Legal Education in Montana
Law schools, paralegal programs, certifications, bar exam resources, and continuing education in Montana.
Law Schools
ABA-accredited JD programs in Montana
Paralegal Programs
Accredited paralegal education and certificate programs
University of Montana Missoula College — Legal Studies
ABA-approved associate and certificate programs in paralegal studies — the certificate is a one-year fully online distance program that can be paired with an AA or AS degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Paralegal exam.
University of Providence — Legal & Paralegal Studies
ABA-approved BS and AS programs in legal and paralegal studies — available on campus and online. Partnerships with the US Army and Air Force assist active-duty paralegals in earning an ABA-approved degree.
Montana Association of Legal Assistants-Paralegals (MALA)
Montana`s only paralegal association affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants — CLEs, mentoring, job leads, networking, and professional development for paralegals statewide.
Court Reporter & Captioning Programs
Stenography, digital reporting, and real-time captioning training
Montana Court Reporters Association (MTCRA)
Professional organization promoting excellence among court reporters, captioners, and legal transcriptionists in Montana — networking, continuing education, and a statewide reporter directory.
National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) — A to Z Intro Program
Free six-week online introductory course in steno writing — designed for Montana residents and others to discover whether court reporting or captioning is the right career before committing to a full program.
Mediator & ADR Certification
Alternative dispute resolution training and qualified neutral roster
Montana Mediation Association (MtMA)
Statewide organization founded in 1998 to promote mediation as a viable alternative to litigation — education, networking, ethical practice standards, and policy advocacy for Montana mediators.
Montana Academy of Mediators & Arbitrators (MAMA)
Montana chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals — a professional association of the state`s most experienced civil and commercial mediators and arbitrators.
State Bar of Montana — ADR Section
Bar section for attorneys practicing mediation, arbitration, and collaborative dispute resolution — events, publications, and professional development.
Legal Nurse Consulting
Certification programs for RNs providing litigation support
Notary Public Certification
How to become a notary public in Montana
Montana Secretary of State — Notary Public
Official guide to becoming a Montana notary public. Requirements: 18+, Montana resident, complete 4 hours of approved education, pass the state exam with 80%+, obtain a $25,000 surety bond, and pay the $25 filing fee. Four-year commission term.
Montana Notary Commission Application
Online application portal for new and renewal notary commissions — all applications, updates, and changes must be filed through the Secretary of State`s online portal.
Bar Admission & Exam
Pathways to becoming a licensed attorney in Montana
Montana Board of Bar Examiners
Oversees attorney admission in Montana. The state administers the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) — minimum passing score of 266 on a 400-point scale. Scores are portable to other UBE jurisdictions for three years.
State Bar of Montana — Admissions
Administers the bar admissions process including the Montana Law Seminar requirement. MPRE passing score of 80 required. Admission on motion available for attorneys with 5 years of practice in the past 7 years.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Requirements for licensed Montana attorneys
Montana Commission of Continuing Legal Education
Active attorneys must complete 15 CLE credits per year, including 2 professional fitness and integrity credits. At least 10 credits must be live format. Reporting period runs April 1 through March 31.
State Bar of Montana — CLE Programming
Primary CLE course provider for Montana attorneys — seminars, webinars, and on-demand programs covering all major practice areas. Up to 30 credits from live courses may carry over for two reporting periods.
Legal Secretary & Legal Assistant Programs
Certificate and degree programs for legal support professionals
University of Montana — Legal Studies Certificate (Online)
One-year fully online legal studies certificate from Missoula College — covers legal writing, terminology, interviewing, and trial preparation. Includes a 90-hour internship, often paid.
State Bar of Montana — Paralegal Section
Bar section for paralegals, legal assistants, and legal support professionals — networking, education, and professional development resources within the state bar structure.
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