The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an ABA-Approved Paralegal Program

The ABA process of approving paralegal programs involves a comprehensive investigation of self-evaluation reports submitted by the programs. On-site evaluations are also conducted to ensure these programs comply with the ABA Guidelines. After completing the evaluation process, a program is approved for seven years.

The Steps Involved

The ABA approval process begins when a paralegal education program seeks ABA approval. From there:

Obtaining approval from the American Bar Association is regarded as one of the most distinguished credentials for paralegal education programs. To earn ABA approval, the paralegal curriculum needs to assist students in developing professional competence. Additionally, the school’s instructional methodology must ensure active engagement between students and faculty, provide valuable and timely feedback, and offer practical assignments catering to real-world skills development.

The endorsement from the American Bar Association is commonly considered a symbol of excellence in paralegal education. ABA-approved schools are known to have skilled instructors with practical experience and provide a complete and thorough curriculum that teaches students the necessary skills to thrive as paralegals.

Moreover, ABA-approved schools offer career assistance, giving graduates a head start in securing desirable positions. In addition, because many employers value ABA-approved graduates for their competence and legal knowledge, it helps graduates be a step ahead of their competition.

Students have considerable options when pursuing a paralegal education, including in-person and online learning. While both options have pros and cons, the benefits of in-person learning often include further networking opportunities, hands-on learning opportunities, access to physical and legal libraries, and in-person career services.

While there are a variety of ABA-approved programs in the United States, some of the more popular on-campus programs offering in-person instruction include the following:

Various institutions offer ABA-approved programs, including two-year community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and business and proprietary schools.

Associate Degree Programs

Community colleges and some four-year degree-granting schools usually offer associate degree programs that last two years. However, while most community colleges have an open-door policy regarding admissions, many paralegal education programs have become more selective with their admissions for entry. This is because paralegal programs require substantial study and outside-class assignments.

An associate degree program will generally consist of a combination of general education, legal specialty courses, and other electives. While the legal specialty courses are selected by administrators and specific faculty in consultation with legal community members, these classes will often include courses in legal research and writing, as well as an introduction to law, contracts, torts, business, estate planning, corporate law, criminal law, litigation, family law, real estate, and legal technology.

Bachelor Degree Programs

Numerous colleges and universities now offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs that enable students to obtain paralegal studies degrees. The program typically includes general education, legal specialty courses, and electives. These programs encompass general and specialty courses, with the former being similar to those offered in an associate degree program. The specialty courses are usually taken in a student’s final two years. They are more advanced and specialized, allowing students to focus on one or more legal fields and helping them to develop skills and experience in those chosen fields.

Certificate Program

A certificate program is a type of legal specialty training that provides education in a specific legal area. Generally, these programs require students to have completed at least some college, but some will only accept college graduates. Classes may be offered full-time during the day or part-time, and the program's length can range from a few months up to two years. Some paralegal certificate programs offer a general curriculum that includes legal specialty training, while others focus solely on legal specialty concentrations such as estate planning, litigation, real estate, and business law.

Although the American Bar Association does not provide financial assistance to individuals interested in enrolling in paralegal education programs, students may be able to obtain financial aid through the schools they attend. Inquiries about financial aid, such as scholarships, loans, and grants, should be directed to the institution's program director or financial aid office a student plans to attend. In addition, students should be able to obtain this information easily, as deadlines can prevent them from getting the money and aid they need.

As a result, students should ask the financial aid office as soon as possible about their available resources. These students should also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and look into work-study, federal grants, and other federal loan options.

Paralegal education programs approved by the American Bar Association have taken various steps to provide a consistent and high standard of learning in the paralegal field. To earn ABA approval, these programs must meet rigorous standards and maintain their ABA-approved status through regular re-approval processes.

When assessing these programs, the ABA usually considers the following factors:

• The courses offered

• Faculty qualifications and experience

• Instructional materials and support

• Student-to-teacher rations

• Specific library resources

• The location of classes and resources

• Counseling and job placement services

• Adequate classroom facilities

However, while ABA-approved paralegal programs provide students with various benefits, they will still need to determine whether the program aligns with their career goals, learning preferences, and professional studies aspirations before enrolling in these programs.  That is why prospective students should also consider the following factors when determining whether a paralegal program is the right fit for them:

• The types of courses offered

• Defined program goals

• Student services

• Professional associations of which the school is a member

• Hiring statistics

• Costs

• Living arrangements

Paralegals play a crucial role in improving the efficiency, economy, and accessibility of legal services for both the public and legal organizations. This has led to an increased demand for paralegals in various law-related settings. While private law firms remain the largest employers of paralegals, good job opportunities are also available in other markets, including the public sector. However, to pursue these opportunities, when students enroll in a paralegal education program, they should seek the assistance of the school’s career services officer and program director in securing employment opportunities.

Career services officers and program directors often contact members of the surrounding legal and business communities. They can provide students with information regarding current job openings within the community and help students prepare application forms and resumes.

Professional organizations are also key to helping paralegal students with networking, career growth, and similar aspects. For instance, professional paralegal organizations, such as NALA, The Paralegal Association, provide essential services such as education, training, and certification for their members.

When a paralegal program has ABA approval, it demonstrates its high standards and consistency, which can significantly impact a student’s legal studies journey and career prospects. However, before students choose just any ABA-approved program to enroll in, it is important that students conduct thorough research of their options, visit campuses, attend information sessions, and connect with admissions counselors for personalized advice.

If you want to enroll in an ABA-approved paralegal program, do not wait any longer to start your search. Instead, start contacting institutions today to obtain further information, schedule meetings with counselors to explore your educational path, and look into your financial aid options.