Legal Assisting Program Recognized by AAPE

 Vondee Langehennig, staff writer

Reese Paralegal Department Recognized by AAPE

South Plains College definitely ended 2005 on a good note with the accreditation of its paralegal program to the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAPE).

This accreditation will definitely shine some light on SPC according to Joseph Kline, program director.

“Being apart of this organization will help enhance the quality of our program and definitely draw more students to South Plains College’s paralegal program,” said Kline

SPC was added to the list of about 450 college and universities, 50,000 students and 200,000 graduates.  The AAPE was organized in 1981 and has been striving to uphold to the highest standards of paralegal education and information in American institutions.  IT is also the backbone of Lambda Epsilon Chi, the national honor society.

To become a member of the AAPE, an application must be submitted and the proper qualifications (being the American Bar Association certified or in substantial compliance with the ABA guidelines and accredited by a nationally recognized agency).  The educational benefits include various publications such as “The Paralegal Educator” published three times a ear, and the annual “Journal of Paralegal Education and Practice.”  Other benefits include a membership directory, reduced fees for regional and national conferences and the ability to establish a Lambda Epsilon Chi chapter.  It has yet to be decided whether a chapter will be founded at SPC.

SPC’s legal assistant program will also be able to have a representative attend the annual business meeting to votes on manners regarding the AAPE; Kline also serves as the advisor for the South Plains Legal Assistant Student Organization.