The Paralegal Program at Central Piedmont Community College is one of only five ABA Approved programs in North Carolina.

A Paralegal Program that is approved by the ABA is one which has met the guidelines and standards set by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistants and its Approval Commission. These guidelines relate to all areas of the Paralegal Program including, but not limited to, admissions and enrollment procedures, curriculum and degree requirements, faculty credentials, textbooks and course syllabi, law library requirements, advisory committees, career placement, counseling, internships, and Program Evaluation.

Once a Program has obtained its initial ABA approval by showing that the Program is in compliance with the ABA Guidelines, the Program must re-apply for approval every seven years and submit an interim report to the ABA in the third year of the seven year cycle. In addition, all major changes in program leadership, curriculum, location, or organization must be reported to the ABA to ensure that the Program is in compliance with ABA Guidelines at all times.

For more information on what it means to graduate from an ABA Approved program or to see a directory of ABA Approved programs, go to http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/. Employment opportunities are available in private law firms, governmental agencies, banks, insurance agencies, and other business organizations.