https://padlet.com/laurendillard338/iwapkvtit1kmb515 en-us 2023-02-16 00:20:24 UTC 2023-03-06 23:52:23 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4f0.png laurendillard338 https://padlet.com/laurendillard338/iwapkvtit1kmb515/wish/2505863319  A paralegal is defined as a legal assistant trained to work in a law office, corporation, or for the government. They are able, with this training to perform certain delegated legal work. The types of training a paralegal may go through include associate of arts, bachelor of arts, and master of arts degrees, as well as post-bachelor and stand alone certificates. ABA approval and/or accreditation of these programs ensures that they are up to the educational standards required and competency of future paralegals to work in the legal field.

Accreditation Process:

1. First the program's approval begins with the directors of the program deciding to seek ABA approval. Before seeking approval, they must make sure the program is ready to be approved by complying with the ABA's guidelines.

2. The second aspect of this process is the sending in of the application for the ABA's approval through an electronic reporting system. This includes the process of self-reporting of the paralegal program to prove the program is in compliance with the ABA's guidelines. The sending in of the application costs $2,500. Applications must be sent in within six months of being created in the electronic reporting system.

3. After the application is received, the Approval Process Manager and an educational consultant review the application. It is possible that they will ask for more information if it is needed.

4. After this, a scheduled on-site evaluation of the program will occur over a two-day period by a representative of the Approval Commission, an experienced paralegal, and the director of a paralegal program that has already been approved by the ABA. During this time, reports will be created of the program. 

5. The reports created for the on-site evaluation are then submitted to the Approval Commission. The Commission will provide recommendations for the program and send them to the Standing Committee on Paralegals.

6. Once it is approved that the program complies with the ABA's guidelines, the Committee's recommendations are sent to the ABA's House of Delegates for final approval.

]]> 2023-03-06 22:11:55 UTC https://padlet.com/laurendillard338/iwapkvtit1kmb515/wish/2505863319 laurendillard338 https://padlet.com/laurendillard338/iwapkvtit1kmb515/wish/2505864266
From a student's perspective ABA accreditation is important for the programs they enroll in as it can be an assurance that their education is up to the standard that is looked for by future employers. This way, that can be more confident that their education will adequately prepare them for potential jobs after completing their education, and that the education is worth the expense and effort put in. 

From the institution's perspective, it would be important for their programs to be up to standard for the field they would be sending students into. Not doing so would be unethical and would likely harm their reputation. It would also be important for an institution to be able to bring in students by the education they provide being successful in preparation for future jobs. Aith the process of ABA approval being to ensure this, it is important to make help ensure that the programs the institution is providing can do this.

From the employer's perspective, it is important to know those you are hiring have received in one way or another adequate training for the type of responsibilities they will be expected to perform. Having an organization such as the ABA approve of the various programs for both lawyers and others that work in a law office or other areas in the legal field, can also ensure that the standards for all are coordinating. It allows them to have more confidence in potential employees who they are thinking of hiring as they know they have the necessary training for their jobs. ]]> 2023-03-06 22:13:16 UTC https://padlet.com/laurendillard338/iwapkvtit1kmb515/wish/2505864266