The paralegal studies program at College of DuPage has received reapproval from the American Bar Association.

Sally Fairbank, coordinator of the program, said the second consecutive seven-year approval period reflects the program’s ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the ABA.

The program, which offers an associate in applied science and a certificate, started at College of DuPage in fall 2006. Before a program can apply for ABA approval, it must graduate students, which happened in 2008. Two years later, the program received its initial seven-year approval from the ABA

Components of the program include an advisory council that consists of paralegals, a sitting judge, practicing attorneys, and non-legal professionals; a student paralegal studies club; a chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX), the national honor society for paralegal students; and faculty who go through a rigorous process before being hired. The program also includes a required practicum at a law office where paralegal students gain practical skills under the supervision of an attorney site mentor.