Marymount’s Master of Arts in Legal Administration prepares students to advance in the rapidly growing legal and paralegal fields. Its curriculum integrates practice with theory. Marymount faculty members are expert practitioners with relevant experience in the legal arena.
Marymount also offers a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies, which can be completed with the master’s degree or independently for students who have a previously earned bachelor’s degree. The certificate requires successful completion of coursework and 24 hours of pro bono legal service to the community.
Marymount’s programs are distinct among other Washington area institutions. Both the degree and certificate are approved by the American Bar Association. Marymount’s master’s program is one of only a few master’s degree programs in the country approved by the ABA, and the certificate program is the only ABA-approved graduate certificate in the Washington area in which the student earns college credit. Graduates of ABA-approved programs may not provide legal services to the public, except as permitted by law; however, they are extremely well prepared for their careers as paralegals.
Individuals interested in the M.A. program will choose from two tracks:
- Track I – Legal Specialty Training, for those wishing to prepare for a career as a paralegal or legal assistant
- Track II – Paralegals Moving into Paralegal Administration, for those interested in supervising paralegals or administering paralegal departments within law firms, corporate law departments, or law-related agencies.
The
ABA Web site can provide further information about the significance of ABA approval of paralegal education.