Approval Process Materials

All of the forms provided are designed to be downloaded, completed and printed using standard word processing programs. Feel free to expand or contract space for answers as appropriate. Please contact the Approval Process Manager (312-988-5617) with any questions concerning the Approval/Reapproval forms or Substantive Change and Reporting Forms, or the Report Review Coordinator (312-988-5757) with any questions concerning the interim report forms.

General Information

1. NEW ABA Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs Effective 9/1/13
2. Procedures, Instructions and General Information Concerning ABA Approval or Reapproval
3. Programs applying for ABA approval must be offered by an institution accredited by an Institutional Accrediting Agency that is acceptable to the Standing Committee
   1. List of accrediting agencies
      Interpretation on Acceptable Accrediting Agencies
4. Fee Schedule (Effective September 1, 2013)

Applications for Approval or Reapproval

Please Note:The Standing Committee is developing an electronic reporting system.  During the transition period, programs will continue to submit hard copy materials.  The forms are posted below.  If you have any questions concerning the materials, please email us.

We will notify all programs when the system is final and ready for use. We are testing the product internally and will include volunteer testers in the near future.

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

1. Application for Initial Approval (Effective September 1, 2013)
   doc | pdf
   
2. Application for Reapproval
   doc | pdf
   
3. Exhibits for Approval and Reapproval Applications (Effective September 1, 2013)
   The exhibits posted below are to be used with the Applications for Initial Approval and Reapproval.
   
   Please note: Below is a listing of individual exhibits for your convenience.
   Alternatively, you may download a compilation of the exhibits in pdf format.

Interim Report Forms

Until the transition to the web-based reporting process is complete, programs should use the forms below to submit Interim Reports.

1. Interim Report Form (Effective September 2013) doc | pdf
   
   
2. Standardized Exhibit Forms (Effective September 2013)
   Please note: Below is a listing of individual exhibits for your convenience.
   Alternatively, you may download a compilation of the exhibits in pdf format.

Substantive Change and Reporting Forms

ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs are required to report major changes in their programs or operations as set out in G-104.M of the ABA Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs (Guidelines).  Effective September 1, 2013 a fee is imposed on programs submitting certain changes pursuant to G-104.M.1 of the ABA Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs.  The fee is due at the time the Substantive/Major Change Report Form is submitted.  Forms requiring fees are identified  with "**" below. Please see the Statement of Fees for specific fee.

Until the transition to the web-based reporting process is complete, programs should send one copy of the required Reporting Form, attachments, if any, and fee to the American Bar Association, Standing Committee on Paralegals, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654.  After the review, there may be follow-up questions or additional materials which are necessary about the specifics of the change.

1. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Accrediting Agency and/or Accreditation Status
2. Revised Substantive Change Reporting Form -- New Program Option**
3. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Additional/New Location**
4. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Ownership and/or Financial Support**
5. Substantive Change Reporting Form Alternative Delivery Course Approval:
               a.   Online Delivery Format
               b.   Hybrid/Blended Delivery Format
               c.    Accelerated Delivery Format
               d.   Compressed Delivery Format
6. Alternative Delivery Certification
   
7. Revised Alternative Delivery Procedures
8. Reporting Form -- New Program Director**
9. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Cessation of Program Option**
10. Revised Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Substantial Curriculum Change**
11. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Organizational Changes Involving the Paralegal Program
12. Substantive Change Reporting Form -- Programs Ceasing Operation or Requesting Voluntary Withdrawal of ABA Approval**

** Forms require a fee.

If you have any questions regarding the materials, please email us.

Updated: 02/19/2014