Montana has no mandatory licensing for paralegals, though HB 301 defines who courts recognize as a paralegal for court-related purposes. Most employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, a post-baccalaureate certificate, or national certification. As of May 2024, Montana paralegals earn a median annual salary of $54,230, with the top 10% earning $76,700 or more.
Montana’s strong economy, led by the healthcare and manufacturing industries, has allowed the legal services industry and the paralegal profession to continue growing. Whether you’re interested in specializing in corporate law, criminal law, bankruptcy law, immigration law, or other areas, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Big Sky Country.
While Montana has no mandatory paralegal licensing, the state’s courts recognize a definition of paralegal under HB 301 for court-related purposes. Most employers prefer candidates with formal education and credentials that demonstrate expertise in the legal field, making the right training program an essential step toward a successful paralegal career.
Montana Paralegal Requirements
Montana has no mandatory licensing or regulatory requirements for paralegals. However, Montana courts recognize a definition of “paralegal” under HB 301 for specific court-related purposes, such as access to the courts. This definition, passed in 2009, outlines who courts will recognize as a paralegal but does not create an enforceable licensing requirement.
While HB 301 doesn’t regulate who can work as a paralegal, most Montana employers prefer candidates who meet the court’s definition, which includes:
- Associate’s degree in paralegal studies
- Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies
- Post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate
- Master’s degree in paralegal studies
- Law degree (J.D. or LL.B.)
- National certification from NFPA, NALA, or NALS
- Extensive work experience under attorney supervision
HB 301 does not recognize non-baccalaureate certificate programs in its court definition, so aspiring paralegals typically focus on degree programs or post-baccalaureate certificates that require completion of a bachelor’s degree first.
Paralegals generally work under attorney supervision, as expected under standard legal practice and ethical guidelines. While HB 301 mentions supervision in its definition, this reflects common practice rather than a unique Montana legal requirement.
Education and Training Programs
While Montana doesn’t require licensing, most employers prefer paralegals with formal education. The body of knowledge needed to perform legal support services effectively typically comes from education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility paralegals are expected to handle has increased significantly.
Maybe you’ve been working in a Billings law firm for years as a legal secretary and want to move up to become a paralegal. Or perhaps you’re a recent high school graduate with dreams of entering the legal field. Or you want to take your paralegal career to the next level by specializing in intellectual property or real estate law. Whatever your goals, there’s a paralegal program for you.
Understanding Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Post-baccalaureate certificate programs are not the same as national certification, though the two are frequently confused. To enter a post-baccalaureate certificate program, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject. The certificate program offers specialized coursework in paralegal studies that complements a general undergraduate education.
A graduate of a post-baccalaureate certificate program earns an educational certificate (a credential from a school). In contrast, someone who passes a national exam from NFPA, NALA, or NALS earns certification (a professional credential). Both are recognized in Montana’s court definition under HB 301.
National Certification Options
Montana courts recognize paralegals with national certification under the HB 301 definition. National accreditation is earned by meeting educational or work experience requirements and passing a national exam. Once you complete the exam, you hold a professional certification (different from an educational certificate).
While certification isn’t mandatory in Montana, many employers value this credential as proof of expertise and commitment to the profession. Three professional organizations offer four national certification exams:
- The PACE and PCCE are provided by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP supplied by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- Provided by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Paralegal Salaries in Montana
Though much of Montana is devoted to farmland and wide, open spaces, there’s plenty of economic activity in its metro areas. Malmstrom Air Force Base supports Great Falls and has become a significant healthcare hub for Northcentral Montana. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and a growing high-tech industry. Helena enjoys a thriving manufacturing sector, including the Boeing manufacturing plant. A growing construction industry has strengthened Missoula’s economy. Oil refineries continue to grow in Billings.
Montana’s strong economy has led to exciting opportunities for the legal services industry and the paralegals who provide crucial support services.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, Montana employed 1,060 paralegals with competitive compensation throughout the state. Here’s what Montana paralegals earn:
- Median Annual Salary: $54,230 ($26.07 per hour)
- Mean Annual Salary: $56,870 ($27.34 per hour)
- Entry-Level (10th Percentile): $39,710 per year
- Experienced (75th Percentile): $70,930 per year
- Top Earners (90th Percentile): $76,700 ($36.87 per hour)
With experience and specialization in areas like family law, criminal litigation, corporate law, or bankruptcy law, Montana paralegals can earn significantly more than the median salary.
Paralegal Salaries by Metropolitan Area
Most paralegals work in the legal services industry for law firms and other legal services companies, followed by corporate legal departments and government. Here’s how salaries vary across Montana’s major metropolitan areas as of May 2024:
| Metropolitan Area | Mean Annual Salary | Mean Hourly Wage | Top 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helena | $59,880 | $28.79 | $76,860 |
| Billings | $58,730 | $28.24 | $78,620 |
| Great Falls | $57,960 | $27.86 | $89,420 |
| Rural Southwest Montana | $57,830 | $27.80 | $89,140 |
| Bozeman | $56,360 | $27.10 | $70,930 |
| Rural West Montana | $55,660 | $26.76 | $64,110 |
| Missoula | $54,430 | $26.17 | $75,170 |
| Rural East-Central Montana | $52,820 | $25.39 | $62,110 |
Much of the economic strength of these regions can be attributed to major employers such as the Billings Clinic (Montana’s most extensive healthcare system), energy companies, and growing high-tech sectors in cities like Bozeman.
Employment and Job Outlook
Legal Industry Growth in Montana
The best way to identify future opportunities for paralegals in Montana is to examine growth among the state’s active lawyers. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of actively practicing lawyers in Montana increased by 6.8%, revealing a legal services industry that’s on the rise. In 2024, the American Bar Association reported 3,603 resident lawyers in Montana.
Paralegal Employment Projections
Montana’s paralegal profession shows steady growth potential. From 2022 to 2032, the state projects approximately 170 annual job openings for paralegals. This growth reflects the expanding legal services industry and the increasing complexity of legal work, creating demand for qualified paralegal professionals.
Factors driving paralegal employment growth in Montana include:
- Expanding healthcare and manufacturing sectors require legal support
- Growing population in metro areas like Bozeman and Billings
- Increased demand for legal services in corporate law, real estate, and litigation
- Law firms seeking cost-effective legal support alternatives
- Government agencies requiring paralegal assistance
Paralegal Schools in Montana
From undergraduate certificate programs for recent high school graduates to four-year bachelor’s degrees for paralegals with visions of specialization or advancement, there’s no lack of options for getting an education in legal studies and the paralegal profession.
Our recommendations only include schools that have earned national or regional accreditation—request information to learn more about each program so you can review them closely and choose your favorite.
Fort Peck Community College
Lay Advocate/Para Legal Certificate of Applied Science – Campus
Helena College University of Montana
Legal Administrative Support Certificate of Applied Science – Campus
University of Montana – Missoula
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – Campus
University of Providence – Great Falls
Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies – Online
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies – Online
Army Paralegal Program (entry requires completion of Army 27D10 AIT Training) – Online
Air Force Paralegal Studies Program (entry requires an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from the Community College of the Air Force) – Online
Professional Paralegal Associations
Montana Association of Legal Assistants Paralegals (MALA)
The Montana Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals (MALA) was formed in 1992 as an affiliate of NALA. Since its inception, MALA has worked to expand the role of the professional paralegal in Montana by educating both the legal community and the general public. MALA provides educational and professional development opportunities to its members and sets high standards for ethical and professional behavior.
Membership in MALA allows paralegals to network, exchange ideas and information, and access resources such as:
- Job bank
- Continuing legal education opportunities
- Assistance with specialization
- Preparation support for national certification exams
- Mentoring program
MALA offers one membership level that is open to all of the following:
- Paralegals
- Students and graduates of paralegal programs
- Attorneys
- Paralegal educators
- Those formerly employed as paralegals
Important Contacts for Montana Paralegals
- Montana Association of Legal Assistants*Paralegals (MALA), affiliated with NALA
- State Bar of Montana
- Montana Legislature – Definition of a Paralegal
- Montana Secretary of State
- Montana Courts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a paralegal in Montana?
Montana has no mandatory licensing or certification requirements for paralegals. However, Montana courts recognize a definition of paralegal under HB 301 for court-related purposes. Most employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, a post-baccalaureate certificate (requiring a prior bachelor’s degree), or national certification from NFPA, NALA, or NALS. The court definition does not recognize non-baccalaureate certificate programs.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Montana?
The timeline depends on your chosen path. An associate’s degree typically takes two years of full-time study. A bachelor’s degree requires four years. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate program can be completed in as little as one year. National certification exam preparation varies by background, but typically takes several months of study.
What is the average paralegal salary in Montana?
As of May 2024, Montana paralegals earn a median annual salary of $54,230 ($26.07 per hour). The mean wage is $56,870 per year. Entry-level paralegals (10th percentile) earn around $39,710 annually, while the top 10% earn $76,700 or more. Salaries vary by location, with Great Falls and Helena offering some of the highest compensation in the state.
Can I work as a paralegal in Montana without a degree?
Yes, Montana has no licensing requirement that prohibits working as a paralegal without a degree. However, most employers prefer candidates with formal education or certification. While work experience can qualify you under the court’s HB 301 definition, a degree or post-baccalaureate certificate is typically the most reliable path to employment and career advancement in the profession.
Are online paralegal programs accepted in Montana?
Yes, online paralegal education is widely accepted by employers in Montana. The University of Providence offers online associate and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies that meet the court’s HB 301 definition. When choosing an online program, ensure it’s regionally or nationally accredited and leads to a degree that employers value and courts recognize.
What is the difference between certification and a certificate in Montana?
A certificate is an educational credential from a school. Post-baccalaureate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree and provide specialized paralegal coursework. Certification is a professional credential earned by passing an exam from NFPA, NALA, or NALS. Both demonstrate expertise differently: certificates show you completed coursework, while certification shows you passed a competency exam. Montana’s court definition under HB 301 recognizes both paths.
What is the job outlook for paralegals in Montana?
Montana’s paralegal profession shows steady growth. The state projects approximately 170 annual job openings for paralegals from 2022 to 2032. The number of actively practicing lawyers in Montana increased by 6.8% between 2011 and 2021, indicating a growing legal services industry. Expanding healthcare, manufacturing, and high-tech sectors in cities like Bozeman and Billings continue to drive demand for qualified paralegals.
Do I need to join MALA to work as a paralegal in Montana?
No, joining the Montana Association of Legal Assistants Paralegals (MALA) is not required to work as a paralegal. However, membership provides valuable benefits, including networking opportunities, continuing legal education, access to the job bank, certification exam preparation support, and a mentoring program. MALA membership is open to paralegals, students, attorneys, and educators.
Key Takeaways
- Montana has no mandatory paralegal licensing, though HB 301 defines who courts recognize as paralegals for court-related purposes.
- Most employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate certificate, or national certification from NFPA, NALA, or NALS.
- Montana paralegals earn a median annual salary of $54,230, with top earners making $76,700 or more.
- The state projects approximately 170 annual paralegal job openings from 2022 to 2032.
- Several Montana schools offer accredited paralegal programs, including the University of Montana-Missoula and the University of Providence.
- The Montana Association of Legal Assistants and Paralegals (MALA) provides professional development and networking opportunities.
- Great Falls and Helena offer some of the highest paralegal salaries in Montana.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in Montana?
Explore accredited paralegal programs that meet Montana’s requirements and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career in Big Sky Country.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
