ESCC Paralegal Studies Approved by American Bar Association
Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) is pleased to announce that the American Bar Association (ABA) has granted approval to the Paralegal Studies Program offered at ESCC. Paralegal education programs that are approved by the ABA have undergone a lengthy and intensive process required by the American Bar Association which evaluates the quality of the paralegal program and only accepts those that meet specific standards. To obtain approval by the ABA, a program of education must demonstrate that its program is consistent with sound educational content, policies, procedures, substantive and practical legal curriculum; and that it has met the high expectations set out in the official Guidelines of the Paralegal Standing Committee of the American Bar Association.
ESCC is proud that its Paralegal Studies Program has successfully met the high standards set by the American Bar Association. Schools that successfully complete the ABA approval process have shown a definite commitment to their program through research, assessments, completing the application process, planning and undergoing a site team evaluation, and the like. The ABA approval process typically takes a minimum of three years to complete. Under the direction of the Paralegal Program professor, Attorney Lydia Dillingham, ESCC began the application process in the 2013/2014 academic year and received the final stamp of approval from the ABA House of Delegates on February 6, 2017.
There are only six other colleges in the State of Alabama that have received ABA approval, many which are four year institutions; ESCC being only one of two community colleges which have received ABA approval in Alabama. Although having an ABA approved education is not necessary for employment in the legal field, many employers see completion of an ABA approved program as a plus, as do many paralegal professional associations when qualifying candidates for certification.
Individuals interested in enrolling in the Paralegal Studies Program at ESCC should contact Lydia C. Dillingham at ldillingham@escc.edu or 334-347-3634 Extension 2207.