About 4,630 paralegals were employed in Missouri in 2018, with the highest concentration of paralegal jobs found in St. Louis and Kansas City.1 Missouri paralegal schools train aspiring professionals for success in one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. While a paralegal cannot perform duties within the scope of the practice of law in Missouri, they are able to perform other duties for law firms and private and public sector companies. Earning a paralegal degree in Missouri can help you enter this promising and rewarding career field.
How to Become a Paralegal in Missouri
While Missouri does not currently have any specific education requirements set by law for paralegals, candidates are encouraged to earn an education in paralegal studies in order to stand out in a competitive job market. In addition to earning a two- or four-year degree, candidates can increase their marketability by obtaining voluntary certification from an organization like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Missouri Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook
Paralegals in Missouri earn an average of $53,110 per year.1 Salaries tend to be slightly higher in metropolitan areas like St. Louis.1 Since the cost of living in Missouri is lower than the average in the rest of the country, these averages can be attractive for career-minded paralegals. The overall outlook for Missouri paralegals is positive, with 16.1% jobs growth projected through 2026.2 Including replacement openings, an annual average of 610 paralegal and legal assistant jobs are expected in the state during the same time period.2
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Missouri
Maryville University: The Social Sciences Department at Maryville University has an American Bar Association-approved Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. 12 courses are dedicated to the major and required core classes include Introduction to Law, Legal Ethics, Interrogation & Investigation, Legal Research and Writing (I and II), and Civil Litigation. Students must also complete a seminar course and an internship, through which they can earn up to 12 credits. The faculty members possess terminal degrees and have extensive and broad experience in the legal field.
Missouri Western State University: The Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Social Work at Missouri Western State University has three American Bar Association-approved programs: a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice with a legal studies emphasis, an Associate of Science in legal assisting, and a legal assistant certificate. Students pursuing a BS can choose a three-year degree plan which incorporates classes during the summer to complete the degree on an accelerated timeline. All students enroll in courses including Paralegal Studies; Legal Research; Litigation; Legal Computer Applications; and Advanced Legal Research. Over a dozen full- and part-time professors and instructors teach within the Legal Studies programs at MWSU.
Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Missouri
Bryan Cave LLP is a global business and litigation firm with 24 international offices. Its headquarters are in St. Louis, where over 245 attorneys work for the firm. Bryan Cave advocates for and advises its clients according to its core values of commitment, diversity, and excellence. Bryan Cave provides comprehensive benefits, development opportunities, and an engaging workplace, and frequently seeks out paralegals to join its team.
Armstrong Teasdale is an AmLaw 250 law firm thanks to its innovative approach to representation and legal practice in general. Armstrong Teasdale maintains the technology required to allow its employees to enjoy flexible work arrangements, competitive training, and other programs that benefit its team. Armstrong Teasdale seeks out the best paralegal talent available.
Thompson Coburn LLP practices in over 50 areas of law and has tried the longest jury trial as well as one of the largest civil suits in US history. Thompson Coburn is highly ranked by US News, The American Lawyer, and Corporate Board Member. Thompson Coburn offers its paralegals an attractive benefits package in addition to providing an accessible and cooperative work environment.
Paralegal Schools and Programs in Missouri
An asterisk indicates that one or more of the school's programs have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).Culver-Stockton College (Canton)Bachelor's | Legal Studies
Drury University (Springfield)Associate of Science | Paralegal StudiesAssociate of Science | Paralegal Studies (online)Minor | Law and SocietyProgram | Pre-Law
Maryville University (St. Louis)*Program | Pre-Law
Metropolitan Community College (Independence; Kansas City; Lees Summit)Associate of Applied Science | Paralegal Practice
Missouri Southern State University (Joplin)Certificate | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal Studies (online)Minor | Paralegal StudiesMinor | Paralegal Studies (online)Pre-Professional Program | Pre-Law
Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph)*Associate of Science | Legal AssistantBachelor of Science | CJ: Legal StudiesCertificate | Legal AssistantMinor | Legal Studies
Park University (Parkville)Minor | Legal Studies
Rockhurst University (Kansas City)Minor | Paralegal StudiesCertificate | Paralegal StudiesPre-Professional Program | Pre-Law
St. Louis Community College (Kirkwood; St. Louis)Associate of Applied Science | Legal Studies for the ParalegalCertificate of Proficiency | Legal Studies for the Paralegal
Webster University (St. Louis)*Bachelor of Arts | Legal StudiesMaster of Arts | Legal StudiesMinor | Legal StudiesGraduate Certificate | Paralegal StudiesUndergraduate Certificate | Paralegal StudiesPre-Professional Program | Pre-Law
Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis)Bachelor of Arts | Legal StudiesMinor | Legal StudiesMaster of Arts | Legal StudiesUndergraduate Certificate | Legal StudiesGraduate Certificate | Legal Studies
Webster University (St. Louis)Master's | Legal StudiesWilliam Woods University (Fulton)Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies (online)Bachelor of Science | Paralegal Studies (transfer)Bachelor of Arts | Political/Legal Studies: Pre-LawMinor | Political/Legal Studies
*Approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)Additional Resources
Missouri Paralegal Association – The Show-Me-State's organization of paralegals dedicated to preserving and growing the profession.
References:1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
