Is it really important to go through a Paralegal program that is ABA approved?Will I be alright without it?

Answer 1

Here's what the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has to say about it:

An estimated 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many programs do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance one’s employment opportunities. The requirements for admission to these programs vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor’s degree, others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience, and a few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.

Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certificate from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination, given three times each year at several regional testing centers. Those who pass this examination may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) designation. The NALA also offers an advanced paralegal certification for those who want to specialize in other areas of the law. In addition, the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, administered through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, offers professional recognition to paralegals with a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience. Those who pass this examination may use the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation.

Additional resources:

General information on a career as a paralegal can be obtained from:

Standing Committee on Paralegals, American Bar Association, 321 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610. Internet: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals

For information on the Certified Legal Assistant exam, schools that offer training programs in a specific State, and standards and guidelines for paralegals, contact:

National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., 1516 South Boston St., Suite 200, Tulsa, OK 74119. Internet: http://www.nala.org

Information on a career as a paralegal, schools that offer training programs, job postings for paralegals, the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, and local paralegal associations can be obtained from:

National Federation of Paralegal Associations, 2517 Eastlake Ave. East, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98102. Internet: http://www.paralegals.org

Information on paralegal training programs, including the pamphlet How to Choose a Paralegal Education Program, may be obtained from:

American Association for Paralegal Education, 19 Mantua Rd., Mt. Royal, NJ 08061. Internet: http://www.aafpe.org

Answer 2

I know that California is all "gun-ho" about having their Paralegals be ABA approved. But not every state in the USA has an ABA approved Paralegal program. I don't think many other states care whether or not your program is ABA approved, as long as you know what you are doing. Perhaps though, you can become a Certified Paralegal through the NALA. You would probably receive better compensation if you were.

Yes, you should be OK without it. :-)

Answer 3

It depends on where you want to be employed. If you want to work at any government position or a large firm, most require a ABA-approved paralegal studies program/certificate (unless you have "connections"). If at a small law firm, they don't usually care.