What is the difference between an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies being approved by the ABA or not?
I am interested in attending Penn Foster Online Classes for the Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies.
I have just found out that the ABA does not approved any online schools.
I work for an attorney as a secretary and he says that I am hired as Paralegal once I conquer my degree.
Will there be any affect if ABA approves or does not approve this degree? And is it worth it getting this degree.
3 Responses to “What is the difference between an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies being approved by the ABA or not?”
Comment from Nunyo Biz
Time April 5, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Do NOT get an associates degree from a non bar approved program. For that matter, stop what you are doing, and do not pursue this career at all. You will regret the decision for the rest of your life. Change course and study something practical- technology or health care related.
Please please don’t become a paralegal and make the same mistake I did. (And I made the decision to pursue this worthless career after wasting all my time earning an even more worthless four years degree).
Check out my blog for more:
Comment from lucy
Time April 5, 2010 at 6:41 pm
The reason they don’t approve is that you cant verify you took the course and can do the legal work.
My husband is a lawyer and 3 secretaries prior, she took online course that he completed for her. She put her title out that she did not actually qualify for. I on the other hand took night school and got my paralegal degree, which I am proud to put on my resume.
But even with my paralegal degree, after searching for work, found out that most law firms don’t pay much for it, since they still in many states think of paralegals as no more than a secretary and pay them accordingly. I subsequently went into insurance as a claim adjuster making about double what a law firm would pay me as a paralegal.
So if your employer adds your title when you complete it and he pays you more due to this, go for it. But the only benefit you will get will be if you look for employment later and can state you actually did paralegal work vs only the online degree.
good luck
Comment from Flower
Time April 5, 2010 at 5:19 pm
No dont waste your time and money with online course from some unknown college. Go to night school if you work during the day. An ABA-approved course is worth more money and prestige.