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AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
ADOPTED BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES
FEBRUARY 10, 2014
RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association approve the following programs:
Technical Career Institute, Paralegal Studies Program, New York, NY; and Stautzenberger
College, Paralegal Studies Program, Brecksville, OH.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association reapprove the following
paralegal education programs: University of California Riverside, Paralegal Certificate Program,
Riverside, CA; Manchester Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Manchester, CT;
University of Hartford, Paralegal Studies Department, West Hartford, CT; Wesley College,
Legal Studies Program, Dover, DE; Valencia College, Legal Assisting Program, Orlando, FL;
Illinois Central College—North Campus, Paralegal Program, East Peoria, IL; Bay Path College,
Legal Studies Program, Longmeadow, MA; North Shore Community College, Paralegal
Program, Danvers, MA; Hamline University, Legal Studies Program St. Paul, MN; Inver Hills
Community College, Paralegal Program, Inver Grove Heights, MN; Truckee Meadows
Community College, Paralegal Program, Reno, NV; Marist College, Paralegal Program,
Poughkeepsie, NY; Roane State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Harriman, TN;
Lone Star College—North Harris, fka North Harris College, Paralegal Program, Houston, TX;
Utah Valley University, Department of Legal Studies, Orem, UT; Northern Virginia Community
College, Paralegal Studies Program, Alexandria, VA; and Highline Community College,
Paralegal Program, Des Moines, WA.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association withdraw the approval of
Kellogg Community College, Paralegal Program, Battle Creek, MI, at the request of the
institution.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association extend the terms of
approval until the August 2014 Annual Meeting of the House of Delegates for the following
programs: Community College of the Air Force, Paralegal Program, Maxwell AFB, AL;
Gadsden State Community College, Paralegal Program, Gadsden, AL; Everest College Phoenix,
Paralegal Program, Phoenix, AZ; Phoenix College, Paralegal Studies Program, Phoenix, AZ;
California State University East Bay, Paralegal Studies Program, Hayward, CA; Fremont
College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cerritos, CA; Fullerton College, Paralegal Studies Program,
Fullerton, CA; University of California, San Diego, Legal Assistant Training Program, La Jolla,
CA; University of California Santa Barbara, Paralegal Professional Certificate Program, Santa
Barbara, CA; Nova Southeastern University, Paralegal Studies Program, Fort Lauderdale, FL;
University of North Georgia, fka Gainesville State College, Paralegal Studies Program,
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Gainesville, GA; Elgin Community College, Paralegal Program, Elgin, IL; Robert Morris
University, Chicago, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL; Robert Morris University,
Springfield, Paralegal Studies Program, Springfield, IL; Johnson County Community College,
Legal Studies Program, Overland Park, KS; Sullivan University, Louisville, Institute for Legal
Studies, Louisville, KY; Suffolk University, Applied Legal Studies Program, Boston, MA;
Harford Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Bel Air, MD; Davenport University,
Paralegal Studies Program, Grand Rapids, MI; Henry Ford Community College, Paralegal
Studies Program, Dearborn, MI; Madonna University, Paralegal Studies Program, Livonia, MI;
North Hennepin Community College, Paralegal Program, Brooklyn Park, MN; Webster
University, Legal Studies Program, St. Louis, MO; University of Great Falls, Paralegal Studies
Program, Great Falls, MT; University of Montana—Missoula, Paralegal Studies Program,
Missoula, MT; Carteret Community College, Paralegal Technology Program, Morehead City,
NC; Pitt Community College, Paralegal Technology Program, Greenville, NC; Mercer County
Community College, Paralegal Program, Trenton, NJ; Bronx Community College, Paralegal
Studies Program, Bronx, NY; Mercy College, Legal Studies Program, Dobbs Ferry, NY; New
York City College of Technology, Paralegal Program, Brooklyn, NY; St. John’s University,
Paralegal Studies Program, Jamaica, NY; Cuyahoga Community College, Paralegal
Studies/Legal Nurse Consulting Program, Parma, OH; Kent State University, Paralegal Studies
Program, Kent, OH; Rhodes State College, Paralegal/Legal Studies Program, Lima, OH;
University of Cincinnati, Paralegal Program, Cincinnati, OH; Ursuline College, Legal Studies
Program, Pepper Pike, OH; University of Tulsa, Paralegal Studies Program, Tulsa, OK; Clarion
University of Pennsylvania, Paralegal Studies Program, Oil City, PA; Delaware County
Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Media, PA; Duquesne University, Paralegal
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA; Gannon University, Legal Assistant Program, Erie, PA; Lehigh Carbon
Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Schnecksville, PA; Manor College, Department
of Legal Studies, Jenkintown, PA; Pennsylvania College of Technology,
Legal
Assistant
Program, Williamsport, PA; Villanova University, Paralegal Program, Villanova, PA; Roger
Williams University, Paralegal Studies Program, Providence, RI; Horry-Georgetown Technical
College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Conway, SC; National American University,
Paralegal Studies Program, Rapid City, SD; Western Dakota Technical Institute, Paralegal
Program, Rapid City, SD; University of Memphis, Paralegal Studies Program, Memphis, TN;
Volunteer State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Gallatin, TN; Amarillo
College, Paralegal Studies Program, Amarillo, TX; Kaplan College, General Practice Paralegal
Program, Dallas, TX; Lamar State College, Legal Assistant Program, Port Arthur, TX;
Marymount University, Paralegal Studies Program, Arlington, VA; Mountwest Community and
Technical College, fka Marshall Community and Technical College, Legal Assistant Program,
Huntington, WV; Spokane Community College, Paralegal Program, Spokane, WA; Tacoma
Community College, Paralegal Program, Tacoma, WA; and Northeast Wisconsin Technical
College, Paralegal Program, Green Bay, WI.
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REPORT
In August, 1973, the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association adopted the
Guidelines for the Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs as recommended by the
Special Committee on Legal Assistants, now known as the Standing Committee on Paralegals.
The Committee subsequently developed supporting evaluative criteria and procedures for
seeking American Bar Association approval. Applications for approval were accepted formally
beginning in the Fall of 1974.
Programs applying for approval are required to submit a self-evaluation report which provides a
comprehensive description of the program, including but not limited to the following areas:
organization and administration, financial support, curriculum, faculty, admissions, student
services, advisory committee, library, and physical plant. An on-site visit to the program is
conducted by representatives of the Association if the contents of the self-evaluation report
indicate compliance with the ABA Guidelines.
For an initial approval, the inspection team is chaired by a member of the Approval Commission
of the Standing Committee on Paralegals, or a specially designated past commissioner, and
consists of a lawyer, an experienced paralegal or a director of another institution’s program. On
a reapproval visit, the team, which is again chaired by a member of the Approval Commission,
or a specially designated past commissioner, includes two of the previously mentioned groups.
The purpose of the on-site visit is to verify the information provided in the self-evaluation report
and to acquire supplementary information helpful to making an evaluation and which can only be
obtained through the person-to-person contact and the observation the visit affords. The visit is
conducted over a one and one-half day period and consists of a series of meetings with the
advisory committee, students, faculty and other individuals involved to a lesser extent and in
some aspect of the program, such as the registrar, financial officer, placement coordinator and
admissions and counseling staff. The team also observes legal specialty classes in session and
may inspect various program data, such as detailed curriculum materials, admission and
placement records, student evaluations of faculty members, and courses.
Following the on-site visit a written report is prepared by team members. The Approval
Commission reviews the evaluation report and makes its recommendations to the Standing
Committee on Paralegals, which in turn, submits its recommendation to the American Bar
Association House of Delegates for final action.
The Standing Committee on Paralegals has completed review of the programs identified below
and found them to be operating in compliance with the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal
Education Programs and is, therefore, recommending that approval be granted.
Technical Career Institute, Paralegal Studies Program, New York, NY
Technical Career Institute is a two-year career college accredited by the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree
in Paralegal Studies.
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Stautzenberger College, Paralegal Studies Program, Brecksville, OH
Stautzenberger College is a two-year career college accredited by the Accrediting Council for
Independent Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Business degree.
The following schools were recently evaluated for reapproval. Having demonstrated compliance
with the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs, the Standing Committee
on Paralegals recommends that reapproval be granted to the following programs:
University of California Riverside, Paralegal Certificate Program Riverside, CA
The University of California Riverside is a four-year university accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges. The university offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Manchester Community College, Legal Assistant Program, Manchester, CT
Manchester Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the New
England Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Science degree
and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
University of Hartford, Paralegal Studies Department, West Hartford, CT
The University of Hartford is a four-year university accredited by the New England Association
of Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts degree, an Associate of
Science degree, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Wesley College, Legal Studies Program, Dover, DE
Wesley College is a four-year college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools. The college offers a Bachelor of Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal
Studies.
Valencia College, Legal Assisting Program, Orlando, FL
Valencia College is a two-year community college accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools. The college offers and Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal
Studies.
Illinois Central College North Campus, Paralegal Program, East Peoria, IL
Illinois Central College North Campus is a two-year community college accredited by the North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied
Science degree and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Bay Path College, Legal Studies Program, Longmeadow, MA
Bay Path College is a four-year college accredited by the New England Association of Colleges
and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, a
Bachelor of Arts degree, and a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
North Shore Community College, Paralegal Program, Danvers, MA
North Shore Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the New
England Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Science degree
and a certificate in Paralegal Studies.
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Hamline University, Legal Studies Program, St. Paul, MN
Hamline University is a four-year university accredited by the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools. The university offers a Baccalaureate Certificate and a PostBaccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Inver Hills Community College, Paralegal Program Inver Grove Heights, MN
Inver Hills Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Science degree and a
Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Truckee Meadows Community College, Paralegal Program, Reno, NV
Truckee Meadows Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers an Associate of Applied
Science degree in Paralegal Studies.
Marist College, Paralegal Program, Poughkeepsie, NY
Marist College is a four-year college accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools. The college offers a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Roane State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program Harriman, TN
Roane State Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree
in Paralegal Studies.
Lone Star College—North Harris fka North Harris College, Paralegal Program, Houston, TX
Lone Star College—North Harris is a two-year community college accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree
and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Utah Valley University, Department of Legal Studies, Orem, UT
Utah Valley University is a four-year university accredited by the Northwest Association of
Schools and Colleges. The university offers an Associate of Science degree, an Associate of
Applied Science degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Northern Virginia Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college offers an Associate of Applied
Science degree in Paralegal Studies.
Highline Community College, Paralegal Program, Des Moines, WA
Highline Community College is a two-year community college accredited by the Northwest
Association of Schools and Colleges. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree
and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
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Applications for reapproval have been filed by the following schools and are currently being
evaluated. Until the evaluation process has been completed, the Committee recommends that the
term of approval for each program be extended until the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American
Bar Association House of Delegates.
Community College of the Air Force, Paralegal Program, Maxwell AFB, AL;
Gadsden State Community College, Paralegal Program, Gadsden, AL;
Everest College Phoenix, Paralegal Program, Phoenix, AZ;
Phoenix College, Paralegal Studies Program, Phoenix, AZ;
California State University East Bay, Paralegal Studies Program, Hayward, CA;
Fremont College, Paralegal Studies Program, Cerritos, CA;
Fullerton College, Paralegal Studies Program, Fullerton, CA;
University of California San Diego, Legal Assistant Training Program, La Jolla, CA;
University of California Santa Barbara, Paralegal Professional Certificate Program, Santa
Barbara, CA;
Nova Southeastern University, Paralegal Studies Program, Fort Lauderdale, FL;
University of North Georgia fka Gainesville State College, Paralegal Studies Program,
Gainesville, GA;
Elgin Community College, Paralegal Program, Elgin, IL;
Robert Morris University, Chicago, Paralegal Studies Program, Chicago, IL;
Robert Morris University, Springfield, Paralegal Studies Program, Springfield, IL;
Johnson County Community College, Legal Studies Program, Overland Park, KS;
Sullivan University; Louisville, Institute for Legal Studies, Louisville, KY;
Suffolk University, Paralegal Studies Program, Boston, MA;
Harford Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Bel Air, MD;
Davenport University, Paralegal Studies Program, Grand Rapids, MI;
Henry Ford Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Dearborn, MI;
Madonna University, Paralegal Studies Program, Livonia, MI;
North Hennepin Community College, Paralegal Program, Brooklyn Park, MN;
Webster University, Legal Studies Program, St. Louis, MO;
University of Great Falls, Paralegal Studies Program, Great Falls, MT;
University of Montana—Missoula, Paralegal Studies Program, Missoula, MT;
Carteret Community College, Paralegal Technology Program, Morehead City, NC;
Pitt Community College, Paralegal Technology Program, Greenville, NC:
Mercer County Community College, Paralegal Program, Trenton, NJ;
Bronx Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Bronx, NY;
Mercy College, Legal Studies Program, Dobbs Ferry, NY;
New York City College of Technology, Paralegal Program, Brooklyn, NY;
St. John’s University, Paralegal Studies Program, Jamaica, NY;
Cuyahoga Community College, Paralegal Studies/Legal Nurse Consulting Program,
Parma, OH;
Kent State University, Paralegal Studies Program, Kent, OH;
Rhodes State College, Paralegal/Legal Studies Program, Lima, OH;
University of Cincinnati, Paralegal Program, Cincinnati, OH:
Ursuline College, Legal Studies Program, Pepper Pike, OH:
University of Tulsa, Paralegal Studies Program, Tulsa, OK;
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Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Paralegal Studies Program, Oil City, PA;
Delaware County Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Media, PA;
Duquesne University, Paralegal Institute, Pittsburgh, PA;
Gannon University, Legal Assistant Program, Erie, PA;
Lehigh Carbon Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Schnecksville, PA;
Manor College, Department of Legal Studies, Jenkintown, PA;
Pennsylvania College of Technology, Legal Assistant Program, Williamsport, PA;
Villanova University, Paralegal Program, Villanova, PA;
Roger Williams University, Paralegal Studies Program, Providence, RI;
Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program, Conway, SC;
National American University, Paralegal Studies Program, Rapid City, SD;
Western Dakota Technical Institute, Paralegal Program, Rapid City, SD;
University of Memphis, Paralegal Studies Program, Memphis, TN;
Volunteer State Community College, Paralegal Studies Program, Gallatin, TN;
Amarillo College, Paralegal Studies Program, Amarillo, TX;
Kaplan College, General Practice Paralegal Program, Dallas, TX;
Lamar State College, Legal Assistant Program, Port Arthur, TX;
Marymount University, Paralegal Studies Program, Arlington, VA;
Mountwest Community and Technical College fka Marshall Community and Technical
College, Legal Assistant Program, Huntington, WV;
Spokane Community College, Paralegal Program, Spokane, WA;
Tacoma Community College, Paralegal Program, Tacoma, WA; and
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Paralegal Program, Green Bay, WI.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Winfrey Keene, Chair
Standing Committee on Paralegals
February 2014
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GENERAL INFORMATION FORM
Submitting Entity:
Standing Committee on Paralegals
Submitted By:
Deborah Winfrey Keene, Chair
1.
Summary of Resolution(s).
Resolves that the House of Delegates grants approval to two programs, grants reapproval
to seventeen paralegal education programs, withdraws the approval of one program at the
request of the institution, and extends the term of approval to several paralegal education
programs.
2.
Approval by Submitting Entity.
October, 2013
3.
Has this or a similar resolution been submitted to the House or Board
previously?
This resolution has not been previously submitted.
4.
What existing Association policies are relevant to this resolution and how
would they be affected by its adoption?
This resolution supports the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal
Education Programs, as adopted by the House of Delegates.
5.
What urgency exists which requires action at this meeting of the House?
Action is timely.
6.
Status of Legislation. (If applicable.)
N/A
7.
Brief explanation regarding plans for implementation of the policy, if adopted by the
House of Delegates.
Approved programs are notified of the action of the House of Delegates by the Standing
Committee on Paralegals. The programs are monitored for compliance during the
approval term by the Standing Committee.
8.
Cost to the Association. (Both direct and indirect costs.)
None
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9.
Disclosure of Interest. (If applicable.)
N/A
10.
Referrals.
None
11.
Contact Person. (Prior to the meeting.)
Peggy C. Wallace, Staff Counsel
Standing Committee on Paralegals
American Bar Association
321 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 988-5618
12.
Contact Person. (Who will present the report to the House.)
Deborah Winfrey Keene, Chair
Director, Paralegal Program, Lansing Community College
3500 W. Public Service Careers
P. O. Box 40010
Lansing, MI 48901-7210
(517) 483-1503
Cell: (517)485-3232
E-Mail: keened@lcc.edu
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.
Summary of the Resolution
The Standing Committee on Paralegals resolve (s) that the House of Delegates
grants approval to two programs, grants reapproval to seventeen programs, withdraws the
approval of one program, and extends the term of approval of sixty programs.
2.
Summary of the issue which the Resolution Addresses
The programs recommended for approval and reapproval in the enclosed report
meet the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs.
3.
An explanation of how the proposed policy position Will Address the Issue
The programs recommended for approval and reapproval in this report have
followed the procedures required by the Association and are in compliance with
the Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs.
4.
A summary of any minority views or opposition which have been identified
No other positions on this resolution have been taken by other Association
entities, affiliated organizations or other interested groups.
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