Rose State College Recommended for Reapproval of Paralegal Program Published May 21, 2024

Rose State College’s award-winning paralegal program was recently voted to be recommended for approval by the American Bar Association. 

The paralegal program allows students to directly begin work as paralegals in law firms, businesses, or government entities as well as prepares students for law school. “With small class sizes that foster relationships between faculty and classmates, we teach a lot of what law schools teach at a much lower cost,” said Brandon Burris, Rose State College Paralegal Program Director. 

Rose State has been approved by the American Bar Association since 1976, resulting in being Oklahoma’s oldest ABA-approved program. “We have a vast network of Rose State paralegals working in the legal field. This is a valuable benefit for our students and new graduates,” Burris said. 

The Journal Record has consistently recognized Rose State for having the Best Paralegal Program in the state. “Graduates of our program possess knowledge and skills in some respects similar to new attorneys,” said Adam Bush, Rose State College paralegal professor. 

This is a two-year program with flexible classes including day, evening, and hybrid courses. Upon completion, students are prepared for employment as a legal assistant or paralegal, under the supervision of an attorney. 

In 2023, 100% of paralegal graduates described themselves as “very satisfied” with the program. 

Recently, Olivia Lloyd, Rose State College paralegal student, was awarded the Oklahoma Paralegal Association’s Student of the Year award. Despite balancing parenthood, full-time employment, part-time work, and academics at Rose State, Olivia’s resilience and dedication shine through, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade.  

The American Bar Association House of Delegates will complete its final vote on program approval in August of 2024.

For more information regarding the paralegal program, please visit rose.edu.