Legal Assistant Certificate
Become a Paralegal.
Jumpstart Your Path to Law School in as Early as 1 Year with this Flexible Program!
Program Overview
The Certificate in Legal Assistant (paralegal) offers courses that are designed to prepare students to work as a paralegal or to go on to law school. The skills the student will learn include legal research, interviewing, investigation, legal drafting, preparation of evidence and witnesses for trial, and assisting in the trial of a lawsuit. Students who qualify may earn a Legal Assistant Certificate while also earning an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science.
Accredited by the American Bar Association.
Program Highlights
○ Duration: 1 year (by taking two 15-credit hour semesters)
○ Format: Flexible. Online classes are available for LAT and some SWK courses. Internships are in person, but may be available during the Summer months.
○ Career-Ready Skills: Legal research, interviewing, investigation, legal drafting, preparation of evidence and witnesses for trial, and assisting in the trial of a lawsuit.
○ Job-Friendly: If you are already working in a legal office, your internship is waived!
* Statistics according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of August 28, 2025
Career Outlook
Becoming a certified Legal Assistant (Paralegal) sets you up to start your career in law, allowing you a foot in the door as a Legal Assistant. Get on-the-job experience through our internship program while pursuing this accredited certificate.
Why Get Your Legal Assistant Certificate at MoWest?
Our accredited Legal Assistant Certificate is designed with you in mind. Whether you may need to take some of your classes online, or you’re already working at a law firm, your instructors will work with you to make the adjustments that you need. Get your hands-on experience with a summer internship. Complete your certificate in a year when you take 15-credit hours per semester of classes. Design your path forward toward your dream job.
Contact Us
Crystal Dowdell
Program Director, Instructor of Legal Studies
Wilson Hall
(816) 271-5627
cdowdell1@missouriwestern.edu
Program Requirements
○ Admission to MoWest
Tuition & Fees
○ In-State, Undergraduate Classes: $5,220/15-Credit Hour Semester (approx. $348/credit hour)
○ Out-of-State, Online Undergraduate Classes: $10,155.00/15-Credit Hour Semester (approx. $677/credit hour)
Check out our Tuition & Fees & Cost of Attendance pages for more information.
* Prices as of the 25′ – 26′ school year
Apply Today
Apply via our free online application today!