Connecticut Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
There are no statewide requirements for paralegals in Connecticut. This guide provides information about voluntary paralegal certifications, salary and job outlook, career resources, and more to help you plan your paralegal career in Connecticut.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Connecticut
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Connecticut
As formal Connecticut paralegal certification is not required, there are a few paths to becoming a paralegal in the state. The most common route is a combination of education and real-world experience, and many future paralegals also choose to become certified to be more competitive for jobs. Below are the basic steps to become a paralegal in Connecticut:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Many Connecticut paralegals begin their career by attending a Connecticut paralegal school. These schools offer certificates in legal studies, associate degrees in paralegal studies, and paralegal bachelor’s degrees for prospective paralegals. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved four Connecticut paralegal programs in the state. Earning a formal degree or certificate from one of these schools can help paralegals build their resumes and become more competitive candidates for employment.
2. Gain experience.
Gaining real-world experience through a paralegal education program is common and may include internships, job shadowing, or other hands-on training. This real-world experience can give paralegal candidates a competitive edge in their job search.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
While state-level licensure or certification is not required in Connecticut, obtaining a credential can make paralegals more attractive to potential employers. Several voluntary certification options are available for paralegals in Connecticut. Read more about paralegal certification in the state below.
Paralegal Certification in Connecticut
State law does not require Connecticut paralegal certification to work as a paralegal. Paralegals and legal assistants are classified as paraprofessionals who must work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. Though state-level certification is not required in most states, including Connecticut, paralegals who have completed a paralegal program are encouraged to seek voluntary national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI), or the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS). The certification programs offered by these organizations have been recognized as providing a national standard of excellence within the paralegal and legal assistant field. For more information regarding paralegal training and career prospects, refer to the Connecticut paralegal associations listed below. Read our Steps to Become a Paralegal page for more information on certification options.
Connecticut Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
-2.9%
Paralegals in Connecticut from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 4,850 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Connecticut, with an average paralegal salary of $71,140.3 Projections Central forecasts a -2.9% decline in employment for Connecticut paralegals and legal assistants.2 Still, the state is expected to see an average of 510 annual openings for paralegal and legal assistant positions.2 Candidates with paralegal education, voluntary certification, and work experience may be more competitive for new openings and may command a higher salary.
Connecticut Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 4,850 | $71,140 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk | 1,220 | $76,150 |
| Danbury | 150 | $71,540 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford | 2,030 | $71,970 |
| New Haven | 710 | $69,960 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 280 | $57,780 |
| Waterbury | 230 | $62,010 |
Paralegal Employers in Connecticut
Paralegals in Connecticut can find opportunities to work for corporate legal departments, government agencies, and private law firms. Paralegals can also find opportunities at corporations, smaller businesses, and state and local government agencies. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Connecticut or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Connecticut with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Bendett & McHugh, P.C.
- Connecticut Judicial Branch
- The Hartford
- State of Connecticut
- The Hartford
- Travelers
- University of Connecticut
For more information about paralegal careers, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Paralegal Associations in Connecticut
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical location and/or area of law.
- Connecticut Bar Association: Provides robust programming for legal professionals throughout the state, including networking opportunities, professional development events, and the Connecticut Legal Conference (CLC).
- Central Connecticut Paralegal Association (CCPA): Strives to advance the paralegal profession in central Connecticut through regular meetings, continuing education seminars, a members-only jobs bank, and a mentoring program.
- New Haven County Association of Paralegals (NHCAP): Serves legal support professionals throughout the New Haven metropolitan area and provides numerous benefits to its members including regular meetings, continuing education seminars, and networking opportunities.
Additional Resources
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: To search for paralegal jobs in Connecticut, be sure to visit our jobs board.
- Connecticut State Library: Holds volumes of law and law-related collections including statutes, regulations, and case law at the federal and state level.
- State of Connecticut Judicial Branch: A one-stop website for all courts in the state offering access to the state law library and an employment portal with paralegal jobs in Connecticut.
- University of Connecticut School of Law Thomas J. Meskill Law Library: Located at main campus in Hartford, this law library has expansive print and electronic holdings with deep collections in Connecticut law and hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of insurance law in the US.
References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm