Program Description
The Paralegal Studies Professional Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) program at Atlanta Technical College allows students to transfer their four-year degree credits and receive full credit for all general education requirements. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The knowledge and skills emphasized in this program includes ethical obligations; research in state and federal law; legal correspondence and preparation of legal documents; family law matters; basic concepts of real property law, criminal law and procedure, civil litigation, tort law, and substantive contract law; and wills, trusts, and probate. The program of study emphasizes opportunities that provide students with specialized legal knowledge and skills required to aid lawyers in the delivery of legal services. Program graduates receive a Paralegal Studies Professionals TCC. 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 17% nationally and 24% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $45,000 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 must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution to enroll in the Paralegal Studies Certificate program.
* 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
Ms. Stephanie Q. Jackson, M.S.
Program Coordinator, P2127
404.225.4534
stjackson@atlantatech.edu
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms: 2 terms
Program Credit Hours: 30
Estimated Program Cost: $5,600
Required Courses
Occupational Courses (30 Credits)
| 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 1150 | Contracts, Commercial Law and Business Organizations | 3 |
| PARA XXXX | Paralegal Elective | 3 |
| PARA XXXX | Paralegal Elective | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 30
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.