Evaluation of Paralegal Studies Program at Mission College

1. Core competencies for a Paralegal Program (aafpe.org)

2. Introduction (from htp://www.aafpe.org)

The paralegal profession has grown tremendously since it first appeared in the mid-1960s. There are now more than 120,000 paralegals in the United States. Presently, paralegals are involved in sophisticated legal work in traditional law office settings and in the corporate, government and public arenas. The occupation has achieved great recognition and has moved rapidly to professional
stature. Obtaining a quality paralegal education is the best way to prepare for the paralegal profession. Since a paralegal education requires a substantial commitment of time, effort and money, the decision about which program to choose should be made with as much information and care as possible.

Regulation of paralegals has been and continues to be discussed at a national level and by many jurisdictions. However, no state currently requires paralegals to be licensed and, as a result, no standardization of educational programs or criteria for employment has been established. This is another reason why a prospective paralegal student should examine carefully different programs before making a final selection.

Your choice of a paralegal program will have a profound impact on your opportunities for success in the career. Since there is a wide range in the quality of programs, choose carefully. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed in this exciting profession.

Types of Programs

Having a formal paralegal education has become increasingly important. Even though there are an estimated 600 paralegal education programs in the United States, paralegal education is not standardized. Paralegal education programs are offered in many formats and lengths. Various kinds of public and private institutions offer paralegal education, including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, business colleges and proprietary institutions.
These various institutions make it possible for persons with diverse backgrounds to enter the profession. The most common types of programs are:
Associate Degree Programs

These programs are offered by two-year community colleges, some four-year colleges and universities, and some business schools. Upon successful completion of 60 to 70 semester units, a student earns an associate degree. The curriculum usually consists of approximately one-half paralegal courses and one-half courses in general education and related areas. In selecting a program, prospective students should consider whether they might continue their education to earn a four-year degree at another college and, if so, should investigate the transferability of courses in the programs they are considering.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

Paralegal education is also offered by four-year colleges and universities which have a paralegal studies major, minor, or concentration within a major. These programs are usually about 120 to 130 semester units, including 30 to 60 semester units in paralegal and related courses. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded a baccalaureate degree.
Certificate Programs

Various kinds of educational institutions offer paralegal certificate programs ranging from 18 to 60 semester units. Longer programs usually include both general education and paralegal courses, similar to associate degree programs. Certificate programs are usually designed for students who already hold an associate or a baccalaureate degree.

Educational Standards

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

The American Bar Association has been involved in promoting the paralegal career since 1968 and has been approving paralegal education programs since 1975. The approval process is voluntary since it is not required by any governmental agency. To be approved, a program must be offered by an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency on an approved list and must meet standards relating to administration, resources, curriculum and academic policies, faculty and program direction, admissions standards and practices, student services including placement and counseling, library, and facilities. Programs seeking approval must submit a detailed self-evaluation report with supporting documents and are visited by an evaluation team. Approval is granted for a
period of seven years. As of February 1999, the paralegal programs at 232 institutions across the country have been approved. A few new programs are usually approved each year. In some metropolitan areas, employers require potential candidates to possess a credential from an ABA-approved program.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR PARALEGAL EDUCATION

The American Association for Paralegal Education, established in 1981, is an organization that represents paralegal education programs and has 285 institutional members. Its primary mission is to promote high standards in paralegal education. In its Statement of Academic Quality, AAfPE acknowledges that the education of a paralegal requires a unique curriculum that covers both
substantive legal knowledge and practical skills. This intellectually demanding course of study should be designed to provide instruction in the competencies that paralegals need as professionals. AAfPE recognizes seven essential components of a quality paralegal education program: curriculum development, facilities, faculty, marketing and promotion, paralegal instruction, student
services and related competencies.

Evaluating Paralegal Programs

Here are some important factors to consider in evaluating the quality of paralegal programs:

1. What is the reputation of the institution and the paralegal program?

The general public and the legal community should hold the institution offering the program and the program itself in high regard. Check with people you know in the community, in the legal field and in higher education for information.

2. What services are offered to students?

Assistance should be offered in these areas: orientation, tutoring, academic counseling, financial aid, career information and counseling, and placement assistance. Information on the placement rate and job satisfaction of graduates should be available.

3. What facilities are available to students?

Programs should have a legal research library, computer laboratories, and properly furnished classrooms. Facilities should accommodate students with disabilities.

4. What activities are available to students?

Students should have the opportunity to participate in such activities as honor societies and volunteer work in the legal community. Information about paralegal associations and continuing paralegal education should be available.

5. What is the mission of the institution and what are the goals of the paralegal program?

The mission and goals should be clearly stated in the institutional and program literature. You should assess whether the mission and goals match your individual needs.

6. What is the content and nature of the curriculum?

The courses should teach practical job skills in conjunction with the underlying legal theory. The curriculum should cover legal research and writing, litigation, ethics, contracts, business organizations and torts. Courses should develop students' critical thinking, communication, computational, computer and organizational skills, and competency to handle ethical issues. Programs should offer an experiential learning component such as an internship, practicum or clinical experience.

7. What are the graduation requirements?

Students should be required to take both paralegal and general education courses unless students have completed general education prior to enrollment.

8. What are the backgrounds of the program director and faculty?

The program director and members of the faculty should possess appropriate academic credentials. Most program directors have a law degree or formal paralegal education; some have advanced degrees in related areas. Many have experience in the legal field. Faculty members should have expertise and experience in the subject areas they teach and experience working with or as paralegals. The program director and faculty must be committed to the role of the paralegal in the delivery of legal services.

9. What are the special considerations of enrolling in a distance education program?

A growing number of educational institutions and other providers are offering paralegal courses and/or entire paralegal programs through distance education. Prospective students need to supplement the above criteria with additional factors when evaluating these offerings. You should find out the type of distance delivery system used, such as interactive video broadcasts to distant sites, telecourses, or web-based courses on the Internet and determine whether the institution provides training to students in using the system and technical assistance throughout the course. You should find out how much interaction takes place among teachers and students during courses and through what medium. Additionally you should assess whether you are well suited to learn through a
distance delivery system which requires a high degree of self-discipline, self-motivation and independence.