If you have been thinking about starting a paralegal career in Colorado Springs, now is the time.
The new laws passed by the Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado State Bar Association recently changed and now allow qualified paralegals to become licensed as independent paraprofessionals within the state.
Our guide provides an assessment of the paralegal profession for Colorado Springs residents.
It also provides details on paralegal job descriptions and certifications for local legal assistants.
Below, we offer a sneak peek at the new paraprofessional licenses available for Colorado paralegals and end with a look at some of the best paralegal programs in and around Colorado Springs.
Best Paralegal Schools in Colorado Springs
The best paralegal schools in Colorado Springs offer comprehensive education programs.
These programs teach substantive law practices for providing administrative and legal support based on national and local certification and licensing standards set by the American Bar Association and the National Association for Legal Assistants.
1 Pikes Peak State College
Students can earn credits toward completing a paralegal certificate or earning an Associate of Applied Science degree at Pikes Peak State College.
Both paralegal pathways prepare students to pass national certification exams administered by the country’s top certification authorities and the newest paralegal license available for independent paraprofessionals working in a limited capacity.
PPSC makes it easy for students to get their education on campus, online, and through a hybrid combination of options called “hyflex” learning.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to the Legal System
- Domestic Law
- Family Law
- Legal Ethics
- Professional Responsibilities
- American Bar Approved Paralegal
Contact Information
- Address: 5675 South Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado - 80906
- Phone: 719-502-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College offers a web-based learning option for Colorado Springs area paralegals seeking to complete paralegal studies online.
This entirely virtual program equips students with the substantive legal skills needed to sit for national certification exams and to work as entry-level paraprofessionals under Colorado’s new paralegal licensing program.
CMC has both an associate and certificate-based paralegal training program where students combine general education curriculum with substantive law to learn how to conduct legal analysis, research, interviewing, investigating, and documentation prep.
Students seeking to major in a specific area of Colorado law can take paralegal electives like Juvenile Law and Procedures to gain a specialty.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Law
- Family Law
- Substantive Criminal Law
- Legal Research and Writing I and II
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
Contact Information
- Address: 802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, Colorado - 81601
- Phone: 970-945-8691
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College gives students the option to take paralegal studies classes through a combination of synchronous instruction with a live instructor and asynchronous instruction, where students work to complete paralegal coursework virtually at their own pace.
This ABA-approved program is one of the few programs in Colorado that prepare students for national certification through NALA as part of its program goals.
Arapahoe students learn substantive legal concepts for analyzing legal issues, conducting legal research, and adhering to legal ethics while servicing local clients.
ACC offers students a certificate and an associate’s degree in paralegal studies that satisfy Colorado’s substantive education requirements.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Law
- Family Law
- E-Discovery and Litigation Technology
- Contracts
- Intellectual Property
- Property Law
- Business Organization
Contact Information
- Address: 4500 Limelight Avenue, Castle Rock, Colorado - 80109
- Phone: 303-660-3160
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Metropolitan State University of Denver
The Center for Legal Studies at MSU prepares Colorado students for entry-level careers as paralegal professionals.
They offer six paralegal-related disciplines that meet state standards.
The Center offers a paralegal certificate course that educates trainees on the concepts of substantive law needed to provide administrative assistance to lawyers, clients, and legal professionals.
Their paralegal certificate encompasses 84 hours of intensive study.
Certificate holders can expand on their paralegal education by completing NALA certification, applying for state licensure, and taking advantage of MSU’s Advanced Paralegal Studies certificate, which builds on the basic foundation to focus on specialty practice areas.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- The American Legal System
- Legal Terminology
- Civil Procedure and Evidence
- Legal Interviewing
- Legal Analysis
Contact Information
- Address: 890 Aurarria Parkway, Denver, Colorado - 80217
- Phone: 303-556-5740
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Community College of Aurora
The Community College of Aurora has a 60-credit hour associate’s degree program that teaches Colorado paralegals the fundamentals of how the US legal systems and local legal systems work.
Their ABA-approved program prepares students to pass national certification exams administered by the top certification agencies in the US.
Program graduates are prepared for careers as independent paralegals with limited legal practice rights and supervised paralegals who carry out administrative legal services for lawyers, such as conducting legal interviews, researching legal rules, laws, and statutes, and maintaining legal ethics while providing hands-on support for clients.
Courses Offered
- Introduction to Law
- Legal Research and Writing I and II
- Criminal Law
- Current Issues in Law
- Property Law
- Torts
Contact Information
- Address: 16000 East Centre Tech Parkway, Aurora, Colorado - 80011
- Phone: 303-360-4700
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Pikes Peak State College |
|
#2 | Colorado Mountain College |
|
#3 | Arapahoe Community College |
|
#4 | Metropolitan State University of Denver |
|
#5 | Community College of Aurora |
Paralegal Salary Information
Knowing how much Colorado paralegals make can help you tailor your education and certification pathway toward the credentials and local legal employers that align with your desired salary goals.
The most recent salary data for entry-level paralegals in Colorado shows the average annual salary for local legal assistants is just over $67,000.00 per year.
Top-earning paralegals in Colorado can make over $75,000.00 per year through a combination of education, substantive legal experience, certifications, and taking on legal specializations.
The lowest-earning paralegals in the state bring in just over $60,000.00.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$60K |
|
$67K |
|
$75K |
Average Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $75,000 |
Paralegal Job Duties in Colorado Springs
The first step toward starting a new career as a paralegal is knowing what to expect from the role.
Colorado’s paralegals work in fast-paced legal environments, providing hands-on administrative support for lawyers and clients.
The job duties for paralegals in Colorado Springs have recently changed.
A new law allows licensed practitioners to provide limited legal services.
Legal Research and Trial Prep:
Paralegals research local, federal, and state legal databases to help attorneys prepare documents and evidence for trial.
As of March 2023, independent paraprofessionals licensed by the state of Colorado may now prepare a limited number of documents without direct supervision.
Document Preparation and Case File Management:
Legal paraprofessionals can now prepare limited legal documents in support of cases dealing with areas of family law and landlord-tenant relations.
Paralegals must keep meticulous records and use filing systems to manage large case files and related documents.
Legal Analysis:
Legal support professionals must demonstrate critical thinking skills, as their job requires them to conduct in-depth legal analyses and report their findings to practicing attorneys and court officials.
Ethical Standards and Professionalism:
Adhering to the rules and regulations of local, state, and federal laws when providing legal support services is a top priority for Colorado paralegals.
Licensed and certified paralegals must meet ethical standards of practice when providing legal services.
Using Legal Technology:
Paralegals use the latest computers, software, and legal technology to conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, and electronically file time-sensitive court documents.
Graduates from the best paralegal schools in Colorado Springs will learn about the latest e-discovery technologies and frequently used programs like Westlaw.
How to Become a Paralegal in Colorado Springs
If you’re new to the world of legal assistants, it is essential to know which steps to take to reach your career goals.
Colorado’s paralegals will need to complete the following steps to begin their entry-level legal careers.
Step #1. – Finish High School and Satisfy Age Requirements for Continuing Education
Future paralegals must complete high school and be at least 18 years old before they can apply to a post-secondary education or paralegal certificate program.
Step #2. – Learn About Paralegal Licensing and Certification for Colorado Residents
Each state has its policies and procedures for licensing or certifying paralegals.
Colorado has recently implemented a new law that allows for certified paralegals to become licensed as independent paraprofessionals providing limited services.
Visit the Colorado Supreme Court Website to learn more about the rules for the new Licensed Legal Paraprofessional designation for paralegals.
Step #3. – Research and Apply to Paralegal School
High school graduates and GED certificate holders who have reached the age of 18 can begin researching and applying to the best paralegal schools that meet their needs for instruction type, budget, location, and curriculum.
Students should choose a certification-based program that offers a paralegal curriculum that is in alignment with American Bar Association and NALA standards.
Credentials and Degrees for Colorado Paralegals
- Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies
- Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
- Paralegal Certificate
- Juris Doctorate
- Substantive Law Experience
Step #4. – Apply for Licensing or Certification
Graduates from approved paralegal programs become eligible to apply for national certification with the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Candidates who meet the minimum education and experience requirements can apply to become Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals who work independently to provide limited legal services in Colorado.
Do I Need a License to Work as a Paralegal in Colorado Springs?
Colorado is among the growing number of states that allow paralegals to carry a license to provide limited legal services in areas including family law and landlord-tenant disputes.
The Colorado Supreme Court has approved the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional LLP credential, which allows license holders to carry out specific legal duties without the immediate supervision of a licensed local attorney.
Potential Duties of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals
- Legal Separations
- Declarations of Invalidity of Marriage
- Dissolution of Marriage
- Civil Unions
- Orders of Protection
- Name Changes
- Adult Gender Designation Changes
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