NORMAN, OKLA. – The Department of Legal Assistant Education at the University of Oklahoma will continue to offer 100% online courses for the Fall 2021 semester in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Applications are currently being accepted for the department's fall semester Paralegal Certificate Program.
The American Bar Association allows paralegal programs to offer nine credits synchronously. Synchronous means live, real-time classes offered through a digital technology platform or on campus. The program continues to offer synchronous classes, allowing students who would typically commute long distances to join through Zoom.
Synchronous courses will occur on scheduled Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Of the 23 legal specialty classes that must be completed, nine credits must be completed synchronously and 14 credits are online. The combination of required courses and electives satisfy the synchronous requirement. Students can complete the program within 18 months.
Legal assistants, also called paralegals, work under the supervision of lawyers and perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, drafting legal documents and interviewing clients. OU’s legal specialty courses are taught by lawyers and legal assistants who bring their real-world experience into the classroom.
The Department of Legal Assistant Education was initiated by the OU Law Center in 1968, and the program was approved by the American Bar Association in 1978.