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The Monroe Community College Paralegal Studies Certificate Program conducted its graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 8 for the newest class of certified paralegals. In total, 16 candidates were recognized during the ceremony, which was held in the Monroe County Legislative Chambers.

The ceremony was especially significant, since this group of paralegal professionals are the first class to graduate from the Paralegal Studies Program with approval from the American Bar Association. Such approval gives a graduate a distinct advantage when being considered by potential employers, or to validate their qualifications in a current position.

I am honored to be part of the first graduating class to receive ABA approval from MCC, stated Tamara Fairhurst, who is currently a paralegal at Nixon Peabody LLP. The ABA approval is recognized in and out of New York State and will create an abundance of opportunities for paralegals.

To begin the recognition ceremony, former New York State Supreme Court Judge Richard Rosenbloom welcomed graduates, families and friends, offering high praise for the program's commitment in the development of teams of paralegals. In addressing the candidates, Judge Rosenbloom stated that justice for everyone cannot be obtained without the significant contributions of paralegals.

Judge Rosenbloom also commented on the significance of ABA approval for the program, indicating that such approval will ensure continuing contributions by competent instructors.

Words of congratulations and appreciation were then offered by MCC President Thomas Flynn. Flynn's comments focused on the importance of ABA approval for the paralegal program, the college, and the legal community as a whole.

Next, Chairman of the MCC Board of Trustees, John Parrinello, offered his congratulations and appreciation as well, stating that there was a continuing need for quality paralegals in the Rochester area, and MCC's program would help to meet that need.

The certificates were then awarded by Barbara Connolly, academic dean of Damon City Campus. Closing remarks were offered by Elizabeth Clifford, program director, along with Linda Almeter and Sonia Dick, both members of the graduating class of paralegals.

Background Of The Program

MCC's Paralegal Studies Certificate Program, approved by SUNY and the State Education Department, first began accepting students in the fall of 1998. The program was originated by Barbara Christoff.

To be accepted into the program, candidates must already have earned either a bachelor's degree or associates degree with 18 credit hours in broadly based liberal arts courses. Candidates must also have significant experience in banking, finance, government, insurance or another law-related capacity.

MCC's paralegal curriculum consists of 17 required courses, a total of 33 credit hours. The courses associated with the program emphasize ethics and professional responsibility, various New York law, laws of procedure, and legal research. Along with this core curriculum, the program also focuses on aspects of law office computing, teamwork and mature critical thinking and writing skills.

Experienced attorneys and senior paralegals provide the instruction for all courses. Curriculum is approved by the MCC Paralegal Studies Advisory Board, which is chaired by Judge Rosenbloom.

The program is designed for students who have or are obtaining an associate or bachelor's degree in a major other than paralegal or legal studies. The certificate program, specifically, provides students with the opportunity to enroll in a paralegal studies program which meets standards set by the ABA, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the American Association for Paralegal Education.

More employers are focusing on a college degree and paralegal studies courses as prerequisites for employment. The certificate program provides opportunities for those who have previously received, or are concurrently receiving, a degree in a different major to access the specific paralegal education courses. This combination of a degree and certificate, along with ABA approval, enhances the career opportunities available for graduates.