Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
Montana differs from many other states in that its law strictly defines paralegals as persons who are qualified through education, training or experience to perform substantive legal duties. Additionally, paralegals in Montana must work under the supervision of a licensed Montana attorney. Licensure of paralegals in Montana has been proposed by the legislature, but as of 2014, it is not a legal requirement, yet. If you would like to become a paralegal in Montana under the state’s current rules, please read on.
Montana has stricter rules regarding paralegal education than most other states, although the rules are still a bit arbitrary. Paralegals in Montana must be qualified through education, training or work experience.
Montana Paralegal Online and Campus School Programs
Featured Programs:
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, No GRE/LSAT required.
Post University - Online Associate and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Rasmussen University - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law - Online Master of Legal Studies Program, Bachelor's Required
American University - Online Master of Legal Studies- No GRE/ LSAT Req'd, Five Concentrations Available, Bachelor's Required
The Montana Bar prefers that paralegals be graduates of American Bar Association (ABA)-approved paralegal programs, this is not a mandate in order to work as a paralegal in Montana.
The following paralegal programs in Montana hold ABA accreditation:
If you attend a Montana ABA-approved paralegal program, you will likely complete an internship of at least 120 hours in duration. If your school does not offer a paralegal internship, you may pursue one on your own through the following volunteer legal organizations in Montana:
You might consider joining the State Bar of Montana’s Paralegal Section, although this is strictly optional and not necessary to work as a paralegal in Montana. Being a member of the State Bar sets you apart as being the most professional and ethical in your field, with the highest standards of professionalism. In order to join, you must meet one of the following criteria:
If you desire becoming a member of the State Bar of Montana’s Paralegal Section, complete this application and mail it, along with yearly dues of $60, to State Bar of Montana, P.O. Box 577, Helena, MT 59624.
Paralegal jobs in Montana may be found in attorney’s offices, businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, and many other arenas, such as:
Congratulations! You are now a paralegal working in the great state of Montana! Think about joining the Montana Association of Legal Assistants/Paralegals, the state’s only voluntary membership organization for paralegals (besides the State Bar of Montana Paralegal Section).
If you are a member of the State Bar of Montana Paralegal Section, remember to complete the annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) required by the Bar as well as paying the annual $60 dues to the organization. You must complete at least 10 CLE hours each year, with six of those hours being at interactive, in-person seminars. Additionally, you must complete three hours of ethics CLE every three years.
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