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ABA Approval vs. ABA Accreditation: Do You Need ABA Approval for a Paralegal Program? 

The American Bar Association (ABA) has been around for nearly 150 years and has played an integral role in setting standards in the legal profession. One of the things they do is accredit law schools, with close to 200 institutions and programs currently accredited.  

But what does that mean for undergraduate legal programs? Do they need ABA accreditation?  

The short answer: no. Undergraduate paralegal programs aren’t preparing students to become lawyers, so they don’t go through the same accreditation process that law schools do.  

While ABA accreditation is essential for law schools, undergraduate programs are assessed differently and may align with standards set by other organizations, like the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). 

What is ABA Accreditation? Or is it ABA Approval?

If you’ve been researching legal education, you’ve probably seen both ABA approval and ABA accreditation. It’s easy to wonder: are these the same thing? Short answer: kind of, but not exactly. 

The ABA accredits law schools that offer the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, a graduate degree you need to become a lawyer. Accreditation is a very formal, very detailed process — it costs $100,000 to apply for Provisional Approval, and that status lasts two to five years before full accreditation.  

ABA accreditation is specific to law schools and the path to becoming an attorney. 

When it comes to paralegal programs, the ABA doesn’t “accredit” them, but it approves them. That approval process is voluntary and includes a detailed application, a $2,500 fee, and ongoing annual costs.  

Undergraduate programs are overseen by institutional accreditors like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which require schools to meet rigorous educational standards — this is Bryan University’s current accreditor.  

Other accreditors include the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Why is ABA Accreditation Required for Law Schools?

Graduating from an ABA-accredited law school is typically required to practice law in the U.S.  

There are about 30 to 40 law schools in the country that aren’t ABA-accredited, with most located in California where graduates of those schools can take the state bar exam to qualify as lawyers.  

Almost every other state requires you to graduate from an ABA-accredited law school to sit for the bar exam.  

You might wonder why people would attend an unaccredited law school, and that’s because they’re often less selective, generally cheaper, and more flexible with hybrid or fully online programs. The ABA doesn’t accredit schools that offer a fully online J.D. degree. 

Is ABA Approval Required for Undergraduate Paralegal Programs?

No, ABA approval is not required for undergraduate paralegal or legal studies programs. 

Undergraduate programs are designed to provide foundational legal knowledge, practical skills, and career preparation, not prepare graduates to take the bar exam and become licensed attorneys. Because of that, the ABA does not regulate undergraduate programs in the same way it regulates law schools. 

There are more than 550 colleges and universities in the country that offer paralegal degree programs. The ABA currently approves 222 paralegal programs.  

American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) is another important organization in the legal world. Where the ABA focuses on the legal profession as a whole, the AAfPE focuses specifically on paralegal training and education. In fact, the AAfPE is the largest organization in the country focused on quality paralegal and legal studies education.  

The AAfPE has more than 400 Member Schools, serving as a marker of quality for paralegal programs. AAfPE sets education standards and supports programs that align with the ABA guidelines. Bryan University joined AAfPE as an institutional member school last year. 

Does ABA Approval Matter to Paralegal Employers?

In many cases, employers don’t require paralegals to graduate from an ABA-approved program. Law firms, corporations, and legal departments typically focus on skills like legal research and writing, knowledge of legal procedures and terminology, professional readiness, and experience.  

Similarly, ABA-accredited law schools do not require students to graduate from an ABA-approved undergraduate program to gain admission to law school. 

For entry-level paralegal roles, demonstrated skills and training often matter the most. That why at Bryan University, our paralegal and legal studies students work directly with leading industry software, like Clio and Relativity, and operate as if they’re part of the fictional Bryan & Associates Law Firm from day one.  

What Matters More than ABA Approval for Undergraduate Students? 

If you want to work in the legal field, but don’t aspire to become a lawyer, then ABA approval may be helpful, but it’s not vital.  

For undergraduate paralegal students, these are some important factors to consider when choosing the right program for you: 

  • Practical experience 
  • Career alignment with your ideal legal role 
  • Experienced, supportive faculty 
  • Career services and job placement support 
  • Alignment with your learning style and needs 
  • Cost and program length 
  • Access to library and legal research resources 
  • How the program incorporates legal technology and AI tools 
  • Flexibility; hybrid or online options to work with your schedule 

Bottom Line: ABA Accreditation Depends on the Program Type

ABA accreditation serves a specific and important purpose in legal education for law schools and becoming a licensed attorney.  

Undergraduate paralegal programs do not require ABA accreditation, and ABA approval is optional. While ABA approval can indicate a program’s quality, programs without it may still meet the same standards or be recognized by another organization, like the AAfPE. 

You should also ask yourself: 

  • What skills will I actually learn, and how will they apply in the workplace? 
  • What career paths could this program open for me? 
  • How easily can I transfer credits if I continue my education? 
  • Does the program feel like the right fit for me? 
  • Will it help me prepare for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam or help me earn other credentials that boost employability? 

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Accreditation & Approval and Paralegal Programs

Do undergraduate paralegal programs need ABA accreditation?

No. Undergraduate paralegal and legal studies programs do not need ABA accreditation. ABA accreditation is primarily required for law schools because it impacts bar exam eligibility and attorney licensure.  

What is the difference between ABA accreditation and approval?

ABA accreditation is used to ensure that law schools meet educational standards required for graduates to sit for the bar exam. It applies only to Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs and attorney licensure. 

ABA approval is specific to undergraduate paralegal programs and is a voluntary process. The ABA says on its website, “Seeking approval from the American Bar Association is a voluntary process initiated by the institution offering the program. Therefore, the lack of approval does not necessarily mean a paralegal program is not of good quality and reputable.”  

Is ABA approval required to become a paralegal?

No. ABA approval is not required to become a paralegal. Most employers focus on legal knowledge, practical skills, and workplace readiness. 

Do employers prefer ABA-approved paralegal programs?

Some employers may recognize ABA-approved programs, but it is not a universal requirement. Skills, training, and experience are typically more important, especially for entry-level roles. 

Can a non-ABA undergraduate paralegal program lead to law school?

Yes. Non-ABA undergraduate programs can provide a strong foundation for law school. 

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