There are no uniform educational requirements for paralegals in the United States, and it's possible to work with only on-the-job experience. However, when it comes to high-profile paralegal positions in top law firms, credible academic qualifications prove a candidate's suitability for the job. Numerous institutions around the country offer paralegal programs, but those approved by the ABA enjoy a higher status in the eyes of employers.
The ABA has approved institutions offering programs ranging from paralegal certificates to four-year bachelor's degrees. Typical certificate programs can be completed within seven months to a year and encompass only the most important topics of the paralegal profession, such as contracts and legal research. Associate degrees normally take two years to complete and offer the core courses, as well as electives in general education and advanced legal courses. The four-year bachelor's degree programs provide comprehensive training to prospective paralegals, with a wider variety of electives.
When an institutions seeks approval from the ABA for its paralegal program, it must complete a self-evaluation report and present it to the Standing Committee on Paralegals. This committee and the ABA's Approval Commission conduct an intensive review of the report and make on-site visits to evaluate the program. If approval is recommended, the final word rests with the ABA's policymaking body, the House of Delegates. From that point on, the institutions must continue to submit reports to confirm their compliance with ABA guidelines.
The only official directory of ABA-approved paralegal programs is located on the association's website (See Resources). The programs are grouped by state on an interactive U.S. map. Clicking on any of the 50 states will bring up a list of the available programs along with information on the level of degrees offered, as well as a brief description of the institutions and the structure of their paralegal programs.