According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 11,810 paralegal jobs in Georgia as of May 2020. During this time, paralegals here earned an average salary of $54,130, or $26.03 per hour. But with the right education and experience, paralegals here can earn upwards of $82,540, or $39.68 per hour, which represents the top 10% of earners.
With no less than 16 Fortune 500 companies in the Atlanta area alone as of 2020, including big names like Home Depot, United Parcel Service (UPS), and Coca-Cola, it is no wonder that Georgia is an excellent place for paralegals to excel. The legal business that these and other companies generate helps ensure that exceptional professional skills are in high demand.
Paralegal Certification
There is no mandatory paralegal certification in Georgia.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Ohio
Paralegal Certificates
Clayton State University
Clayton State University offers a paralegal certificate program at its main campus in Morrow, only 15 miles from Atlanta. This 30-credit hour course of study focuses on practical skills with an emphasis on legal terminology, research and writing and substantive law, and is taught by attorneys who bring expertise gained from real-world experience to the classroom.
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,624 for state residents; $16,826 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per credit hour tuition)
- Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours), including 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) in general education
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus; several online or hybrid courses are offered
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Law & Ethics
- Criminal Litigation
- Business Organizations
- Legal Research & Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Real Estate Law
- Estimated Program Cost: $4,624 for state residents; $16,826 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per credit hour tuition)
University of North Georgia (formerly North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College)
The University of North Georgia (UNG) offers a paralegal studies certificate program that not only teaches students practical application of the law, but also helps them expand their analytical, communication and organizational skills. Ethics, confidentiality and professional responsibility are the foundations of this 33 credit-hour course of study. All classes are held in the evening at the school’s Gainesville campus.
- Estimated Program Cost: $3,210 for state residents; $11,854 for out-of-state students (based on fall 2013 per credit hour tuition)
- Prerequisites: Associate degree or bachelor’s degree
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Paralegalism and Ethics
- Legal Research & Writing
- Civil Procedure & Litigation
- Criminal Procedure & Litigation
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Athens Technical College
Although Athens Technical College‘s Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies program is designed to allow students to earn their degree by taking morning classes, students can also complete this program through a combination of evening, Saturday and online classes. This 69-semester hour course of study includes classes in substantive law, procedural law and ethics, while stressing understanding, reasoning and practical application.
- Estimated Program Cost: $22,632 for state residents; $45,264 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per credit hour tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; valid COMPASS, ASSET, SAT or ACT test scores
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On Campus or hybrid (on campus and online)
Sample required courses:
- Law Office Management
- Tort Law
- Family Law
- Legal Research & Legal Writing
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Peidmont Technical College‘s Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies can be earned at its DeKalb campus (in Clarkston) and its Newtown campus (in Covington). The teaching staff has over 80 years of combined experience in various legal fields, and an advisory committee of legal experts regularly reviews the program to retain its quality and relevance. Students learn the practical skills needed to assist attorneys while developing strong oral and written communication skills. Both day and evening classes are offered, and some classes can be completed online.
- Estimated Program Cost: $5,865 for Georgia residents; $11,730 for U.S. residents; $23,460 for non-residents (based on per credit hour tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; satisfactory COMPASS, ASSET, SAT or ACT scores
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus or hybrid (on campus and online)
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Computers
- Legal Research and Legal Writing I & II
- Family Law
- Law Office Management
- Civil Litigation
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Clayton State University
Clayton State University‘s Bachelor of Science in legal studies is a cost-effective program that allows students to gain an understanding of substantive law while acquiring practical skills, honing their analytical thinking and benefiting from a broad liberal arts education. It’s geared toward both students looking to work in fields that are affected by law and legal regulation and those planning to pursue graduate study.
- Estimated Program Cost: $18,497 for state residents; $67,304 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per credit hour tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma; GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements also apply (see the school’s admissions requirements for details)
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus or hybrid (on campus and online)
Sample required courses:
- Computers in Law
- Civil Litigation
- Business Organizations
- Legal Research & Writing
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Herzing University Atlanta
Atlanta, GA
Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science, Associate of Science
Southern Crescent Technical College
Griffin, GA
Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science, Diploma Program, Technical Certificate of Credit
Gwinnet College
Lilburn, GA
Degrees Offered: Associate of Science in Legal Administrative Assistance, Diploma Program
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins and Macon, GA
Degrees offered: Paralegal Studies
Professional Organizations
- The State Bar of Georgia provides Advisory Opinions on the ethical and legal uses of paralegals and legal assistants by attorneys. Paralegals may also take advantage of this organization’s of Fast Case webinars with tutorials tailored to the needs of paralegals.
- The Southeastern Association of Legal Assistants promotes growth and development in the paralegal profession. They hold monthly meetings at which speakers offer presentations on trial preparation, employment law, court procedures, discovery issues and with other areas pertinent to the working paralegal. They also host annual seminars, offer group support and networking opportunities and are involved in the community. Members have access to a job bank.
- The Georgia Association of Paralegals (GAP) is open to paralegals, students in paralegal programs and individuals and organizations associated with the legal profession. Members receive GAP publications, can take part in networking opportunities with other paralegals and members of the legal community and can take advantage of discounts from many businesses and on events co-sponsored by GAP. GAP also awards at least one PACE® scholarship annually.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.