We recognized Harper College for offering one of Top Associate’s Degree Programs in Paralegal Studies, adding them to our list of top recommendations for students in the area.
We were excited to hear from Paul Guymon, faculty member at Harper College, who took the time to answer a few questions about how the school works to create a great student experience that helps prepare graduates for a career in the legal field.
Are you finding a lot of career changers in your program looking to get their start in the legal profession?
Paul: Yes, I would say that the majority of students in our program are career changers.
Paralegals are really getting the respect they deserve these days, and taking on more and more responsibilities on the job. How is this changing the approach to educating new paralegals?
Paul: It requires us to stay abreast of all of the changes in the profession. This can be a real challenge. especially when it comes to technology.
Does the program at your school include an internship and are faculty available to help students find one?
Paul: Yes, and the program coordinator or faculty adviser assigned to the interns will assist the student intern in finding a position.
What are some of the things you love most about the paralegal program at your school – the kind of things you’d like future students to know about as they consider their options?
Paul: Our program has been around since 1972 and we have been ABA approved since 1974. We are one of the true leaders in paralegal education. We are also one of the founding members of the American Association for Paralegal Education and two of our program coordinators have been presidents of that association.
Check out our full interview series here to see what other professors and faculty are saying about their paralegal programs.