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Established in 1981, AAfPE’s roots go back to the mid 1970s
when the American Bar Association sponsored the first conferences
for paralegal educators. While much has been accomplished in the
field of paralegal education from this beginning, there is still
much more to be done to fully develop the potential for both the
paralegal field and education for the profession.
Mission Statement:
Recognizing the need to increase and improve
access to the legal system, the American Association for Paralegal
Education (AAfPE) promotes quality paralegal education, develops
educational standards and encourages professional growth, in order
to prepare graduates to perform a significant role in the delivery
of legal services.
- June 9, 2001
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The goals that
AAfPE strives to accomplish: |
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Promote high standards
for paralegal education |
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Provide a forum for professional improvement
for paralegal educators |
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Plan, promote and hold annual conferences
and seminars |
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Provide technical assistance and consultation
services to institutions, educators and employers |
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Promote research and disseminate information
on the paralegal profession |
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Cooperate with the American Bar Association
and other institutions and professional associations in developing
an approval process for paralegal education programs |
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Promote the goals of the Association
through cooperation with other national, regional and local
groups and organizations interested in paralegal education |
These goals are consistently met through the action
of AAfPE's members and the organization’s Board of Directors.
Establishing standards by which
to measure paralegal education has been one of the central focus
points of AAfPE. The Association recognizes the diverse
nature of paralegal education and has developed a set of core competencies
to complement this diversity. AAfPE also recognizes that a common
core of legal knowledge must be coupled with critical thinking,
as well as organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
in order for one to be a successful paralegal. Further, paralegal
programs should provide an integrated set of core courses that develop
these competencies. The development of Model Syllabi in courses
typically taught in paralegal programs is an on-going project as
well as the creation of Model Employer and Graduate Surveys. Through
AAfPE's continued emphasis on high standards, rather than standardization,
to shape paralegal education, excellent programs are available throughout
the country that offer the diversity necessary to meet the specific
needs of the legal community serviced by each program.
The American Association for Paralegal Education has an impressive
history. More important than what it has done, however, is what
it is doing currently in this rapidly changing paralegal profession.
AAfPE membership includes some of the most respected educators and
leaders in the field of paralegal education. As such, AAfPE is the
recognized source for standards in paralegal education and the continuing
development of quality teaching.
AAfPE’s membership includes over 450 universities,
colleges, private schools and institutions of higher learning.
Its members represent 50 states along with Canada.
These institutions have been responsible for producing more than
200,000 paralegal graduates and presently have enrollments totaling
more than 50,000 in their programs.
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