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:

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

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.

Admission

Students who are interested in applying to this certificate program should see the Admission Section of this catalog for general requirements.

Send all admission materials to:

Office of Admissions
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119