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The
following is a statement of academic quality adopted in 1997 by the
American Association for Paralegal Education, and reproduced with
permission. The statement is published on this WebSite as an informative
article about paralegal education. This statement should not be
considered as an endorsement or a statement of the National Association
of Legal Assistants. This statement discusses:
CURRICULUM
DEVELOPMENT
FACILITIES
FACULTY
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
PARALEGAL INSTRUCTION
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
RELATED COMPETENCIES
STUDENT SERVICES
STATEMENT
OF ACADEMIC QUALITY
American
Association for Paralegal Education
October
1997
The American
Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), established in 1981, is an
organization dedicated to promoting high standards for paralegal
education. Educational institutions that are voting members of AAfPE
have adopted this Statement of Academic Quality.
PREAMBLE
Paralegal education
is a unique academic curriculum, composed of both substantive legal
knowledge and professional skills, that incorporates legal theory with
an understanding of practical applications. The intellectually demanding
course of study is derived from the responsibilities of paralegals as
legal professionals.
It is the
philosophy of this organization that a person is qualified as a
paralegal with (1) an associate or baccalaureate degree or equivalent
course work; and (2) a credential in paralegal education completed in
any of the following types of educational programs: associate decree,
baccalaureate degree (major or minor), certificate, or master's degree.
AAfPE recognizes
these essential components of quality paralegal education programs:
CURRICULUM
DEVELOPMENT. Quality paralegal education programs monitor
the responsibilities and competencies expected by employers on an
ongoing basis. They regularly incorporate this information into a
well-designed curriculum with a logical sequence of courses that
emphasize interactive learning (student to student and faculty to
student) and assignments that teach practical job-related paralegal
skills in conjunction with underlying legal theory.
FACILITIES.
Quality paralegal education programs have a physical learning
environment that provides (1) access to legal research library
facilities that include computer-based resources; (2) classrooms that
provide opportunities for interaction among students and between
students and the instructor and include the necessary equipment and
technology to facilitate learning; (3) a convenient physical location
for administration/support staff and the provision of student services;
and (4) accessibility pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) requirements.
FACULTY.
The faculty of quality paralegal education programs consists of legal
professionals and, where appropriate, other similarly qualified persons
in good standing in their profession who (1) possess expertise and
experience in their subject area; (2) have background working as or with
paralegals; (3) have or can demonstrate teaching ability; (4) hold a
graduate degree or possess exceptional expertise in the legal subject to
be taught; and (5) are committed to the role of paralegals in the
delivery of legal services. Evaluation is conducted on a frequent and
regular basis to ensure that quality instruction is maintained and
enhanced. Quality programs strive to achieve diversity in the
composition of the faculty.
MARKETING
AND PROMOTION. Quality paralegal education programs
advertised in an ethical manner and in full compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations. All representations in the following
areas are factual as well as current and can be substantiated: (1) the
job market, employability, compensation, and placement; (2) the
knowledge and skills necessary to meet entry-level paralegal job
qualifications; and (3) the transferability of course work to other
educational institutions. Quality programs strive to achieve diversity
in the composition of their student body.
PARALEGAL
INSTRUCTION. Quality paralegal education programs maintain
standards of excellence and include, either as separate classes or
within the overall courses study, the following topics: substantive and
procedural law, the American legal system, delivery of legal services,
law offices and related environments, the paralegal profession, legal
research and writing, ethics, law-related computer skills, legal
interviewing and investigation, and areas of legal practice such as
those described in AAfPE's Core Competencies for Paralegal Programs; and
offers an experiential learning component, such as internship, practicum
or clinical experience.
PROGRAM
DIRECTOR. Quality paralegal education programs provide
adequate release time, funding for professional development
opportunities, and administrative support for the program director to
develop, monitor and accomplish the goals and objectives of the program,
as well as assess the program's effectiveness in achieving these goals
and objectives. The director is primarily responsible for the paralegal
program. A program director is a legal professional or other similarly
qualified person, appropriately credentialed and in good standing in his
or her profession, with knowledge, involvement and understanding of the
paralegal profession and paralegal education.
RELATED
COMPETENCIES. Quality paralegal education programs assist
their students in acquiring these essential related competencies,
primarily in general education: (1) critical thinking skills (analysis,
judgment, research and problem-solving); (2) communication skills (oral,
written, non-verbal, and interpersonal); (3) computer skills; (4)
computational skills; (5) ethical understandings; and (6) organizational
skills. Graduates also possess a basic understanding of American
history, business, and political systems.
STUDENT
SERVICES. Quality paralegal education programs offer
student services that include (1) academic counseling, (2) career
information and placement assistance, and a (3) information and/or
opportunities for participation and such activities as honor societies,
pro bono activities, professional and paralegal associations, and
continuing legal education.
Inquiries should be
directed to the American Association for
Paralegal Education. |
