Dive into what it means to be a paralegal.
Explore roles, responsibilities, and success stories. Discover how our program prepares you for success in this dynamic profession. The Paralegal Studies program was initiated by the OU Law Center in 1968, and the program was approved by the American Bar Association in 1978.

What is a Paralegal

There is a growing demand for paralegals in the law profession. A paralegal is trained to work under the general supervision of a lawyer, performing tasks which traditionally have been performed by lawyers. The responsibilities of the paralegal are professional and distinct from routine clerical duties. In the performance of these various tasks, the paralegal, lawyer and clerical staff provide increased efficiency in the delivery of legal services to the client. The paralegal may interview clients, research legal issues, prepare documents and assist in litigation, allowing the supervising lawyer to provide quality representation at lower cost to the client.

Career-Aligned Education

At OU Law, we go beyond class requirements. We provide knowledge directly relevant to your career goals, ensuring practical and valuable learning.

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Taylor Crowell , Graduate

Students currently working as a legal assistant at a law firm will begin to notice the material from the lectures and homework coincides with their job… For those not currently working as a legal assistant, these classes will prepare them and give them more confidence when applying to and interviewing for jobs. Having this type of background knowledge in the legal field helps students stand out in a pool of applicants.

Understanding the Paralegal Pathway

Paralegal Roles

Paralegals perform a variety of crucial tasks to support attorneys, including:

  • Legal research
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Interviewing clients
  • Organizing case files
  • Preparing for trials

Paralegals cannot give legal advice, accept cases, set legal fees, represent clients in court or perform any legal service without the supervision of a licensed lawyer.

Your Opportunities

Our curriculum stresses understanding and reasoning rather than memorizing facts. Upon graduation,  you will be qualified to work with lawyers in:

  • The public sector
  • Private law practices
  • The judiciary
  • Corporations
  • Government
Your Roadmap

To Career Success

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Education that’s Accessible

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Education that’s Accessible

The Paralegal certificate program is flexible and convenient. Experience courses that are synchronous, online, or hybrid that fit with your schedule.

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18
Months to earn your certificate
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$200
Per credit hour
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27.1%
27.1% of OU Norman students are first-gen students.
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Faculty to Support Your Journey

Plan

Faculty to Support Your Journey

Our faculty is dedicated to your success not only in the classroom, but in the real world. Count on them for course guidance and as you help getting started in the profession.

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During my second course, Legal Analysis, the professor encouraged me to start applying for paralegal positions. …She gave me guidance about the firms that were seeking an entry-level paralegal and recommended me for my first jobs. Even after I had completed her course, she regularly would give me counsel about the profession and specific, job-related tasks I was encountering.
Paralegal Studies Program
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Broaden Your Opportunities

Excel

Broaden Your Opportunities

OU Law's prestigious reputation opens doors while our esteemed program equips you with the knowledge and credentials that employers recognize and value. And as an alum, you'll still have access to career resources, such as job postings and resume reviews.

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Hire Our Paralegals

Interested in hiring a qualified paralegal? Send us your job announcement! Job postings are circulated to our current students and graduates. Just fill out the form below and email it to paralegalstudies@law.ou.edu.  

Job Announcement Form

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