For Program Information please contact:
Carter, Karen,
Chair
Room 2236
Atlanta Technical College
1560 Metropolitan Parkway
Atlanta GA 30310
404.225.4534.

kcarter@atlantatech.edu


PARALEGAL STUDIES- DIPLOMA

The Paralegal Studies program provides educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to succeed as paralegals. The general studies component of the curriculum is added to develop written, oral, and analytical skills and to provide breadth to the curriculum in the area of humanities, behavioral sciences, and mathematics. Students are provided training in the areas of legal ethics, the court system, and interviewing skills. Particular emphasis is placed on developing communications skills and legal research ability. Special importance is given throughout the program to impress upon students the legal proscription against the unauthorized practice of law by anyone who is not a licensed attorney. The high ethical duties attendant to the attorney- client relationship are also emphasized during the program of study and how paralegals are bound to maintain high ethical standards when assisting attorneys with the efficient and competent delivery of legal services to clients. This program provides students with the skills necessary to obtain entry-level career positions.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ATC’s Career Placement Office is available to assist students in finding employment in their occupational fields. Location: Cleveland Dennard Building, Suite 128

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
* Must be 16 years of age
* Official high school or GED transcript is required to apply
* Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, Language, and Math
* Transfer of previous post secondary credits will be determined by the registrar.
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate.

CORE COURSES
Curriculum
Essential General Core Courses
1. Courses  
Credits
ENG 191 Composition and Rhetoric I
5
SPC 191 Business Communications
5
PSY 191 Introductory Psychology
5
SOC 191 Introduction to Sociology
5
MAT 191 College Algebra
5
   OR
 
MAT 196 Contemporary Math
(5)
Total
25
2. Essential Occupational Courses
SCT 100 Introduction to Computers
3
PLS 101 Introduction to Law and Ethics
4
PLS 102 Legal Research
5
PLS 103 Legal writing
5
PLS 104 Family Law
4
PLS 108 Criminal Law & Criminal Procedures
5
PLS 111 Tort Law
5
PLS 112 Law Office Management
5
PLS 120 Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations
5
  OR
 
PLS 121 Health Care Law
8
PLS xxx Electives
5
Total
48
   
 
  Minimum Quarter-hour Credits Required for Graduation
73
  Minimum Program Length in Quarters
4
  Estimated Program Cost
$3,853