Approval Process Materials

General Information

1. ABA Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs Effective September 1, 2018
   1. Amendment to the Guidelines Effective January 1, 2020
2. 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
3. Fee Schedule Effective September 1, 2013; Amended June 2, 2017
4. The Practical Guide to the ABA Approval Process, a step-by-step guide through the ABA Approval Process, is available for purchase.

Applications for Approval, Reapproval or Interim

In 2014 the ABA introduced the ABA Paralegal Education Program Approval Process Reporting System (the "System") for submission of all reporting forms. The Standing Committee will no longer accept approval, reapproval or interim report forms or substantive change reporting forms in paper format. All applications for approval and/or reapproval, and interim report forms, are required to be submitted through the online System.  Please contact us with any questions concerning the Approval/Reapproval/Interim Report process (312-988-5757). Passwords are required to access the system and ABA staff is in the process of providing log-in instructions to all approved programs.

Initial Application

If a paralegal education program is seeking initial approval, please contact the Approval Process Manager (312-988-5757) with any questions. Passwords are required to access the System and will be provided upon receipt of the initial application fee and form. Applications for initial approval must be completed within six months due to data calculations inherent in the system.

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). All of the substantive change reporting forms should be submitted electronically and are now available in the Electronic Reporting System. Several of the forms require payment of a fee. Those forms continue to be specifically identified in the Electronic Reporting System.

If you have any questions, please email us.