Rose State Hosts Oklahoma Paralegal Association’s Annual Meeting Published February 2, 2023

Rose State Joins OPA to Provide Career Advancement Opportunities to Paralegals

The Oklahoma Paralegal Association (OPA) held its annual seminar and board meeting at Rose State College on Saturday, Dec. 3. The program presented continuing education topics, including municipal law, ethics in handling harmful evidence, legal technology and cyber security and tips on career advancement.

One of several locations considered for the annual meeting, the OPA Board chose Rose State College as the host because of its history with the school, ease of access to the campus for in-person attendees and exceptional facility options.

As a state paralegal association since 1987, OPA promotes and supports paralegals across Oklahoma by providing continuing legal education, ethical standards and opportunities for networking.

“At Rose State College, we strive to meet workforce demands by helping Oklahomans earn degrees in high-paying, in-demand careers,” Rose State College President Dr. Jeanie Webb said. “The demand for paralegals is incredibly strong right now, and our partnership with the Oklahoma Paralegal Association provides even more opportunities for hiring and professional growth, which will strengthen the health of the legal profession across the state.”

Rose State College offers a two-year paralegal program, offering day and evening classes to prepare students for employment as a legal assistant or paralegal.

“Rose State's Paralegal Program leads in providing quality and affordable education to paralegal students,” Oklahoma Paralegal Association President Cassandra Oliver-Divens, ACP, said. “Committed to working together for the advancement of the paralegal profession, OPA is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Rose State College.”

Paralegals provide quality substantive legal work under the supervision of attorneys and, in some instances, can represent others in administrative proceedings. Law offices, corporations and government agencies have come to rely on paralegals for their high professional standards in conducting legal research, case management, trial presentation skills and more.

“This partnership opens up additional opportunities for our students while encouraging OPA members to send their junior peers to Rose State for a comprehensive education in law,” Rose State College Paralegal Studies Program Director Dr. Brandon Burris said.

Technology remains a key factor in support of the paralegal program as well. “The Rose State College Business and Information Technology (BIT) Division's curriculum is based on input from industry leaders,” Rose State College Business & Information Technology Dean Dr. Charles DeSassure said. “Comments from industry leaders help strengthen our paralegal program to prepare our students for the workplace of tomorrow.”