EMU paralegal studies program re-approved for 7 years by ABA

YPSILANTI – The American Bar Association (ABA) recently granted re-approval to the paralegal studies program at Eastern Michigan University. The term is for a period of seven years, beginning February 2015 and ending February 2022. EMU’s paralegal program has been approved by the ABA since 1991.

“Approval by the American Bar Association is the gold standard for any paralegal studies program,” said Nancy Caine Harbour, professor and coordinator of the program. “This exceptional distinction is not only professionally exciting for the University, but it also lets our students know that the paralegal program will continue at EMU for another seven years.”

The ABA is the national approval institution for attorneys and educational programs committed to maintaining the educational standards for paralegals that promote professional, effective and ethical utilization by attorneys of paralegals.

“Many prospective employers are specifically seeking paralegal graduates from an ABA approved program, as well as a program that offers a four-year Paralegal Studies Degree, like EMU’s,” Caine Harbour said. “This combination gives EMU paralegal studies graduates an extra boost in the legal employment market.

“The ABA approval not only gives Eastern national recognition, but it also helps to promote the paralegal program to prospective students and provides the best endorsement for program graduates.”

The four-year program at EMU offers both a bachelor of science degree in Paralegal Studies, and a second bachelor’s degree. The program will provide a student with the knowledge to work side-by-side and under the supervision of an attorney.

In addition, paralegal students have the opportunity to work in the Washtenaw County-EMU Legal Resource Center, on Main St. in Ann Arbor – one of the highlights of the program. The program’s faculty comprises attorneys committed to providing real world experience in order for students to succeed in today’s legal profession.

Effective with the winter semester in 2017, most courses will be offered as a hybrid mix of online and face-to-face classes or available completely online. More information can be found on the EMU website.