ABA APPROVAL: What It Means To You

In August, 1988 the Institute received final approval from the American Bar Assocation for its Paralegal Education Program. To be approved, a program must demonstrate that it is in compliance with the guidelines set forth by the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. The ABA Evaluation addressed the program's admissions, curriculum, faculty and placement performance. Reports must be submitted to the ABA and the program must apply for reapproval periodically.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Application process consists of five parts:

1. Application form and fee. You will need to complete an application form and return it to the Institute with the application fee. The application fee is refundable in full if you are not accepted.
2. Personal Statement. Write a personal statement about your interest in the paralegal profession.
3. Transcripts. You must provide the admissions office with copies of official transcripts covering your entire college career. Transcripts must remain in our permanent file at the Institute and cannot be returned to you.
4. Interview. The interview will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the program, inspect the facilities and provide the staff an opportunity to become familiar with your background and qualifications. Please call in advance to schedule an appointment for your interview.
5. Entrance examination. You must complete the Institute's aptitude test. The test may be taken at the time of your interview.

Following the five steps described, applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance or rejection. In the event of rejection, any monies paid will be refunded in full.

You should complete your registration as far in advance of your desired starting date as possible to ensure enrollment in your preferred session. Space is limited.

Please call (952) 542-8417 to schedule a time to take the entrance examination. This test is administered by the Institute free of charge and takes one hour to complete.

FACULTY

Our faculty members are practicing attorneys and paralegals who teach the practical information you need to know to be a successful paralegal. Send for a copy of our catalog for a full listing of our faculty members and their credentials.

CURRICULUM

The program at the Minnesota Paralegal Institute has been developed by individuals with extensive experience in and commitment to the paralegal field. It is designed specifically for men and women who have a baccalaureate degree and an interest in the law. The curriculum emphasizes those areas of law which offer the best opportunities for placement.

CLASS SCHEDULES

DAY CLASSES:

4 Days per week - Monday through Thursday
From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Day Programs offered in February, June and October
(Dates vary slightly from year to year. Please check with Admissions for exact start dates).

NIGHT CLASSES:

2 Nights per week (with an occassional third night) - Nights vary by session
(Typically Monday through Thursday)**
From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Night Programs offered in March and October
(Dates vary slightly from year to year. Please check with Admissions for exact start dates).

Please Note:

**Schedules do change from session to session.

Our faculty team is made up of practicing attorneys and paralegals, and therefore class schedules are based on the availability of both teachers and classrooms.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Minnesota Paralegal Institute is approved for the Wells Fargo Education Connection Loan as well as Veterans Educational Benefits. The Institute also participates in the SELF loan program sponsored by the State of Minnesota. You do not have to be a resident of Minnesota to qualify for the SELF loan.

PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

Pre-employment orientation and specific job search instruction are included in the program. While placement cannot be guaranteed, we feel a direct, personal responsibility to place, as well as to educate, our students.

Prior to graduation, each student completes an employment preference form to provide information about salary needs, preferred legal specialty area, geographic area desired, etc. Employers who contact the Institute are matched with students' expressed preferences. Resumes are then submitted to the employer for consideration and the employer contacts students for interviews.

Current placement statistics are available from your admissions representative when you come to visit the school.

COME SEE US

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to more fully explain the opportunities available to paralegals. Call us at 952-542-8417 to set up an appointment for a visit.