Paralegal careers are growing, but choosing the right degree program is overwhelming. The growth isn’t surprising because of the benefits of being a paralegal.
Paralegals enjoy job stability due to high demand across diverse employers. Law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments are popular. Their median wage is $61,010/year (BLS, May 2024), but can be as high as $98,990+/year.
But over 520 schools are offering undergraduate paralegal programs across the US. Then, some schools offer certificates and master’s degree programs. So, making the right choice is overwhelming.
Also, students must weigh these major factors: paralegal degree accreditation and reputation. Which of these two factors is more important in making the right choice? After all, a paralegal program doesn’t have to be ABA-approved. So, paralegal school reputation may well be more important.
When you understand the importance of both factors, you’ll make an informed choice. Better yet, you can make the best career-focused choice.
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What Accreditation Means in a Paralegal Program
Accreditation is a formal recognition that a college or an academic program has accomplished the following:
- Meet the established standards of quality in curriculum, faculty, and student support services.
- Provide education that prepares its students for professional life and advanced studies.
- Engage in continuous improvement in its standards of quality.
The importance of accreditation for paralegals lies in its wide range of benefits:
- Quality assurance: The program meets standards of quality set by the accrediting agency.
- Employer recognition: Many employers either require or prefer candidates from accredited programs.
- Credit transferability: You’re more likely to have your credits transferred.
- Financial aid eligibility: Federal aid and many scholarships are only available to accredited programs. Paralegal education can cost between $15,000 and $35,000 for an associate’s degree. So, financial aid is a welcome aspect.
In paralegal programs, there are two types of accreditation:
Regional and national accreditation
Both are applied to the entire school itself, not just the paralegal program. Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard (i.e., preferred over national accreditation).
American Bar Association (ABA) approval
The ABA doesn’t accredit paralegal programs like it does law programs in the US. This is done through the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals.
Also, “ABA-accredited paralegal programs” undergo the process on a voluntary basis. ABA approval isn’t mandatory for paralegal programs, but it’s seen as the gold standard. Many employers have a preference for paralegals from ABA-approved programs.
How does accreditation ensure program quality and employability? Accredited programs must adhere to the quality standards set in these areas:
- Curriculum (i.e., didactic courses)
- Qualified faculty (i.e., instructors have appropriate legal education and experience)
- Career readiness (i.e., hands-on training through internships)
In conclusion, look for regional or national accreditation first. Then, if you want more rigorous training, look for ABA approval for the program. (Here’s a list of ABA-approved paralegal programs for your reference.)
But remember that ABA approval isn’t mandatory for most paralegal certification exams. This is true for NALA’s NALA’s Certified Paralegal, NFPA’s PACE/PCCE, and NALS certifications.
Why School Reputation Still Matters
You must also consider the paralegal school’s reputation when making your choice. Think of it as adding another layer of assurance, value, and prestige.
Accreditation is a must for paralegal programs. But perception can make the difference between employment and rejection because of:
Employer preference
Many employers consider the school’s reputation in their hiring decisions. You may, for example, come from a school that ranks high in paralegal program rankings. While it isn’t guaranteed, you may have an edge over the competition.
Your resume can also stand out because of your school’s positive reputation. This is because reputation acts as a signal to employers about your job readiness.
Networking opportunities
Students and graduates of well-regarded schools have access to an extensive alumni network. If you can leverage it, you’ll find a broad range of opportunities for career growth. Think of internships and mentorships, as well as job leads and referrals.
Employer partnerships
Many top-ranked schools have solid partnerships with paralegal employers. These partnerships mean internships, mentorships, and post-graduation offers, too. UCLA Extension and George Washington University are known for them.
And then there’s the matter of reputation for online and traditional programs. Is there a difference in their reputation among employers?
Yes, there is, but it depends on many factors, such as:
- Credibility of the institution: Online programs from reputable universities are usually viewed as traditional programs.
- Perception of academic rigor and discipline: Many employers consider online and traditional programs as being on a similar level. Again, the credibility of the college influences said perception.
- Field experience opportunities: Online students must be more proactive to find them. On-campus students usually enjoy more local connections.
For online and traditional programs, reputation matters.
Accreditation vs. Reputation: Which Holds More Weight?
In the accreditation vs reputation in paralegal degrees debate, each one matters. But their importance isn’t always equal either.
Employers’ Perspectives on Credentials: Accreditation as the Baseline
Employers usually start with accreditation as a non-negotiable aspect of paralegal education. Again, regional accreditation is the gold standard, especially for traditional colleges. Without accreditation, a job candidate’s resume may not even make it past the initial stage.
But beyond it, the ABA vs school prestige paralegal program factor comes into play. Does your program have ABA approval? Does your school have a positive reputation for paralegal education?
If the answer is a “yes” to either question, you may have an edge.
When Reputation Can Give Graduates a Competitive Edge
- During hiring decisions, graduates from highly-ranked programs are seen as more job-ready.
- When applying for internships and promotions among applicants with similar credentials, a favorable school reputation can tip the balance.
- In expanding your professional network, the extensive alumni network is an asset for a smart student or graduate.
Scenarios Where Reputation Matters More
In these workplaces, your school’s reputation can matter more. After all, accreditation is a must for educational institutions to operate. But reputation isn’t something a school can simply claim.
- Law firms, especially large ones like Kirkland & Ellis or Latham & Watkins
- Corporate legal departments
Urban job markets tend to place a premium on reputation than rural ones, too.
So, in the end, accreditation gets your foot in the door. Reputation can land you the job.
Questions Students Should Ask Before Choosing a Program
When choosing a paralegal degree program, here are the key questions to ask.
- Is the program ABA-approved? If it is, then it meets rigorous standards for paralegal education.
- What are job placement rates and alumni success stories? If both are good, it means students have access to real-world opportunities.
- How do employers in your region view the school? Again, school reputation matters for employers in their hiring decisions.
- Do local firms accept online or hybrid programs? Check if the employers you’re interested in respect online education.
Indeed, the best paralegal degree options aren’t what the ranking websites say they are. Instead, the best options are those that meet your specific interests and goals.
Real-World Employer Insights
Employer views on paralegal accreditation are unequivocal. Accreditation, particularly regional accreditation, is the non-negotiable requirement for paralegal education.
ABA accreditation is either required or preferred, depending on the employer. Large law firms and government agencies usually require or prefer it. The paralegal hiring requirements at the state attorney general’s offices often include it.
There are also regional differences in employer expectations. In large urban areas, both accreditation and reputation have significant weight. In more rural areas, the focus may be more on local connections and job readiness (i.e., more flexibility).
Here are a few testimonials from law firms and corporate legal departments.
- “We usually only interview job candidates from ABA-approved programs. This way, we’re assured that they have appropriate paralegal education.” – Hiring manager, regional law firm
- “We recognize the value of online education, too. But it must be from an accredited school.” – Legal operations manager, corporate legal department
Balancing Accreditation and Reputation
When balancing accreditation and reputation, there’s no need to choose one over the other. The best option is often to combine both accreditation and reputation. This way, you’ll get respected training and recognized credentials at the same time.
But, of course, you can also consider their importance based on where you are in your career. If you’re an entry-level paralegal, accreditation matters more. But for career growth, give more weight to the school’s reputation.
In general, here’s how to choose paralegal programs:
- Always check for valid accreditation first.
- Then, consider reputation as a tie-breaker.
Conclusion
In your paralegal degree decision-making process, remember that accreditation is the foundation. We cannot overemphasize the accreditation importance paralegal programs carry. It not only ensures quality paralegal education but also employer recognition.
Then, consider reputation, too, because it can provide the edge in the job marketplace. This is true whether you’re applying for entry-level positions or promotions.
In conclusion, before enrolling, research the programs carefully. Then, prioritize long-term employability.
