ABA Approved Paralegal Classes

Attending an ABA approved paralegal class opens doors into the field.

The ABA, or American Bar Association, has a Standing Committee on Paralegals that oversees the process of approving paralegal schools, programs and classes throughout the country. Stringent class offerings and academic requirements must be met to obtain ABA-approval.

The ABA does not claim that the paralegal programs included on its list are the only good programs available for those interested in furthering their legal assistant education. They do claim that the included programs are excellent and meet a high standard that the bar deems worthy. Graduation from an ABA-approved course of study is the gold standard for legal assistants.

Athens Technical College - Paralegal Studies Program

This Georgia program offers an Associate of the Arts degree in Paralegal Studies that takes at least four quarters to complete. Class size is very small--limited to 18 students--and allows for a great deal of individual instructor--student interaction. An internship working in a law firm or other legal environment is a key component to the ABA-approved program at Athens Tech.

All of the faculty are licensed attorneys with many years of experience managing paralegals. The classes focus on the practical application of paralegal responsibilities as well as the specific technical skills necessary to excel in a field that is becoming increasingly technology-centered.

Athens Technical College
Paralegal Studies Program
800 U.S. Highway 29 North
Athens, GA 30601-1500
[phone]
athenstech.edu/

Kaplan College - General Practice Paralegal Program

This Dallas, Texas based institution offers two types of paralegal studies programs, both approved by the ABA. Students can earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or they can opt for the shorter paralegal certification classes that are offered via a day program and a night program.

Students focus on the application paralegal skills in the following areas: legal and factual research, legal drafts, business regulatory compliance, contract administration and law office management. The day program requires more hours to certification, but it includes an internship in a law office that the night program does not offer.

Kaplan College
General Practice Paralegal Program
12005 Ford Road, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75234
[phone]
dallas.kaplancollege.com

John F. Kennedy University - Legal Studies Program

This private California university has a unique program of classes and offers a top-rated paralegal certificate as a blended component of its Legal Studies bachelor's degree. JFKU follows a quarter schedule, so students can begin their course of study four times a year. A number of evening classes are available. The school caters to a large population of working students, who also benefit from a staff of attorneys and law professors as well an on campus law library.

John F. Kennedy University
Legal Studies Program
100 Ellinwood Way
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
[phone]
jfku.edu

References

• ABA: Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs

Resources

• National Association of Legal Assistants