Paralegal Training Aba Debate - The Truth Behind The Approval Process

May 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Whether it’s your first career or you’re planning to change careers, legal studies can be a very appealing choice.  Paralegals earn decent wages.  The U.S. Department of Labor lists the national average starting salary in the $40,000 + range.  Most positions include full benefits including healthcare, paid overtime and a safe, clean office environment to work in.

If you scour the internet looking for advice, you’ll find plenty.  The majority seems to come from very vocal posters who scream – “don’t do it if it’s not ABA Approved!”  The truth is that the ABA is an association not a regulatory agency.  Of the 1200+ education programs available to become a paralegal, only about 260 actually have ABA status.  The ABA charges exorbitant prices to gain their stamp on a program, thus resulting in higher tuition prices to the students selecting these programs.  The last edition of their approval guidelines was published in 2008 – a little outdated to say the least.  As of today, they still refuse to approve any program that is delivered entirely online. Any amount of research will show that today’s students prefer online classes (especially busy adult students).

Section G-102
The American Bar Association believes that there should be a number of ways in which a person can demonstrate competence as a paralegal, one of which is the completion of an approved program as determined by this document. Although this document is concerned only with formal education programs for the training of paralegals, it is not intended to limit entry into this career field by other means.

If you take the time to read the criteria for a program to qualify for ABA Approval you will also see that the minimum number of hours required equal that of an AA degree.  Most adult students in the midst of a career change already have degrees at some level.  They possess neither the time nor money to pursue another.

The biggest skill a paralegal brings to an organization is the ability to do quality research – demonstrate those skills early.  Don’t get caught up in hype.  Don’t be swayed by high priced television advertising.  Don’t be pressured by recruiters into taking out high interest student loans. Don’t pay more than you need to for top quality training.  The jobs are out there.  Get trained and start your new career!