College of DuPage Paralegal Studies Program Receives Reapproval from American Bar Association

The paralegal studies program at College of DuPage has received reapproval from the American Bar Association.

Sally Fairbank, coordinator of the program, said the second consecutive seven-year approval period reflects the program’s ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the ABA.

The program, which offers an associate in applied science and a certificate, started at College of DuPage in fall 2006. Before a program can apply for ABA approval, it must graduate students, which happened in 2008. Two years later, the program received its initial seven-year approval from the ABA

Components of the program include an advisory council that consists of paralegals, a sitting judge, practicing attorneys, and non-legal professionals; a student paralegal studies club; a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX), the national honor society for paralegal students; and faculty who go through a rigorous process before being hired. The program also includes a required practicum at a law office where paralegal students gain practical skills under the supervision of an attorney site mentor.