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Paralegals are in high demand all across the country, including in Missouri.
Individuals who want to begin an exciting career as a paralegal in Missouri should check out the educational opportunities and requirements for becoming a certified paralegal.
Keep reading to learn more about this professional career and the steps necessary to begin working in the field.
Article Table of Contents
Requirements for Becoming a Paralegal in Missouri
Individuals who want to become certified paralegals in Missouri must take a 60-credit-hour course to fulfill their coursework requirements.
In addition, they also require that the courses are ABA/AAfPE approved.
Individuals that satisfy the coursework and hands-on training requirements can take the national exam to get their certificate.
The four exams currently offered are the CLA/CP, the PACE, the PCC, and the PP.
5 Schools for Paralegals in Missouri
Individuals who want to begin their careers as paralegals in Missouri should consider taking a comprehensive program or training course at a school or institution.
The following are some of the top programs in Missouri that offer the education and training necessary to become a successful paralegal.
Missouri Western State University
Missouri Western State University provides an associate of science and a bachelor of science degree in legal studies.
This ABA-approved program provides all the skills and education individuals need to become qualified paralegals in Missouri.
The address of the campus is 4525 Downs Dr, St. Joseph, MO 64507.
The phone number for the campus is 816–271–4293.
Louis Community College
St. Louis community college offers an associate in applied science in paralegal studies and a certificate of proficiency for students to achieve excellence as a paralegal.
This course covers every aspect of research, skill development, and legal documentation necessary to become a paralegal in Missouri.
The certificate of proficiency is completed and 30 credit hours and the associate of science requires 60 credit hours.
The address of the school is 3221 McKelvey Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.
The phone number for admissions is 314–539–5002.
Webster University
Webster University offers a bachelor of arts in legal studies.
This course covers every aspect of law and practice for advanced-level paralegals.
This is a hybrid course that offers both online and in-person instruction.
Additionally, individuals may go on to pursue an online master of arts degree in legal studies with this college.
The tuition for this college is $28,700 per year.
The address of the college is 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119.
The phone number for the admissions office is 800–981–9801.
William Woods University
This program provides students with a bachelor’s of science in paralegal studies.
This course combines 14 courses along with an eight-week schedule.
This 42-hour semester program covers every aspect of working as a paralegal, including writing, research, and law-related technical concepts.
The tuition for the school for one year is $25,930.
The address for the college campus is 1 University Ave., Fulton, MO65251.
The phone number for the admissions office is 800-995–3159.
University of Central Missouri
This program is nationally recognized and designed for both beginners and advanced-level paralegal hopefuls.
This online class is designed to give students flexibility and superior education to help them become paralegals in Missouri.
This online instructor-led course is 90 hours and costs $1895 per semester.
The address of the campus is PO Box 800, Warrensburg, MO 64093.
The phone number for the campus operator is 877–729–8266.
Paralegal Schools in Missouri – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Missouri Western State University | 4525 Downs Dr, St Joseph, MO 64507 |
| Louis Community College | 3221 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044 |
| Webster University | 470 E Lockwood Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119 |
| William Woods University | 1 University Ave, Fulton, MO 65251 |
| University of Central Missouri | 116 W South St, Warrensburg, MO 64093 |
Salary of Paralegals in Missouri
The average salary of a paralegal in Missouri is $60,148 annually.
However, individuals with additional experience, skills, or favorable locations may make well over $70,000 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $59,152 |
| St. Louis | $59,387 |
| Springfield | $56,987 |
| Independence | $59,088 |
| Columbia | $58,728 |
| St. Joseph | $58,630 |
| Lee's Summit | $58,927 |
| St. Charles | $59,066 |
| St. Peters | $58,937 |
| Florissant | $59,291 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | 170 | $57,750 | $27.77 | $86,970 | $38,900 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 170 | $49,000 | $23.56 | $60,360 | $36,250 |
| Joplin, MO | 120 | $50,540 | $24.3 | $74,850 | $34,500 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 3,140 | $62,110 | $29.86 | $84,980 | $40,000 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 50 | $51,810 | $24.91 | $68,200 | $37,870 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 3,030 | $62,840 | $30.21 | $84,680 | $39,210 |
| Springfield, MO | 390 | $54,630 | $26.26 | $76,380 | $37,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified paralegal in Missouri?
On average, it takes an individual approximately two years to complete their coursework and hands-on training that qualifies them to take one of the national exams to become certified.
Once an individual passes their course or classes with an acceptable or passing grade, they may qualify to apply to take the national exam.
Once a national exam is passed, it is entered into a national database where potential employers can check their credentials.
Is a certificate required to work as a paralegal in Missouri?
Having a national certificate is not a requirement to work as a paralegal in Missouri.
However, individuals will be more likely to work with you or give you the desired job if you have a certificate.
Individuals with certificates of more intense training have more experience, which is why they get the best paying positions and more work.
If you have not completed a training course, you may be able to work under the direct supervision of an attorney or a legal firm to gather the experience necessary to apply to take the national exam.
Can you have a felony in your background and work as a paralegal in Missouri?
It is not against the law to have a felony in your background and work as a paralegal.
However, most individuals with felonies in their background will have trouble securing their ideal job working with an attorney or a law firm.
Before applying for positions, it is essential to disclose any felonies and inquire if your employer will accept this event in your background check if they require it for employment.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State