Course Information for Becoming a Paralegal

There are many factors to consider when choosing a paralegal education program.

Factors affecting the quality and content of paralegal training programs include American Bar Association (ABA) approval status and the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) standards. According to AAfPE, there is no accepted standard for paralegal education programs. Therefore, potential paralegals must conduct their own research to determine which program will best help them in reaching their goals.

Program Types

According to AAfPE, you can gain your paralegal education by pursuing an Associate degree, Bachelor degree, Paralegal Certificate, or Master degree. Associate degrees generally include 60 to 70 semester units, half of which are general education courses. Bachelor degrees consist of 120 to 130 semester units with 30 to 60 of those covering paralegal and related topics. Certificate programs can be between 18 and 60 semester units with longer programs containing both general education and paralegal classes. Master degrees contain advanced studies in paralegal or other law-related areas such as legal administration.

Skills Taught

Several skills paralegal students should be taught according to AAfPE are listed in its "Core Competencies for Paralegal Programs" document and include critical thinking, organization, general communication, legal research, legal writing, computer, interview, investigating and law office management as well as information regarding the paralegal profession and ethical obligations.

ABA Approval

The ABA has an approval process for institutions to apply to receive the designation "ABA Approved" which they can use as a testament to their paralegal program's credibility and quality. The basic requirements for ABA approval include education qualifying graduates for law-related jobs and programs at a post-secondary level with more than 60 semester hours (for non-certificate programs) offered by an accredited institution. Regulations also address program organization and administration; faculty; admissions and student services; the library and other facilities.

Considerations

AAfPE suggests future paralegal students consider several factors in choosing which program will best suit their needs and personality, including the school and program reputation; available services, facilities and activities; school and program mission and goals; curriculum; graduation requirements; faculty and program director qualifications; and distance/online education availability.

Specific Classes

If you are required to take general education courses as part of your paralegal program, you can expect to potentially take English/literature courses, computer classes, humanities courses, and basic math. Basic paralegal courses may include an introduction course, litigation, government and the court system. You may take legal research and writing courses; paralegal ethics may be covered in a single course or as sections of your other paralegal classes. Finally, you may choose from a variety of substantive law courses including real estate, corporate, probate, or bankruptcy.

References

• AAfPE: Choosing a Paralegal Program
• AAfPE: Core Competencies for Paralegal Programs
• ABA: Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs