The University of Montana

The American Bar Association has approved this program

The objective of the Paralegal Studies program is to enable students to pursue a paralegal career in the legal departments of industrial concerns, businesses, and government, and also to assist attorneys in private law firms. The courses are designed to teach students the practical aspects of law together with the theoretical knowledge needed to enable them to assist and enhance the legal profession.

The program includes instruction in the vocabulary, function and processes of law, and equips students with the ability to prepare cases for trial, draft legal documents and become skillful in interviewing clients and carrying out legal research. Students will be conversant with modern technology including modern software applications and internet research techniques, and will be provided with the training required to apply their legal skills in all sectors of the community.

In being equipped to take advantage of career opportunities in the paralegal profession, students will also be cautioned regarding restricting the practice of law to those areas permitted by their certificate.

On completion of the course, the successful student will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree. The program can be completed in four semesters by students entering in the autumn. Students entering in the spring semester should consult with their advisor before choosing their courses.

Students will attend classes on both the East and the Mountain campuses.