Paralegal Studies Program reapproved

“I’m happy that the program was reapproved,” said Arlene Cleveland, Paralegal Studies program coordinator. “We know we’re doing a good job, and it means a lot when the ABA confirms it.”p> Pellissippi State’s Paralegal Studies Program had to meet a number of rigorous ABA standards before it could be reapproved. Those standards include providing quality teaching, leadership and institutional support. In addition to requiring the program’s faculty to submit a lengthy report, the reapproval process called for an ABA site team to visit the campus—even sit in on classes—and look at the College as a whole before making a recommendation.

Paralegal Studies offers a core of general education courses, as well as legal specialty courses designed for the field. Paralegals, working under the supervision of an attorney, help to provide quality, affordable legal services to the community. They perform many law office tasks once done solely by an attorney.

Pellissippi State’s Paralegal graduates enjoy a high placement rate, which Cleveland attributes in part to the program’s hands-on approach to teaching. Students learn primarily by working on projects rather than sitting through lectures, she says.

“Our students participate in a number of team projects as part of their coursework,” said Cleveland. “By the time they graduate and are hired, they are already familiar with what they need to do.”