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
Please select the following link to review additional career information on Career Coach.
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.
* Transfer credit of paralegal courses is contingent upon approval by the Program Coordinator and must comply with the requirements of the American Bar Association & the Technical College System of Georgia.
Select this link to review the Paralegal Program FAQ
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
Select this link to review the course schedule.
General Education Courses (18 Credits)
Area I – Language Arts/Communication (6 Credits)
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 | 3 |
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 | 3 |
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 | 3 |
Occupational Courses (42 Credits)
Occupational Electives – Select 2-3 from the following (minimum 9 credit hours)
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.