{"id":3116,"date":"2022-07-29T09:14:35","date_gmt":"2022-07-29T14:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/?page_id=3116"},"modified":"2023-08-08T16:21:19","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T21:21:19","slug":"law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/law\/","title":{"rendered":"Law"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;padding-top:0px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:30px;margin-bottom: 0px;margin-top: 0px;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#eae9e9;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_3_5 3_5 fusion-three-fifth fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:60%;width:calc(60% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.6 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><h2 style=\"margin-top: 0px;\">Promote civic engagement. Advocate for justice. Uphold the Constitution.<\/h2>\n<p><em>Creating empowered and engaged citizens one student at a time.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Declaration of Independence was always our vision of who we wanted to be, our ideal of freedom and justice, how we were going to be different, and what the American experiment was going to be about.\u201d \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdefense.org\/staff\/marian-wright-edelman\/\">Marian Wright Edelman<\/a>, Co-founder &amp; Exec. Director of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdefense.org\/\">Children&#8217;s Defense Fund<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-double\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-tabs fusion-tabs-1 classic horizontal-tabs icon-position-left\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li a.tab-link{border-top-color:#ffc700;background-color:#ffc700;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:hover,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:focus{border-right-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:hover,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li.active a.tab-link:focus{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs li a:hover{background-color:#ebeaea;border-top-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .tab-pane{background-color:#ebeaea;}.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .nav-tabs,.fusion-tabs.fusion-tabs-1 .tab-content .tab-pane{border-color:#ffffff;}<\/style><div class=\"nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\" role=\"tablist\"><li class=\"active\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-1c0b20eff6e9727c8c1\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" href=\"#tab-1c0b20eff6e9727c8c1\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Bachelor of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-9cccf8407994a44c40f\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-certificate\" href=\"#tab-9cccf8407994a44c40f\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Certificate<\/h4><\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-b705b0aebdd4dd265c4\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"fusion-tab-minor\" href=\"#tab-b705b0aebdd4dd265c4\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Minor<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-content\"><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li class=\"active\"><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-1c0b20eff6e9727c8c1\" aria-selected=\"true\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" href=\"#tab-1c0b20eff6e9727c8c1\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Bachelor of Science<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix in active\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-bachelorofscience\" id=\"tab-1c0b20eff6e9727c8c1\">\n<p>The Bachelor of Science in Law prepares students to work as a paralegal, a legal professional or to go on to law school. The program offers students the opportunity to explore the various roles, functions, and responsibilities of the numerous positions in the American legal system. You\u2019ll come away with an understanding of the history, principles, and purpose of legal institutions and their operation.<\/p>\n<p>All students complete an applied learning requirement. In most cases, students choose an internship and a senior capstone course. Students who have earned a Bachelor\u2019s degree in this or any discipline may also choose to apply for admission to law school, which is a very competitive process based primarily on grades and scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion of the\u00a0program,\u00a0graduates will be able to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate appropriate paralegal skill development and professionalism through practical experiences.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate an understanding of their ethical responsibilities in the legal profession.<\/li>\n<li>Articulate the paralegal\u2019s role in the delivery of legal services to the public.<\/li>\n<li>Write clearly and think analytically.<\/li>\n<li>Read, analyze, and synthesize complex information in an organized and logical manner.<\/li>\n<li>Utilize technology necessary to meet employer needs.<\/li>\n<li>Manage multiple projects and tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-9cccf8407994a44c40f\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-certificate\" href=\"#tab-9cccf8407994a44c40f\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Certificate<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-certificate\" id=\"tab-9cccf8407994a44c40f\">\n<div class=\"column one-second\">\n<div class=\"the_content\">\n<div class=\"inner-padding\">\n<div>\n<p>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 A.S. or B.S.<\/p>\n<p>Graduates from either degree option will fulfill the following\u00a0program objectives:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Satisfactorily complete all courses, exit exams and other requirements of the program;<\/li>\n<li>Perform legal research and analysis by using legal research material;<\/li>\n<li>Draft and prepare legal documents;<\/li>\n<li>Identify and explain the various functions performed by a legal assistant;<\/li>\n<li>Explain the role of the legal assistant working in a law office;<\/li>\n<li>Identify ethical issues, rules and standards that a legal assistant must follow; and<\/li>\n<li>Perform the functions of a legal assistant under the supervision of a practicing attorney<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"nav fusion-mobile-tab-nav\"><ul class=\"nav-tabs nav-justified\"><li><a class=\"tab-link\" data-toggle=\"tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-controls=\"tab-b705b0aebdd4dd265c4\" aria-selected=\"false\" tabindex=\"-1\" id=\"mobile-fusion-tab-minor\" href=\"#tab-b705b0aebdd4dd265c4\"><h4 class=\"fusion-tab-heading\">Minor<\/h4><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"tab-pane fade fusion-clearfix\" role=\"tabpanel\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-labelledby=\"fusion-tab-minor\" id=\"tab-b705b0aebdd4dd265c4\">\n<div class=\"column two-third\">\n<div class=\"the_content\">\n<div class=\"inner-padding\">\n<p>Students who are pursuing a Bachelor&#8217;s degree in another discipline should consider a minor in Legal Studies. A minor in Legal Studies prepares students who are interested in attending law school and allows for more job opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p>In 2021, the Legal Studies Program began offering students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Law degree. The B.S. Law degree is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/paralegals\/paralegal-resource-directory\/\">approved<\/a> by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/\">American Bar Association<\/a> (ABA). This is a unique opportunity for students to complete an undergraduate education focused on law and the American legal system. It is a perfect degree for those who wish to master the skills of analytical reasoning, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and legal research. Students who wish to go to law school or pursue a career as a paralegal, lawyer, judge, or litigation support specialist, should consider a B.S. in Law. Our graduates hold positions in law firms, legal departments of banks, insurance companies, land title insurance companies, corporations, legal aid offices, public defender offices, the office of the prosecuting attorney, municipal legal departments and more.<\/p>\n<p>The Legal Studies Program is a member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafpe.org\/\">American Association for Paralegal Education<\/a> (AAfPE). Students take classes in Legal Research, Litigation, Legal Computer Applications, Legal Drafting, Advanced Legal Research, and Interpersonal Conflict Resolution. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive<br \/>\nlegal work under the direction of an attorney.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate appropriate paralegal skill development and professionalism through practical<br \/>\nexperiences.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate an understanding of their ethical responsibilities in the legal profession.<\/li>\n<li>Articulate the paralegal\u2019s role in the delivery of legal services to the public.<\/li>\n<li>Write clearly and think analytically.<\/li>\n<li>Read, analyze, and synthesize complex information in an organized and logical manner.<\/li>\n<li>Utilize technology necessary to meet employer needs.<\/li>\n<li>Manage multiple projects and tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>According to the 2021 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/legal\/home.htm\">Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook<\/a>, overall employment in legal occupations is projected to grow <strong>10%<\/strong> from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about <strong>131,000 new jobs<\/strong> over the decade. The national median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants in 2021 was <strong>$56,230 per year or $27.03<\/strong>. The job outlook for paralegals is expected to grow at the rate of 14%, a rate must faster than average. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/legal\/lawyers.htm\">Lawyers<\/a> are also going to be in demand in the next decade. The profession is expected to grow at the rate of 10% and will add an estimated 80,200 jobs to the workforce from 2021-31.<\/p>\n<\/div><!--<div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_2 1_2 fusion-one-half fusion-column-first\" style=\"width:50%;width:calc(50% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.5 ) );margin-right: 4%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-3116-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-3116-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-3116-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:#ffffff; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-3116-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-3116-1\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"659be043c66dd8555\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-1\" data-target=\"#659be043c66dd8555\" href=\"#659be043c66dd8555\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How long does it take to complete the Legal Studies (paralegal) degree?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"659be043c66dd8555\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>The time it takes to complete the paralegal degree depends upon which paralegal degree you decide to complete. There are four paralegal degree options: a minor in Legal Studies, a Certificate\u00a0in Legal Assistant, an Associate Degree in Legal Studies, and a Bachelor&#8217;s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Legal Studies.\u00a0 The Bachelor&#8217;s degree requires 120 hours of credits. The Associate&#8217;s degree is completed in 62 credit hours. The certificate requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Classes are typically three (3) credit hours each and can be completed according to schedule permitted and preference of each student.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"df000364eb99f5059\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-1\" data-target=\"#df000364eb99f5059\" href=\"#df000364eb99f5059\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">How much does it cost to complete the Legal Studies (paralegal) program?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"df000364eb99f5059\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>The cost of completing the paralegal program is determined by which degree you decide to complete. Please refer to the Missouri Western admissions website to determine the cost per credit hour:\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1572986796302000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEhoHl8_Ct1KkvnDjAbDJbbCMqKIA\">https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/admissions\/<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-1 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_2 1_2 fusion-one-half fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:50%;width:calc(50% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.5 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-3116-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-3116-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f9f9f9 } #accordion-3116-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#cccccc; border-width:1px; background-color:#ffffff; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-3116-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-2 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-3116-2\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"7cb4ee2b31c6110cb\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-2\" data-target=\"#7cb4ee2b31c6110cb\" href=\"#7cb4ee2b31c6110cb\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can the Legal Studies (paralegal) degree be completed online?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"7cb4ee2b31c6110cb\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>No, the paralegal degree may not be completed online only.\u00a0 \u00a0As a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), all paralegal students are required to complete a\u00a0<b>minimum of nine (9) credit hours<\/b>\u00a0in a synchronous or traditional classroom environment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"3b92811498935a449\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-2\" data-target=\"#3b92811498935a449\" href=\"#3b92811498935a449\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is the Legal Studies (paralegal program) approved by the American Bar Association?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"3b92811498935a449\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<div>Yes, the Legal Studies (paralegal) program has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1986.<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>--><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_5 2_5 fusion-two-fifth fusion-column-last\" style=\"width:40%;width:calc(40% - ( ( 4% ) * 0.4 ) );margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 4px 10px 10px 10px;\"><div class=\"imageframe-align-center\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img width=\"480\" height=\"340\" alt=\"Crime scene do not cross\" title=\"gavel\" src=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2022\/07\/gavel.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive wp-image-3117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2022\/07\/gavel-200x142.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2022\/07\/gavel-400x283.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2022\/07\/gavel.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-3116-3 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-3116-3 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #c6c6c6 } #accordion-3116-3 .fusion-panel { border-color:#ffffff; border-width:1px; background-color:rgba(255,199,0,0.3); }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title a{font-size:18px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-3116-3 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #3a3a3a;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian  #accordion-3116-3 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #3a3a3a!important;border-color: #3a3a3a!important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion-3116-3\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"89f4ec4f8d1db10b6\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-3\" data-target=\"#89f4ec4f8d1db10b6\" href=\"#89f4ec4f8d1db10b6\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">B.S. Law Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"89f4ec4f8d1db10b6\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/law-bs\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"8e5976a34a8604bd8\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-3\" data-target=\"#8e5976a34a8604bd8\" href=\"#8e5976a34a8604bd8\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">B.S. Criminal Justice\/Legal Studies<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"8e5976a34a8604bd8\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/criminal-justice-bs\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU Course Catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"656f91fbf85d961ba\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-3\" data-target=\"#656f91fbf85d961ba\" href=\"#656f91fbf85d961ba\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Sample Degree Plan<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"656f91fbf85d961ba\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/forms.missouriwestern.edu\/registrar\/ug\/CJLS\/LS\/SP-BS-Law.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B.S. Law<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/forms.missouriwestern.edu\/registrar\/ug\/CJLS\/CJ\/SP-BS-Criminal-Justice-Legal-Studies.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B.S. Criminal Justice \u2013 Legal Studies Concentration<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"b09a1cda4d113cc34\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-3\" data-target=\"#b09a1cda4d113cc34\" href=\"#b09a1cda4d113cc34\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Legal Assistant Certificate Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"b09a1cda4d113cc34\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.missouriwestern.edu\/undergraduate\/business-professional-studies\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-assistant-certificate\/#requirementstext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU course catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-selected=\"false\" aria-controls=\"2b20a276836a77afe\" role=\"tab\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-3116-3\" data-target=\"#2b20a276836a77afe\" href=\"#2b20a276836a77afe\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Legal Studies Minor Requirements<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"2b20a276836a77afe\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/minors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to view the course requirements in the MWSU course catalog.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-bottom:15px;width:100%;\"><div class=\"fusion-separator-border sep-double\" style=\"border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.5);border-top-width:0px;border-bottom-width:0px;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-widget-area fusion-widget-area-1 fusion-content-widget-area\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-widget-area-1 {padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget h4 {color:#333333;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget .heading h4 {color:#333333;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget h4 {font-size:13px;}.fusion-widget-area-1 .widget .heading h4 {font-size:13px;}<\/style><div id=\"ct_jquery_3level_accordion_menu_widget-6\" class=\"widget \"><div class=\"menu-legal-studies-container\"><ul id=\"ct_jquery_3level_accordion_menu_widget-6-menu\" class=\"ctAccordion skin-SimpleLines\"><li id=\"menu-item-1612\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1612\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies\/lsat\/\">Law School Admission Test (LSAT)<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1575\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-1575\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/legal-studies\/advisory-board\/\">Legal Studies Advisory Board<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-3244\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3244\"><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSd99oKRorwGIEmp4Pq2UGZf8_4WOw1gWv6unQN5Dn7EO8ZQ4A\/viewform?vc=0&#038;c=0&#038;w=1&#038;flr=0\">Legal Studies Advisory Board Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-1576\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-1576\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/missouriwestern.presence.io\/organization\/legal-studies-association\">Legal Studies Association<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2727\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2727\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdGf3WIltNPbOxfkSXX2-Ssaq9gXxX1oUfNenL_nKoD9oyf1g\/viewform\">Legal Studies Alumni Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2715\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2715\"><a href=\"#\">Paralegal Associations<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-3157\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3157\"><a href=\"https:\/\/iaals.du.edu\/projects\/allied-legal-professionals\">Allied Legal Professionals<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2721\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2721\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theipma.org\/\">International Practice Management Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2718\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2718\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kcparalegals.org\/\">Kansas City Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2717\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2717\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/missouriparalegalassoc.org\/\">Missouri Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2716\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2716\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nala.org\/\">National Association of Legal Assistants<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2719\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2719\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.paralegals.org\/\">National Federal of Paralegal Associations<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2720\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2720\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stlpa.org\/\">St. Louis Paralegal Association<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"menu-item-2735\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2735\"><a href=\"#\">American Bar Association (ABA)<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2738\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2738\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/167\/2024\/11\/2023-approval-guidelines.pdf\">ABA Guidelines for Approval of Paralegal Education Programs<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2736\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-2736\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanbar.org\/groups\/paralegals\">ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-additional-widget-content\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><strong><em>Unauthorized Practice Of Law <\/em><\/strong><br \/>\n<em><strong>The Legal Assistant Program is a charter member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. Paralegals cannot practice law. Only attorneys, who are licensed in the state by the Supreme Court, can practice law.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\" style=\"transform:translate3d(0,0,0);\"><p><em><strong>Transfer Statement<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<em><strong>No more than 9 credit hours of legal specialty courses may be transferred to Missouri Western and they must be from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3116"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3116"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3186,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3116\/revisions\/3186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.missouriwestern.edu\/criminal-justice-legal-studies\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}