses, including several dual-degree programs.
The school currently has 6,000 undergraduate students and 2,700 graduate students.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Quinnipiac offers many law and public policy certificates and degree programs.
You can get a certificate in legal studies, which prepares you for a career as a paralegal.
This program requires just 21 credits, including civil procedures, legal reasoning, research, and writing, and introduction to the legal system.
You’ll also choose two legal elective courses, which can include family law, employment law, and law of business ethics.
You can also pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Law in Society degree.
This comprehensive program is approved by the ABA (American Bar Association) as a paralegal program.
This degree pairs humanities with a practical understanding of law and how to perform the duties of a paralegal.
Contact Information
- Address: 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518
- Phone: (203) 582-8200
- Website: Visit School Website
2 New Haven University, West Haven
About School
New Haven University offers more than 100 programs.
Each program provides collaborative, interdisciplinary, and project-based learning.
The school has been operating for more than 100 years and has more than 64,000 alumni.
It was recognized as a college of distinction for the 2023-2024 year.
Courses Offered/Program Name
New Haven University offers two paralegal programs.
You can choose an undergraduate certificate as a paralegal.
The program is ABA-approved and prepares you for a career as a paralegal.
You’ll learn about the function of law in society, and how to apply legal principles.
You’ll also learn critical thinking, ethics, and respect for laws and the legal system.
The University has a hands-on approach to learning that combines academics with practical skills.
You can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
This program takes 4 years to complete and requires you to complete 120 credit hours.
The program is designed to be interdisciplinary and customized to meet your goals and interests.
You can combine your legal studies with studies in other areas, including criminal justice, psychology, or political science.
You’ll spend part of your final year in an internship, which gives you real-world experience that can help you prepare for your new career.
Once you’ve graduated, you can choose to continue your studies in prelaw or start a career as a paralegal.
Contact Information
- Address: 300 BOSTON POST ROAD, WEST HAVEN, CT 06516
- Phone: (203) 932-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
3 CT State Community College, Norwalk
About School
CT State Community College Norwalk offers a great variety of courses.
In fact, they offer more than 1,000 individual courses.
The school prioritizes supporting students, including academic services and childcare.
Connecticut’s community college system was rated the best in the country by Wallet Hub.
Courses Offered/Program Name
CT State Norwalk offers two paralegal programs.
You can earn a paralegal certificate if you already have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
This allows you to learn the skills you’ll need as a paralegal, without taking any general education courses.
This program is 24 credits and can be completed in one year.
Courses include Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, and Computer Applications and Law.
You’ll also choose legal elective courses.
You can also take a Paralegal Studies Associate of Science Degree.
This program requires 21-25 credit hours of general education courses and 39 credits for the paralegal program.
Courses include Probate Practice and Estate Administration, Litigation, and Business Law.
Both programs are offered at several CT State camps, including Norwalk, and online.
The cost is generally $5,000 per year if attending full-time, so you can expect the certificate course to cost $5,000 or more and the associate’s degree to cost at least $10,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854
- Phone: (203) 857-7000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
Sacred Heart University is a private Roman Catholic University.
It was founded in 1963 by a Bishop.
It’s the first Catholic university in the United States that employed laity, or people who are part of the Catholic religion but aren’t members of the clergy.
In 2020, Princeton rated it 10th on the list of “Happiest Students”.
College Magazine ranked Sacred Heart as one of the 10 best College campuses on the East Coast.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Sacred Heart University offers a few paralegal programs.
You can earn your Paralegal Certificate online.
This program takes only 14 weeks to complete and is split into two 7-week sessions.
You’ll learn about the legal system, legal terminology, legal research and writing, and law procedures.
You can also earn your Advanced Paralegal Certificate.
You’ll choose 6 courses for this program.
Each course takes 7 weeks, and you can take up to 3 courses at once.
This allows you to complete this program in 14 weeks.
For an advanced accelerated degree, you can take the Bachelor’s and JD Degree Program.
You’ll complete 90 credits as part of this program.
The remainder of your undergraduate credits are completed in the first year of law school.
Contact Information
- Address: 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825
- Phone: (203) 371-7999
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Charter Oak State College, New Britian
About School
Charter Oak State College provides classes online and on campus.
Programs include certificate, Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Masters degrees.
The school was established in 1973.
In addition to traditional classes, the college offers you several ways to get credit.
This includes prior learning and testing.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Charter Oak State College offers a paralegal certificate program.
To enter the program, you’ll need to complete ENG 101 and ENG 102 with a grade of C or better.
The course is 24 credits, with 12 credits being required to come from Charter Oak College.
Core courses include Civil Procedures, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Legal Research, Writing, and Reasoning, and Technology and Law.
You’ll also choose 4 elective courses.
These can include Family Law, Health Care Law, Juvenille and Education Law, and Public Administration Law.
This course is completely online, which allows you to complete your work on your schedule.
Contact Information
- Address: 185 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051
- Phone: (860) 515-3800
- Website: Visit School Website
6 University of Hartford, West Hartford
About School
The University of Hartford has an impressive 8 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, and 120 clubs and extracurricular activities.
There are more than 100 academic programs to choose from, and 90% of students get some type of financial aid.
The university has a total of 7 schools.
It’s a community, which supports students through the admissions process and after graduation.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The University of Hartford has several paralegal programs.
The paralegal certificate program is designed for students who have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a different field.
This requires 24 credit hours and can be completed in one year.
You can also choose a Paralegal Studies Associate of Science degree.
This is perfect for new students, or those who have fewer than 60 credit hours.
The program requires 60 credit hours and takes 2 years to complete.
You can also get your Bachelor of Arts Paralegal Studies degree.
This program requires 120 credit hours.
This usually takes 4 years.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117
- Phone: (860) 768-4100
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Post University, Waterbury
About School
Post University was founded in 1890, so it has a long history of academic excellence.
The school provides many programs online and on campus.
They offer comprehensive student support, including academic advising, tutoring, a writing center, and mental health education.
Most programs can be customized with specializations and concentrations.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Post University offers a few programs that can prepare you for a career as a paralegal.
The certificate in Paralegal Studies can be completed in 12 months and requires 30 credit hours.
The program can be taken online or on campus.
You can also take the Associate of Science in Legal Studies.
This program is 2 years long, and it requires 60 credit hours.
You’ll learn about the use of technology in legal services, specific skills in legal work, and how to communicate as a law professional.
You can also get a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
This degree takes 4 years to complete and requires 120 credit hours.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, CT 06708
- Phone: (800) 660-6615
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Gateway Community College
About School
Gateway is a two-year college with some of the same benefits as a four-year school.
Gateway offers the lowest tuition in the region.
It’s considered the flagship urban campus for the New Haven area.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Gateway Community College offers a Business Office Technology: Paralegal Option, Associate of Science degree.
Courses will include Business Law, Introduction to Computers, Organizational Behavior, Business Communication, and Legal Document Production.
You’ll also take general education courses, including Composition, Psychology, American Government, and Algebra.
Contact Information
- Address: 20 Church St., New Haven, CT 06510
- Phone: (203) 285-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
Paralegals in Connecticut make an average salary of $72,079 a year.
The average range is $63,941 to $81,546.
Your pay will depend on the area where you work, your experience, and your education.
Your pay may also vary based on your specialization, and any certifications you have.
Generally, paralegals who specialize in contract law, corporate law, intellectual property law, and healthcare law will make the most money.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$64K |
|
$72K |
|
$81K |
Average Salary in Connecticut
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $73,041 |
| Bristol | $69,441 |
| Danbury | $71,380 |
| East Hartford | $69,621 |
| Fairfield | $73,041 |
| Greenwich | $73,990 |
| Hamden | $69,679 |
| Hartford | $69,621 |
| Manchester | $69,621 |
| Meriden | $69,441 |
Regional Salary
| 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.
Paralegal Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Thanks for compiling this! It’s helpful to have a clear overview of the top paralegal programs in Connecticut, especially for those of us looking to pursue education and career growth in this field.
It’s fantastic to see such a comprehensive list for aspiring paralegals in Connecticut. These programs offer diverse opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the legal profession.
I’ve heard great things about several of these programs from colleagues in the legal industry. It’s reassuring to see them recognized as some of the best in the state.