Paralegal Studies AAS

Paralegal Studies AAS (Major Code: PS13)

Program Description

The ABA-Approved Paralegal Studies program prepares students for assisting attorneys in the delivery of legal services. For almost 20 years, the program has not only prepared students with the substantive legal knowledge, but also the practical skills necessary to become a successful paralegal. Paralegals work in a variety of industries including technology, banking, manufacturing, and entertainment. Dedicated, diverse, and experienced instructors teach core general education and legal specialty courses including civil litigation, criminal law & procedure, family law, bankruptcy, real estate, and contracts. In addition, students are trained in basic legal concepts such as ethics, research (both federal and local), drafting legal correspondence, and the preparation & organization of legal documents for trial. All students are required to complete an internship. This experience provides practical, hands-on knowledge needed to get students ready to work as a skilled members of a legal team. Atlanta Technical College paralegal graduates work in government, private law firms, and corporate legal departments throughout Atlanta. Upon completion of the program graduates, receive a Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science degree. The Paralegal Studies program is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (www.aafpe.org).

Unauthorized Practice of Law -According to the Official Code of Georgia 15-19-51, paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law and must work under the supervision and direction of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

Program Approval

The Paralegal Studies Associates Degree in Applied Science is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 312.988.5000, website: www.americanbar.org.

The Paralegal Studies program is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (www.aafpe.org).

Career Information

Occupation

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Career Projections

The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 12.7% nationally and 14.2% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $40,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.

Career Coach

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Admission Requirements

General College Admissions Requirements

Program Specific Requirements

* Students enrolled in the Paralegal Studies AAS degree program or Paralegal Studies Certificate program must complete at least 25% of the legal specialty (Paralegal) courses at Atlanta Technical College.
* Nine hours must be completed in either a traditional classroom format or in a synchronous online learning format.
* The ATC Paralegal Studies Program does not award any legal specialty transfer credit through examination or portfolios.

Program Contact Information

Keisha D. Hudson, JD
Program Coordinator,P2127
404.225.4534

khudson@atlantatech.edu

Program Length and Cost

Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 6 terms
Program Credit Hours: 69
Estimated Program Cost: $12,650

Required Courses

General Education Courses (18 Credits)

Area I – Language Arts/Communication (6 Credits))

ENGL 1101	Composition and Rhetoric	3
	And
SPCH 1101	Public Speaking	3

Area II – Social/Behavioral Science – (3 Credits)

Select an Area II Social/Behavioral Sciences course:

General Education Courses - Associate Degree

XXXX xxxx

Social-Behavioral Science Elective

Area III – Natural Sciences/Mathematics – (3 Credits)

	Select one of the following Math Courses
MATH 1100	Quantitative Skills and Reasoning	3
	Or
MATH 1101	Mathematical Modeling	3
	Or
MATH 1111	College Algebra	3
	Or
MATH 1103	Quantitative Skills and Reasoning	3

Area IV – Humanities/Fine Arts – (3 Credits)

Select an Area IV Humanities/Fine Arts course:

General Education Courses - Associate Degree

XXXX xxxx

Humanities-Fine Arts Elective

General Core Elective- (3 Credits)

Select a General Education Course that has not already been used to meet a requirement (3 credits)

General Education Courses - Associate Degree

XXXX xxxx

General Education Elective

Occupational Courses (42 Credits)

COMP 1000	Introduction to Computer Literacy	3
PARA 1100	Introduction to Law and Ethics	3
PARA 1105	Legal Research and Legal Writing I	3
PARA 1110	Legal Research and Legal Writing II	3
PARA 1115	Family Law	3
PARA 1120	Real Estate Law	3
PARA 1125	Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure	3
PARA 1130	Civil Litigation	3
PARA 1135	Wills, Trusts, Probate, and Administration	3
PARA 1140	Tort Law	3
PARA 1145	Law Office Management	3
PARA 1150	Contracts, Commercial Law and Business Organizations	3
PARA 2210	Paralegal Internship I	6

Occupational Electives – Select 2-3 from the following (minimum 9 credit hours)

PARA 1200	Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations	3
PARA 1205	Constitutional Law	3
PARA 1210	Legal and Policy Issues in Healthcare	3
PARA 1215	Administrative Law	3
PARA 2215	Paralegal Internship II	6

Total Credit Hours: 69

Program Outcomes

1. The graduate will be able to utilize appropriate legal terminology in written and oral communication.
2. The graduate will be able to produce legal documents.
3. The graduate will be able to apply legal concepts to factual situations.
4. The graduate will be able to conduct legal research.
5. The graduate will be able to compose a legal argument.
6. Completion of the Associate Degree Paralegal Program qualifies a student to sit for the national certified paralegal exam offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.