A career in the can be exciting, offering financial stability.
However, most law careers require years of studying in expensive programs.
Luckily, there are other entry-level positions in the legal profession.
Paralegals are not just assistants.
These professionals are vital members of every legal team.
Paralegals routinely help attorneys prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings.
But they can also investigate and gather the facts of a case, take statements, hear affidavits, and prepare court documents and exhibits for trial.
Georgia’s paralegals work in law firms, non-profit organizations, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
If you are detail-oriented and love a challenge, starting a legal career as a certified paralegal is an excellent option.
1 Emory University
About the School
Emory University is a private institution in the heart of Atlanta, serving roughly 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The university’s paralegal program was founded in 2005 and has graduated over 1,000 certified legal assistants.
This program includes career placement, internships with area law firms, and flexible hours on evenings and weekends.
Courses Offered
Emory University has a paralegal program based in its Continuing Education Department (ECE).
The Paralegal Certificate is a comprehensive 100-hour program, taught by attorneys.
Areas of study include:
- Introduction to Law
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Research and Writing
- Contract Law
- Intellectual Property
- Legal Ethics
- Court procedures
The certification program focuses on the basic tenets of law, interviewing and investigation techniques, and data analysis.
There is a strong emphasis on practical skills such as drafting legal documents, research, and litigation support.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Phone: (404) 727-6123
- Website: Visit School Website
2 University of North Georgia
About the School
The University of North Georgia was formed in 2013 when the public senior military college of North Georgia College & State University merged with Gainsville State College.
The new institution serves roughly 18,000 students in undergraduate and graduate studies.
Courses Offered
The university offers three options for students who wish to enter into paralegal studies.
These include a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Paralegal Studies which is a continuation of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies.
The Paralegal Studies Certificate, taught from the Gainsville campus, is a 30-hour post-graduate program and requires an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
All pathways are American Bar Association (ABA) approved.
Areas of study include:
- Business Law and Technology
- Interviewing and Investigating Techniques
- Legal Research and Writing
- Entertainment Law
- Torts (Contracts)
Contact Information
- Address: 82 College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597
- Phone: (706) 864-1400
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Augusta Technical College
About the School
Agusta Technical College offers vocational and technical programs to roughly 5,000 students from its Augusta, Georgia campus.
The school also offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies.
Courses Offered
The AAS in Paralegal Studies consists of 69 hours of instruction.
A legal internship is also required for graduation.
The program’s focus is substantive law and building practical skills.
Core competencies include:
- Civil Law and Procedure
- Law office management
- Legal Writing and Ethics
- Criminal procedure
- Evidence gathering and interviewing.
Courses on legal research and document preparation are also part of the syllabus.
Tuition assistance, grants, and Georgia vocational supplemental assistance are available.
Military education benefits and other financial aid are also accepted.
Contact Information
- Address: 3200 Augusta Tech Dr, Augusta, GA 30906
- Phone: (706) 771-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Albany State University (Albany)
About the School
The two campuses of Darton College, Albany and Cordele, and the main campus of Albany State University merged into the University System of Georgia system.
The historically black school serves over 6,000 students in vocational, professional, undergraduate, and graduate studies.
Courses Offered
The paralegal degree program is housed in the business college.
The program confers an Associate of Applied Sciences.
A combined 64 credit hours are required, including introductory math, English, the sciences, and humanities courses.
Core law competencies include:
- Bankruptcy law
- Family law
- Court procedure and practical skills
- Legal research and writing
- Certification review
Contact Information
- Address: 504 College Dr, Albany, GA 31705
- Phone: (229) 500-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Atlanta Technical College
About the School
Two campuses serve the Atlanta Technical College: Main and South Atlanta.
Founded in 1956, San Juan College (SJC) is a two-year vocational degree and continuing education institution serving roughly 4,000 students.
Courses Offered
The two-year program confers an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant and Paralegal Studies.
The school also offers a Paralegal Studies Professional Technical Certificate of Credit for those wishing to transfer credit into the AAS program.
Some of the coursework that provides a legal foundation include:
- Introduction for Paralegals
- American Law
- Lethal Ethics
- Law office management
- Courtroom procedures.
Tuition payment plans, HOPE grants, scholarships, and the GI Bill are accepted.
Contact Information
- Address: 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Phone: (404) 225-4400
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Brenau University
About the School
Brenau University was founded in 1878.
Historic and private university is located in Gainsville, Georgia.
It serves roughly 3,000 students registered in vocational, undergraduate, and graduate programs.
Courses Offered
For individuals interested in law, Brenau offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution and Legal Studies.
This is an eight-semester, four-year degree focusing on legal ethics, mediation, and negotiation.
And is taught by internationally recognized and experienced attorneys and faculty.
Typical coursework includes:
- Introduction to American Law for Paralegals
- Constitutional Law
- Evidence Law
- Legal Research and Writing
- Mediation
- Intercollegiate Mediation Team participation
Internships are also required for graduation from this program.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Washington St SE, Gainesville, GA 30501
- Phone: (770) 534-6299
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Central Georgia Technical College
About the School
Located in Warner Robins, Georgia, this small college is a community-driven institution offering diplomas, vocational certificates and two-year degrees, vocational training, and continuing education.
The current enrollment is roughly 6,000 students.
Courses Offered
Central Georgia Technical College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Technology in Paralegal Studies and a Certificate in Advanced Legal Assistant Studies.
Both study options are part of the Public Safety and Professional Services department.
The Associate of Applied Technology pathway requires the completion of 69 credit hours.
The Advanced Certificate program is a post-bachelorette program of roughly 30 credit hours of instruction.
This degree is offered online and taught by practicing attorneys.
Some of the legal-centric coursework includes:
- Legal Writing, Terminology, and Research
- Contracts and Wills
- Law Office Management
- Litigation
- Federal
- Legal Ethics
- Legal drafts and briefs
The college accepts Financial Aid, FAFSA, the GI Bill, and payment plans.
Contact Information
- Address: 80 Cohen Walker Dr, Warner Robins, GA 31088
- Phone: (478) 988-6800
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Clayton State University
About the School
Clayton State University is a public university in Morrow, Georgia, renowned for its beauty and tranquility.
The main campus sits on roughly 192 wooded acres with five lakes.
It serves Metro Atlanta and boasts roughly 6,000 undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and online degree programs.
Courses Offered
Taught by an internationally recognized faculty, the university offers a Paralegal certificate, an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Paralegal Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies.
The certificate focuses on practical paralegal skills.
The Associate degree has an additional focus on foundational education such as math, English, and natural science.
The Bachelor’s degree program concentrates on legal analytics and theory and requires an internship for graduation.
Core and occupational studies include:
- Civil procedure
- Litigation
- Criminal Law
- Evidence
- Interviewing techniques
All legal science pathways at Clayton State University are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and qualify graduates for National Legal Assistant (NLA) Certification.
Tuition assistance is offered through grants and Georgia HOPE programs.
The GI Bill and financial aid are also accepted.
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, GA 30260
- Phone: (678) 466-4000
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Columbus Technical College
About the School
This intimate campus is a two-year vocational and technical college and is located in south-central Georgia.
Roughly 3,000 undergraduate students are enrolled at Columbus Technical College.
Courses Offered
The college offers two paralegal programs: an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) pathway consists of substantive law courses for 69 credit hours, while the Certificate program covers more practical and assistive skills over 30 hours.
Paralegal studies courses include:
- Legal research and writing
- Criminal law and procedure
- Contract Law
- Law Management
- Legal Correspondence
One benefit of the Columbus Technical College program is the expansive job placement and internship opportunities.
Financial aid and payment plans are available.
The college is also involved in the state economic development program that funds tuition-free career programs.
Contact Information
- Address: 928 Manchester Expy, Columbus, GA 31904
- Phone: (706) 649-1800
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Valdosta State University
About the School
Valdosta, Georgia, is home to Valdosta State University, a public university on the southern border of Georgia and Florida.
The main campus is the academic home to roughly 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and online students.
The system also offers classes at adult and career centers and in Lowndes County at Moody Air Force Base.
Courses Offered
The university offers an eight-week live/hybrid Paralegal Certificate Course.
Students can also take legal courses as a declared minor and as continuing education.
Introductory paralegal courses include:
- Legal Terminology, Ethics, and Litigation
- Courtroom Process
- Legal Research and Writing
- Law Management
Financial aid and payment plans are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31698
- Phone: (229) 333-5800
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
The demand for paralegals in Georgia is growing.
Estimated growth in paralegal and legal assistant positions in the Peach State, will top 15% through 2030.
This is substantially higher than the national average growth of 4%.
Once trained and certified, a paralegal professional can work in most states and legal specialties.
The average paralegal salary in Georgia is $62,846, with the highest-paid salaries well over $104,000 annually.
In Georgia, individuals with specific training and a university degree can expect higher salaries.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$78K |
|
$87K |
|
$95K |
Average Salary in Georgia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Atlanta | $88,180 |
| Augusta | $84,016 |
| Columbus | $81,652 |
| Savannah | $84,361 |
| Athens | $87,552 |
| Macon | $83,394 |
| Roswell | $87,845 |
| Albany | $82,527 |
| Marietta | $87,929 |
| Valdosta | $80,352 |
Regional Salary
| 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.
Paralegal Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
I’m glad to see my alma mater on this list! The faculty were incredibly supportive, and the networking events helped me connect with professionals in the legal field.
It’s great to see these programs being recognized! I’m currently researching my options and appreciate the insights shared here.
This post is a goldmine for anyone looking to kickstart their career as a paralegal in Georgia! The thorough rundown of the top programs, along with key highlights and insights, is invaluable. Thank you for making the search for the best paralegal programs so much easier.
As someone interested in pursuing a career in law, I greatly appreciate the detailed breakdown of the best paralegal programs in Georgia. The comprehensive analysis and helpful tips provided here make it a must-read for aspiring paralegals like me.
Very informative! I remember when I was learning as a paralegal, I had very little information. Good thing there’s a compiled programs like this that would help the aspiring paralegals.
This post is a really valuable resource for anyone considering a career in the legal field. I got all the information I need!
Each of these programs has its unique features and strengths, so it’s essential to research and consider factors such as location, cost, and program format before making a decision. Good luck guys!