Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies

The certificate program in paralegal studies is designed to provide the theoretical and practical education needed by those who work or desire to work as paralegals (legal assistants). It is important to note that, at present, there is no state or federal licensure of paralegals, and that successful completion of Webster’s certificate program should not be construed to imply state, federal, or board certification.

All certificate courses must be taken at Webster University. Students may pursue the certificate by itself or integrate their certificate studies with their MA degree program.

The 24 credit hours required for the graduate certificate in paralegal studies must include the following courses:

• LEGL 5000 Introduction to Legal Studies
• LEGL 5300 Ethics for the Legal Professional
• LEGL 5260 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I
• LEGL 5270 Methods of Legal Research and Writing II
• LEGL 5470 Civil Actions
• Two LEGL 5490 Advanced Topics in Law courses (6 credit hours)
• LEGL 5800 Computerized Legal Research

Areas of law offered in Topics courses include:

• Torts
• Contracts
• Probate
• Business Organizations
• Juvenile
• Products Liability
• Consumer
• Environmental
• Insurance
• Bankruptcy
• Property
• Computers and Law
• Family
• Real Estate

Students seeking the paralegal certificate should consult the Admission, Enrollment, Academic Policies, and Graduate Certificates sections of this catalog for information regarding application, admission, registration, and the academic policies of Webster University.

Special Note

A legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals or Legal Assistants may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Webster University's St. Louis area paralegal programs have been approved by the American Bar Association. The Kansas City program is not approved by the American Bar Association.