§2.3
		Introduction
		Lecture Notes

Introduction
The vast majority of paralegals (and paralegal students) are career changers. Certificate programs provide a vital service to those who do not have the time to go back to college for a degree, but bring relevant skills and experience to their new profession.

Lecture Notes . . .

ABA control of the paralegal profession is an important issue. You will find many very passionate arguments for and against. Ultimately, though, it is almost certain that what will matter much more than ABA "approval" of a program is the name of the university on your certificate or degree. The ABA does not "accredit" they "approve." The ABA, at best, can only set some arbitrary standards, while it is the universities themselves that are responsible for the actual design and implementation of the educational experience.

There is another side issue: Many of the programs arguing for ABA control are run by attorneys. As such, some would argue there is a conflict of interest.