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Students attending colleges and universities in Georgia and across the United States often pick paralegal studies for their majors.
Paralegals in criminal justice work with attorneys and clients in court proceedings, mediation, and fact investigation relevant to case material; this also entails conducting research on legal laws.
Paralegals are a law firm’s legal aides and need a flexible work schedule because they work more hours.
Article Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Georgia.
Even though becoming a paralegal in Georgia does not require any specific certification, most law firms or employers require that all legal assistants or paralegals have an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate to be employed.
The higher your certification level, the more money you can make as a paralegal.
A bachelor’s degree can improve your employment prospects for leadership or administrative roles, which is especially beneficial for those who intend to go to law school after completing their undergraduate studies.
In addition, students can gain law firm experience by volunteering at pro bono organizations or legal aid agencies.
There are various career options for paralegals.
For example, they could become a corporate paralegal, a criminal paralegal, or a family law paralegal.
They operate in the legal field alongside attorneys and other experts, giving aid in legal matters and delivering services to clients in both the private and public sectors.
Most law firms prefer to hire paralegals who have received an associate degree or a certificate in paralegal studies or criminal justice, rather than college students without prior law education.
5 Paralegal Schools in Georgia
The American Bar Association (ABA) now recognizes a number of Georgia’s colleges and universities that provide certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and associate’s degrees for meeting the highest quality standards. Here are some of those schools:
1. Clayton State University
You can get your paralegal certification from Clayton State University’s main campus in Morrow, which is only about 14 miles from Atlanta.
This course entails research, writing, substantive law, and legal terminology, focusing on real-world skills.
The program is taught by lawyers who bring practical expertise to the classroom.
The course takes 30 credit hours to complete.
- Program Cost: $5,622 for Georgia residents; $17,825 for US citizens
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or 60 semester hours in general education
The university also offers a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree.
This affordable option provides students with the opportunity to develop a grasp of substantive law while also learning practical skills, improving their analytical thinking, and comprehensive liberal arts knowledge.
Students who are interested in working in legally related disciplines, as well as those who are planning to undertake graduate studies, are the target audience for this course.
- Program Cost: $19,495 for Georgia residents; $68,304 for other US citizens.
- Requirements: High school diploma
2. University of North Georgia
The paralegal studies certificate course offered at the University of North Georgia is a program that equips students with the ability to apply the law practice and change the lives of people.
In addition, the course also improves their analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
The program takes 33 credit hours to complete and is built on the principles of confidentiality, professional responsibility, and ethics.
All classes take place in the evening at their Gainesville campus.
- Program Cost: $4,200 for Georgia residents; $12,856 for US citizens
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree
3. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies at their Newtown and DeKalb campuses.
The teaching staff is vastly experienced, and legal experts regularly review the program to maintain its relevance and quality.
Students get the practical experience they will need to help lawyers while improving their written and oral communication skills.
Day and evening sessions are available, and some are online.
The program takes 70-course hours to complete.
- Program Fees: $6000 for Georgia residents, 11,730 for US citizens and $24000 for non-residents.
- Requirements: GED or high school diploma
4. Athens Technical College
The Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies course in Athens Technical College allows learners to get their degree by taking online sessions, morning classes, or evening.
You can also take a combination of these classes.
The program takes 69-course hours to complete and comprises lectures in procedural law, substantive law, and ethics.
In addition, the course emphasizes reasoning, insight, and practical application.
- Program Cost: $23,600 for Georgia residents; $47,268 for other US citizens.
- Requirements: GED or High school diploma
5. South University, Savannah
The Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies degree offered at South University trains students to work as legal assistants or paralegals.
The curriculum includes coursework and internship at law firms, title companies, real estate companies, federal agencies, and banks.
Practical training equips graduates with skills like interviewing witnesses and clients, preparing legal papers, and helping attorneys in case preparation.
The program takes 72-course hours to complete and has day, evening, and online classes.
- Program Cost: $26,300 for Georgia residents; $52,269 for other US citizens.
- Requirements: GED or High school diploma
Paralegal Schools in Georgia – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Clayton State University | 2000 Clayton State Blvd, Morrow, GA 30260 |
| University of North Georgia | 82 College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597 |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | 495 N Indian Creek Dr, Clarkston, GA 30021 |
| Athens Technical College | 800 US-29, Athens, GA 30601 |
| South University, Savannah | 709 Mall Blvd, Savannah, GA 31406 |
Paralegal Salary in Georgia
A person’s level of education, talents, certifications and the length of time spent working in a certain field are some of the important factors that can have a significant impact on the salary ranges they can expect.
The average Paralegal salary in Georgia is $59,238 as of June 2022, although the range is $48,184-$70,923.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $59,498 |
| Augusta | $56,286 |
| Columbus | $54,703 |
| Savannah | $56,518 |
| Athens-Clarke County | $59,077 |
| Macon | $56,119 |
| Roswell | $59,273 |
| Albany | $55,289 |
| Marietta | $59,329 |
| Valdosta | $54,193 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 90 | $54,980 | $26.44 | $76,320 | $36,300 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 140 | $50,500 | $24.28 | $61,880 | $34,510 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 8,950 | $65,570 | $31.53 | $97,880 | $38,060 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 410 | $54,430 | $26.17 | $76,890 | $34,620 |
| Brunswick, GA | 110 | $45,210 | $21.74 | $63,640 | $27,470 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 240 | $46,560 | $22.39 | $68,540 | $26,470 |
| Dalton, GA | 70 | $50,170 | $24.12 | $71,550 | $30,130 |
| Gainesville, GA | 180 | $51,860 | $24.93 | $74,250 | $30,980 |
| Hinesville, GA | 50 | $50,110 | $24.09 | $77,410 | $31,000 |
| Macon, GA | 340 | $51,380 | $24.7 | $73,260 | $30,880 |
| Rome, GA | 60 | $50,140 | $24.1 | $62,300 | $31,220 |
| Savannah, GA | 550 | $57,800 | $27.79 | $76,410 | $31,080 |
| Valdosta, GA | 110 | $50,270 | $24.17 | $69,590 | $34,970 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 70 | $48,980 | $23.55 | $66,620 | $27,020 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education do you need to be a paralegal in Georgia?
Georgia has no schooling requirements for paralegals.
However, it is not easy to get a paralegal job without a certificate or degree.
How can you get paralegal work experience in Georgia?
If you are enrolled in a paralegal school, you may be able to work while you learn.
If this is not the case, you might want to consider volunteering your time to legal firms and pro bono organizations.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in Georgia?
The ABA recommends paralegals finish a four or two-year degree program, although many in Georgia prefer a certificate.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal Schools by State