Montana Paralegal Schools

More people are taking advantage of courses offered in Montana paralegal schools as jobs in legal administration grow throughout the state. Prospective students have taken note of the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting as much as 28% growth in the career field.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

University of Great Falls: The University of Great Falls offers a Bachelor of Science in Legal And Paralegal Studies as well as an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies; both approved by the American Bar Association. Both types of students are required to complete and pass Introduction to Paralegalism, Introduction to Legal Analysis, and Legal Research and Writing. Paralegal majors also must pursue an internship with a designated law office or legal agency/organization to gain the necessary experience for the paralegal profession. The Bachelor of Science is a 128 credit hours while the Associate of Science is exactly half the number of hours and is divided according to a four semester plan.

The University of Montana: The Department of Business Technology at the University of Montana has an American Bar Association approved Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. This is a four semester program that admits new students only in the fall and consists of 70 credit hours. Not only do students enroll in Paralegal Studies courses, but they must also complete lower level accounting, computer information systems, business, and psychology classes. Two dozen full-time and part-time professors and instructors teach for the Department of Business Technology and contribute to the multidisciplinary curriculum of the Paralegal Studies program.

How to Become a Paralegal in Montana

Montana is a unique legal market and students currently living in the state or planning to move there should research what the needs of their potential employers may be. Since the area of legal administration is not regulated like that of attorneys, employers are free to set their own employee requirements.

A career as a paralegal most often begins with some level of study, although there are many programs available to fit a wide a range of student needs. Montana students have a choice of whether they will participate in a certificate or paralegal degree program, and whether they will do it in a physical classroom or online.

Paralegal Schools in Montana

Montana offers several paralegal programs in the state, two of which are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), an organization that monitors the conduct and practices of attorneys in the United States.

These ABA-approved programs are located at the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, and the University of Montana in Missoula. The Missoula campus offers a two-year associate’s degree, while the University of Great Falls has a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

For those students who cannot attend classes in these locations, online courses are available as an alternative. Online degree programs include the paralegal certificate program at Boston University and the Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies at Virginia College.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Montana

Garlington, Lohn & Robinson PLLP has been rated by US News as one of the best law firms in Missoula. Many of its attorneys have also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America. GLR specializes in many practice areas for businesses and individuals, including Real Estate Law, Intellectual Property, Estate Planning, and Products Liability. Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry, & Hoven P.C. has four offices across Montana from Bozeman to Great Falls, primarily servicing businesses and allied trade associations. Its core competencies are in legislative and public affairs, but the firm has grown to provide all types of legal services to its clients. BKBH invites recent paralegal graduates to contact the firm regarding career opportunities. Moulton Bellingham P.C. traces its Montana roots back to the turn of the century. It is one of the most respected law firms in Montana, with a diverse client base. The firm welcomes inquiries from paralegals interested in starting a career at Moulton Bellingham, with competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

Montana Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Montana is a decidedly rural state, but as paralegals are in high demand this does not negatively impact salary averages. In areas with larger populations like Great Falls, the salary average is about $56,000. In smaller areas like Poplar, the average drops somewhat to about $48,000.

Students should consider their location in the state before deciding on a course of study whether it is in a classroom or online, as requirements likely differ among Montana employers in different regions.

Online and Montana Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.