A Rise to the Challenge:

The Evolution of the Paralegal Advanced Developmental Education Course

The downsizing of the active-duty force from the early 1990s to the present profoundly impacted various career fields within the Department of the Air Force, including paralegals. The reduction in personnel from 640,000 to slightly over 325,000 created a significant loss of institutional experience and knowledge. This downsizing had substantial ramifications for force development initiatives, posing a particular challenge in adequately preparing paralegals for senior enlisted leader positions. Recognizing the imperative need to bridge this knowledge gap, discussions on potential solutions commenced in 2011 within the JAG Corps. However, it wasn't until the 2015 Paralegal Utilization and Training Workshop that the pressing requirement for an educational remedy was unequivocally defined. Presenting a proposed curriculum and identifying the target demographic audience, The Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School presented a pivotal proposal to JAG Corps leadership in early 2018. This proposal laid the foundation for the establishment of the Paralegal Advanced Developmental Education (PADE) Course, underscoring the JAG Corps’ commitment to addressing the evolving challenges within the paralegal career field.

PADE presents principles and proficiencies related to the formulation and operation of life-cycle paralegal education and training, along with the management of legal office programs. The primary audience is technical sergeants with fewer than 16 years of service who have completed the Paralegal Craftsman Course (PCC) at least three years before their PADE attendance. Additionally, the 5J Career Field Manager (CFM) will selectively nominate individuals on a case-by-case basis, such as those returning from Developmental Special Duty (DSD) assignments beyond the paralegal career field. Finally, the Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) and CFM handpick senior master sergeants to act as adjunct faculty, offering a mentoring and coaching avenue for the 5J senior noncommissioned officers (SNCOs) and noncommissioned officers (NCOs).

Technical Sergeant Micaela Mahan, 7th Air Force Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, reviews paperwork in her office. Mahan was recently named one of the Air Force’s 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (2023). (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Eric Burks)

Technical Legal Skills to Leadership and Management Skills

The primary objective of PADE is to proactively navigate the inevitable shift from technical legal skill sets to the leadership and management focused skills essential for paralegal SNCOs. Although one might initially consider whether this transition is addressed in the Law Office Management Course (LOMC), it’s crucial to note that attending LOMC is subject to specific conditions including the timing of the course, offered only once each Fiscal Year, and an assignment to serve as a superintendent or manager. Consequently, certain paralegals may never have the chance to attend LOMC, highlighting the unique role that PADE plays in addressing this critical aspect of professional development. Lastly, certain roles traditionally occupied by SNCOs are now filled by NCOs, leading us to depend increasingly on our NCO Corps to assume additional leadership responsibilities within their respective offices.

Evolution

Since its inaugural course in 2018, PADE has undergone significant evolution to cater to the demands of the JAG Corps. Initially designed for a 3 1/2-day schedule, PADE has expanded to a week-long program. This expansion incorporates comprehensive leadership development, drawing insights directly from The Judge Advocate General, Deputy Judge Advocate General, the SEA, and CFM. The curriculum also integrates expertise from Air University subject matter experts in emotional intelligence and effective team communication. Discussions on vicarious trauma and burnout are facilitated to address critical aspects of what we encounter in our profession. Moreover, the program introduces students to diverse non-traditional 5J positions and DSDs, aiming to broaden their career prospects. Notably, the class engages in strategizing solutions for significant Department of the Air Force and JAG Corps challenges, fostering their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Present

As of now, PADE has produced 114 master sergeants, 11 senior master sergeants, two chief master sergeants, and two second lieutenants. This cohort of 252 graduates stands as a testament to the course’s surpassing of expectations in fostering paralegal development. PADE embodies the JAG Corps’ forward-looking dedication to the Department of the Air Force’s vision. As we persist in shaping the Airmen and Guardians required for 2030, PADE stands as a pivotal tool for cultivating the prospective leaders integral to the future of the JAG Corps.

PADE 23-001 class photo, October 2022 (Courtesy Image: Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps)

About the Authors

Chief Master Sergeant Lindsey Wolf, USAF

(A.A.S., Avionic Systems Technology, Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama; A.A.S., Paralegal Studies, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama; B.S., University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland; A.A.S., Instructor of Technology and Military Science, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama; M.S., Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan) is the Senior Enlisted Leader, The Judge Advocate General’s School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

 

Mr. Ronald Frazier, USAF

(A.A.S., Instructor of Technology and Military Science, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama; A.A.S., Paralegal Studies, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama) is the Paralegal Program Director, The Judge Advocate General’s School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.