“Formal paralegal education generally improves the legal services rendered by lawyers employing paralegals and provides a more satisfying professional atmosphere in which paralegals may work. … The benefits to both the law practice and the paralegals is consistent with the lawyer’s own responsibility to maintain professional competence under Model Rule 1.1,” according to Guideline 10 of the ABA Model Guidelines for the Utilization of Paralegal Services. The importance of participation in continuing legal education by paralegals is important at all experience levels—including both senior and entry-level paralegals.
Participating in continuing legal education can impact your experience as a paralegal. Paralegals are not only expected to maintain professional competence, but also to be cognizant of ethical obligations. In addition, continuing legal education serves to broaden skills and knowledge in the field. In turn, this knowledge allows paralegals to grow and contribute to the success of the legal team. Paralegals can attend CLE opportunities through a variety of institutions, including the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and the Philadelphia Bar Association, which provide year-round CLE classes. However, most CLE classes tend to concentrate on strengthening a particular skill set or developing knowledge in a specific area of law. The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals’ annual education conference, however, offers a selection of 16 different continuing education sessions, thus appealing to every paralegal experience level and encompassing almost every area of law.
