Paralegal Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Paralegal Studies program approved by the American Bar Association. The program, which began at Hartford College for Women in 1974, was the first legal training program for paralegals in Connecticut. It provides rigorous training in legal specialty courses in preparation for one of the fastest-growing careers in this country.

Paralegals work under the supervision of an attorney in private law firms, banks, public interest and legal aid organizations, governmental agencies, courts and corporate law departments. They perform a wide variety of legal tasks, such as drafting legal documents, assisting in civil or criminal trial preparation, or conducting legal research and investigations. Their work enables the supervising lawyers to meet the needs of clients more effectively and to deal more efficiently with the complex problems demanding legal expertise. Several enrollment options are available to students wishing to pursue a paralegal career. The College of Arts and Sciences offers an Associate in Science and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, and a Paralegal Certificate program. Students may choose from these options depending on their individual needs and career goals. The Paralegal Studies program is not designed to prepare students for law school.