OU Law Accepting Spring Applications for Legal Assistant Program

NORMAN, OKLA. –The Department of Legal Assistant Education at the University of Oklahoma College of Law is now accepting applications for its spring semester Paralegal Certificate Program.

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. Paralegals are usually crucial in supporting law firm with day-to-day functions. OU’s legal specialty courses cover a broad range of topics.

Courses are offered 100% online in synchronous and asynchronous formats. 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 flexibility of online courses, both in asynchronous and synchronous formats using Zoom, provides our students with the opportunity to conveniently attend class and interact with professors and peers,” said Sunny Rowland, Director of the Legal Assistant Education program.

The program continues to offer synchronous classes, allowing students who would typically commute long distances to virtually join the classroom. Of the 23 legal specialty classes that must be completed, nine credit hours must be completed synchronously and 14 hours online. Students can complete the program within 18 months.

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.

Those interested in applying for the spring semester can contact lae@law.ou.edu for additional information.