Colorado Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
There are no formal certification requirements for becoming a paralegal in Colorado; however, an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies is often the entry-level requirement. This page provides information on starting your paralegal career in Colorado, including certification options, salary data, job outlook, and career resources.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Paralegal in Colorado
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Colorado
The state of Colorado does not directly regulate paralegal practice and has issued no formal paralegal certification requirements for those wishing to apply for positions as paralegals or legal assistants. State law only requires that paralegals operate under the direct supervision of an attorney. While there are many different paths to becoming a paralegal in the state, most Colorado paralegals possess a combination of education and experience. Below are the basic steps to become a paralegal in Colorado:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Even though Colorado does not require a degree or certificate to become a paralegal, many paralegals choose to obtain a formal education earned at one of the Colorado paralegal programs. Many programs are available across the state, ranging from certificates in paralegal studies to associate degrees in legal studies to bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. Currently, four Colorado paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).1
2. Gain experience.
You can gain on-the-job experience through internships and job shadowing, which are commonly offered in paralegal education programs. On-site training is also available at law firms and corporate legal departments throughout the state. Some paralegals even start at the entry level as document preparers or legal secretaries.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
While Colorado does not require paralegal certification, obtaining voluntary certification is a highly valued credential by employers. You can read more about Colorado certification below.
Paralegal Certification in Colorado
In Colorado, paralegals are called legal assistants or paralegals. Many Colorado paralegals become members of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA, the Paralegal Association); the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA); or the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI). These associations offer paralegal certification programs that are widely recognized as the industry standard of professional excellence. Additionally, paralegals in Colorado can join the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA), headquartered in Denver. For more information on national certification options, take a look at our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.
Colorado Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
18.8%
Paralegals in Colorado from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported 5,400 paralegals and legal assistants employed in Colorado.3 The Denver metropolitan area was the eighth-highest paying metropolitan area in the nation, with paralegals averaging $76,740 per year.3 Colorado paralegal jobs are expected to grow by 18.8%, significantly faster than the national growth rate of 4.2% for the same period.2
Colorado Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 5,400 | $72,220 |
| Boulder | 620 | $62,930 |
| Colorado Springs | 520 | $59,480 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood | 3,440 | $76,740 |
| Fort Collins | 230 | $66,310 |
Paralegal Employers in Colorado
Paralegals in Colorado 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. On LinkedIn, you can search by geography (Colorado or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals. Companies in Colorado with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
- City and County of Denver
- Colorado State Public Defender
- Holland & Hart LLP
- State of Colorado
- Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP
- US Army
To find out more about careers for paralegals, take a look at our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Paralegal Associations in Colorado
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geographical area and/or area of law.
- Legal Assistants of the Western Slope (LAWS): Strives to create and maintain good fellowship among members of the legal community and offers educational opportunities to legal support staff.
- Pikes Peak Paralegals (PPP): Affiliated with NALA, promotes the paralegal profession through continuing legal education and professional networking for its membership and the legal community at large.
- Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA): Works to advocate for the paralegal profession while promoting professional development and interaction with the greater legal community.
Additional Resources
- Colorado Bar Association (CBA): Regularly posts Colorado paralegal jobs from across the state.
- Colorado Supreme Court Library: Offers its research and reference resources to legal professionals and the general public, including computer access to major legal research databases.
- Colorado Judicial Branch: Links visitors to state court pages, forms libraries, case and public records search, and e-filing systems for court correspondence, providing access to court rules, career opportunities, and pertinent news for practicing professionals.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: For paralegal jobs in Colorado, visit our jobs board.
- University of Colorado-Boulder Law School William A. Wise Library: The largest law library in the state of Colorado, encompassing over 850,000 print volumes and 330,000 titles in alternate formats.
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law Westminster Law Library: Offers major collections such as Colorado law, environmental and natural resources, government documents, and international law.
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