Most often, a high school diploma is required for admission. The general education component is fulfilled by a student's having a degree at entry. Most of these programs may be completed in one year or less. Some colleges award continuing education units which are nationally recognized, standard units of measurement adopted for post-secondary programs and educational courses not carrying college credit. Curriculum Most paralegal programs cover the following subjects in addition to requiring general education either as part of the program or before it.
Many schools also have one or more classes covering computer applications for legal assistants.
American Bar Association Approval Seeking ABA approval is voluntary on the part of the institution. There are some quality programs that have chosen not to seek approval. However, the ABA guidelines are useful in evaluating a program you are considering, and in helping you to decide whether it will meet your needs. To be considered for approval, a program must meet standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. Individual legal assistants, attorneys, law firms and corporate legal departments.