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.

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.

Course Descriptions

LEGL 5000 Introduction to Legal Studies (3)

This course provides a background in the American legal system with emphasis on ethics, terminology, and legal analysis. Course content focuses on an overview of substantive areas such as torts, contracts, property, and criminal law.

LEGL 5260 Methods of Legal Research and Writing I (3)

This course is the first in a two-part writing program which is designed to develop the legal assistant’s research and writing skills, including legal citations. Methods of Legal Research and Writing I introduces the student to the skills necessary for identifying, locating, and using legal resources, including: primary sources of statutory and case law; secondary authority; and research reference tools commonly located in a law library which are used to navigate the primary and secondary sources. In addition, the students will be introduced to the process of computer-aided legal research. This class also explores the process of legal analysis through the incorporation of the results of legal research into legal argument and legal memoranda. Prerequisite: LEGL 5000.

LEGL 5270 Methods of Legal Research and Writing II (3)

This course is a continuation of LEGL 5260. Methods of Legal Research and Writing II is designed to build upon the research skills learned in Methods of Legal Research and Writing I and to enhance the paralegal student’s legal analytical and writing skills. The course includes several legal issue writing projects, at least two of which will combine both research and writing skills. Prerequisite: LEGL 5260.

LEGL 5470 Civil Actions (3)

Course content focuses on a variety of civil law areas such as contracts, torts, evidence, property, corporations, tax, wills, and trusts. Students examine actions based on these areas of law. Prerequisite: LEGL 5000.

LEGL 5490 Advanced Topics in Law (3)

Current and significant issues in legal studies are examined. Course content focuses on selected topics, with emphasis given to new and emerging developments in the field. Course may be repeated for credit if content differs. Prerequisites: LEGL 5000 and LEGL 5260.

LEGL 5800 Computerized Legal Research (3)

This course will acquaint students with the fundamental concepts of locating and accessing legal information using computer technology. Prerequisites: LEGL 5000 and LEGL 5260.