ABA approval granted to paralegal program

The paralegal associate degree program at Baker College of Clinton Township has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
“This is a great achievement for our campus and for the paralegal department,” said Donald R. Torline, Baker College of Clinton Township president. “Congratulations to paralegal director Kristi Wickerham, and associate dean of business Lynn Carlino who, through their hard work and dedication, made this happen.”
Baker College of Clinton Township is one of some 265 ABA-approved programs nationwide and one of 14 in Michigan.
The ABA approves paralegal education programs that meet stringent guidelines in order to promote high quality paralegal education, training and educational standards.
The paralegal program at Baker’s Clinton Township campus, which began in 2004, went through a five-year process that included submitting self-evaluation reports to the ABA, Torline said.
In addition, an on-site visit by the ABA verified that the paralegal program was in compliance with the organization’s guidelines, he added.
Although ABA-approved programs are valid for seven years, Baker College of Clinton Township must submit interim reports in order to maintain the designation, according to Torline.
Carline said approval is good news for the 209 students currently enrolled in the program.
“A degree from an ABA-approved school may make these students more competitive and desirable in the job market, as employers know they have been trained under nationally established, high-level standards,” said Carlino.
According to Wickerham, the school also works with the legal community to find job placement for its paralegal interns and graduates.
“Working under the supervision of attorneys and performing a variety of essential tasks,” said Wickerham, “our paralegal interns and graduates are employed at law firms, courts, government agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, real estate companies, insurance companies and health care organizations throughout Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties.”
Baker College serves more than 43,000 students on 12 campuses and in four satellite locations.
 

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