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Start Your Journey in the Legal Field

February 25, 2026 | Lisa Gibbs

Paralegal doing paperwork

Starting a career in the legal field can feel overwhelming. With so many roles and areas of specialization, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. The University of West Florida has partnered with the Center for Legal Studies by Barbri to help make that first step more achievable, offering a practical, skill-focused pathway into the profession.

With the guidance of experienced legal professionals, you will build knowledge of technical and in-demand skills necessary to begin a career in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and more. Whether you’re new to legal studies or are a working paralegal looking to enhance your skills, our legal programs are designed for your success. 

What are the benefits?

Our flexible legal training programs offer convenient online access to comprehensive, career-focused instruction. Students will learn skills that allow them to grow professionally, increase earning potential and gain job-ready competencies. Benefits of the courses include:

  • Expert faculty: Courses are led by instructors with at least 10 years of experience and are currently active in the legal field.
  • Training that suits your lifestyle: Select between a fully online or an online, live-lecture format.
  • Access to the CLS by Barbri Career Center: Current and former students who have completed at least 60% of their course can access the Career Center, which connects employers to qualified paralegals across all disciplines and career stages.

Discover the Course Best Fit For You

The legal courses are designed for those new to the field as well as experienced legal professionals who want to expand and strengthen their skills. 

  • Paralegal Certificate Course: Excellent for individuals with no legal background. Discover the foundational skills necessary to become a paralegal. Gain comprehensive knowledge of the American judicial system while learning practical skills, such as how to assist trial attorneys and interview witnesses. No legal studies background is required! Students must simply have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course: If you are a working professional in the legal field looking to expand your skillset, this course is the perfect fit. Build on your legal knowledge and advance your paralegal career with a course that explores in-depth technical topics and allows students to select and study a concentration. 

If you are interested in a specific area of study, you can explore our wide range of specialized legal courses, including:

No matter where you are starting, our legal courses are designed to provide you with in-demand skills and knowledge that will help you succeed in your career. For more information, visit our CLS by Barbri Legal Studies page or explore our course catalog. Get started today!

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