The Professional Development Committee oversees several PACO initiatives including scholarships, assisting current or future paralegals in pursuing Paralegal Certification credentials, and facilitating practice area round table discussions and events. 

The committee reviews scholarship applications and awards two scholarships annually. One scholarship is awarded to a student paralegal and one scholarship is awarded to a paralegal who is pursuing a paralegal certification.  At its discretion, PACO may award additional scholarships. Applicants for the paralegal student scholarship must be currently enrolled in an Ohio ABA approved paralegal studies program such as Columbus State Community College's paralegal program.  For questions regarding qualifying programs, please contact the Professional Development Committee Chair. 

The Certification scholarship is awarded to a paralegal seeking certification through either OSBA or NFPA.  Applications for both scholarships are accepted from March 1 to April 15 each year.  Scholarships are awarded during PACO's Paralegal Day celebration on the third Monday of May each year. 

The Professional Development Committee assists paralegals in pursuing Paralegal Certification credentials through the NFPA or OSBA.

The Professional Development Committee oversees the established round tables program.  PACO currently has three round table programs, the Workers' Compensation round table, Litigation round table, and Domestic Relations round table.  Round tables can be led by any PACO member.  Anyone interested in leading a round table may contact the Professional Development Committee to assist in coordinating.T