The Paralegal Studies program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in the paralegal profession. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. 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. The knowledge and skills emphasized in this program includes ethical obligations in the legal profession; legal research of state and federal laws; drafting legal correspondence and documents; family law matters; real property law concepts; criminal law and procedures; civil litigation, tort law, contracts and wills.
Unauthorized Practice of Law- Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as per O.C.G.A. §15-19-51 and must work under the supervision of an attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
Paralegal Studies Degree: High school diploma/GED required. Students must be 16 years of age or older. Advanced Legal Assistant Certificate: Must have earned Baccalaureate Degree
The program requires in-person attendance (synchronous instruction) for the following courses: PARA 1105 Legal Research & Writing I, PARA 1110 Legal Research & Writing II, PARA1130 Civil Litigation, and PARA1140 Tort Law. Each course is a total of 3 credit hours. Synchronous delivery requires students to be in attendance online or in classrooms at specific dates/times during the term. Additional information is provided during program advisement.
Program Outcomes
A graduate of the Paralegal Studies program will be able to:
Utilize appropriate legal terminology in written and oral communication
Students will be able to prepare a legal memorandum, including proper citation of legal sources.
Students will be able to differentiate among the federal, state, and local structures.
Produce legal documents
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to draft a complaint for damages.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to draft a contract.
Students will be able to draft a Motion to Suppress based on a specific fact pattern.
Apply legal concepts to factual situations
Students will be able to demonstrate the understanding and application of a complex legal issue.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze a fact scenario and determine the relevant legal issue.
Conduct legal research
Students will able to research relevant law.
Students will be able to research and explain the pros and cons between print and electronic research sources utilized in a legal environment.
Compose a legal argument
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct client/witness interviews.
Students will be able to draft Interrogatories based on a specific fact pattern.
Obtain employment and function as a contributing member of the legal team
Students will be able to exhibit professional attire and attitude when interviewing and participating in internships.
The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association (ABA), upon recommendation of the Standing Committee on Paralegals. [Initial approval: August 2023. Next reapproval: August 2030]
The Paralegal Studies program is approved by the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association (ABA), upon recommendation of the Standing Committee on Paralegals. [Initial approval: August 2023. Next reapproval: August 2030]