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PCC program first in state to get American Bar Association approval
Photos and Story by Abe Proctor
The Paralegal Program at Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus has become the first community college program of its kind in Oregon to receive official approval from the American Bar Association.
After two years of an intensive process, formal approval was granted by the ABA in February at its annual convention in Florida. Micky Ryan, a lawyer and chair of the program’s advisory council, said that the approval provides assurance to both students and the legal community that PCC is providing an educational experience grounded in practical paralegal preparation. A point of interest is the program’s Cascade Campus law library, which is not common for community colleges.
The Paralegal Program, offered by PCC for more than 35 years, provides a comprehensive paralegal education to more than 300 students annually. About 40 to 50 students graduate from the program every year with either a two-year associate’s degree or a one-year certificate. The program comprises more than 25 paralegal classes, including internships for students to obtain on-the-job experience. In addition to their studies, students can join the Paralegal Club to brainstorm and sponsor educational events on campus.
“It was an intensive process examining all aspects of the Paralegal Program and included an on-site visit last spring by a team of out-of-state ABA professionals,” said Paralegal Program Chair Jerry Brask. “Our goal is provide the best education and training for our students. We solicit ongoing input from students, graduates and prospective employers to continue making changes which help make our students productive for the law firms, government agencies and nonprofits where they work.”
The program’s faculty consists of experienced and highly competent lawyers and paralegals teaching topics in which they have concentrated their practice, Brask added.
An open house to celebrate the program’s recognition will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, in Cascade Campus’ Terrell Hall, rooms 109 and 112, 705 N. Killingsworth St. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, law firms, corporations or nonprofits interested in hosting paralegal interns, and prospective students, can call (503) 978-5212, or visit www.pcc.edu/pl.