LA PLATA, Md. (September 28, 2008)—The College of Southern Maryland today announced that they have received accreditation from the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates for their paralegal studies program.
"The College of Southern Maryland is honored to achieve this recognition for its program, and even more pleased to be the fifth college within Maryland with this ABA approval," said Daphne Morris, associate professor in CSM's Business, Economics and Legal Studies department and coordinator of the paralegal studies program, in a prepared statement. "The approval process included an intensive review and on-site evaluation of the college's program which has provided us the opportunity to closely examine our paralegal studies program."
Offered since 1992, CSM's paralegal studies program is designed to prepare students for legal careers by providing substantive knowledge and practical skills necessary for entry-level paralegal positions in public, private or business entities. Most paralegals work in private law firms. However, other organizations employ paralegals including corporate legal departments, insurance companies, estate and trust departments of large banks, hospitals and health care organizations, real estate and title insurance companies, and professional trade associations.
Paralegal education programs that successfully complete the ABA evaluation process are approved for a period of seven years. During this period CSM must continually reaffirm its quality through periodic reports to the ABA.
Karen Smith Hupp, Director of Community Relations, noted that the ABA approval is not required for CSM to offer the program. However, it adds credibility to the program and demonstrates CSM's commitment to quality education.
For more information on CSM's paralegal program, visit http://www.itc.csmd.edu/bus/legal/PS.htm