PARALEGAL PROFESSION

”The Paralegal Litigation Certificate Program was challenging, rigorous, and demanding of the class, the instructor, and myself. Our instructor challenged us, humored us, and instilled a sense of worthiness in our endeavors. She spent many hours outside of the class to answer questions and help resolve difficult issues in the several papers we wrote. After class, she was still available to speak with us about job interviews and networking. I would like to thank the Center for Continuing Studies and instructor Elizabeth Flynn for the knowledge and skills learned in this class.”

Deborah Creem, Student

UConn offers paralegal courses in two formats: Paralegal Litigation Certificate Program and the Paralegal Continuing Education Modules. These courses are offered twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, provide critical support to lawyers, corporations, government agencies and other institutions with a need for legal expertise. The demand for paralegals continues to increase as more and more law firms and employers discover this cost effective way to enhance the availability of legal services.

The paralegal profession is a dynamic, changing and expanding field. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the number of paralegal and legal assistant positions will grow faster than the average of all occupations through 2010.

In addition to law firms and government agencies, paralegal careers can be found in the state and federal court systems, insurance companies, bank trust departments, administrative agencies and many other areas. Paralegals can utilize their skills in a wide variety of career paths, from claims examiner to labor relations specialist, internal revenue agent and public utilities specialist. As the demand for legal services increases in the 21st century, the possibilities are almost endless.

Paralegals are integral parts of legal teams striving for better delivery of services. They perform many diverse functions, including:

• Analyzing facts and conducting legal analyses
• Conducting research
• Writing legal memoranda
• Organizing and maintaining files
• Interviewing clients
• Drafting pleadings
• Producing and responding to discovery materials
• Assisting preparations for trials
• Attending legal proceedings

UConn’s Paralegal Litigation Certificate Program is designed and taught by prominent attorneys who share their insider’s knowledge of Connecticut’s legal climate and teach marketable, up-to-the minute skills. Students gain competence and proficiency in a wide variety of practical areas, including computer expertise, analytical, communication and organizational skills, and professionalism that will increase their career opportunities.

Open Houses:
Join us at the Avery Point campus, Greater Hartford campus, Storrs campus or Stamford Hospital for an overview of our paralegal continuing education modules and our litigation certificate program. Meet our instructors in a question-and-answer session. Register at the Open House and save 5% off the registration fee.

RSVP to Academic Partnerships and Special Programs at 860-486-3231.

• Dates to be determined
  

On-Site Training! On-site training is available for our Paralegal Litigation Certificate program or the Paralegal modules. With 5 or more interested people, we will bring the training to you. And at a significant savings! Please call 860-486-3231 for more information.