Monday, February 19, 2018

ABA approves Legal Studies Program through Aug. 2023

The Justice Center Legal Studies Program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) through August 2023. The Justice Center Legal Studies Program includes:

Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Minor, Legal Studies
Associate of Applied Science, Paralegal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Paralegal Studies
Certificate, Legal Nurse Consultant Paralegal

According to the ABA, "approved programs have demonstrated their high quality education to the lawyers and paralegals in their legal communities."

The Legal Studies Program at UAA and the Paralegal Studies Program at UAF are the only ABA-approved programs in Alaska.

2018 marks the 26th anniversary of ABA approval of UAA's program. Approval is awarded after a rigorous application and assessment process, followed by a thorough site visit by members of the Standing Committee on Paralegals.

The mission of the ABA Standing Committee on Paralegals is to improve the American system of justice by establishing ABA standards for the education of paralegals and by promoting attorneys' professional, effective and ethical utilization of paralegals.

UAA Legal Studies Program graduates can be found working in law firms, state and federal agencies, corporate legal departments, the courts, Native corporations, and the private business sector, contributing to the justice system on the local, state, and federal levels.

Prof. Kristin Knudsen, J.D., M.J.S., is the Legal Studies Program Coordinator.