(Acworth, Ga. – Dec. 18, 2014) The nationwide demand for paralegals and legal assistants is growing. As a result so is Chattahoochee Technical College’s Paralegal Certificate Program. The program, which is taught through the Economic Development arm of the college, has expanded to offering courses on two campuses now – both Marietta and the North Metro Campus in Acworth.
“Paralegal jobs are projected as growing faster than average, and obtaining a certificate in Paralegal studies will give the job candidate an edge over the competition,” said Economic Development Coordinator Cindy Holland. “Additionally, our program meets the requirements for certification by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) if a graduate wishes to obtain a national certification.”
Paralegals assist attorneys with many of their duties, including research, preparing documents and interviewing witnesses. With a lower salary than attorneys, paralegals are popular hires among insurance companies, law firms, medical groups, corporations and government agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for paralegals to grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018.
The program has previously been offered at the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College since 1992, but moved to the Marietta Campus last year. Demand for the non-credit program that takes approximately one year to complete was so high that the program will be offered on both campuses. The program consists of 14 classes at the rate of two classes per week for six weeks. Taught by local attorneys, the program also offers networking opportunities whenever possible, inviting members of organizations such as GAP (Georgia Association of Paralegals) to speak to the students and offer them the opportunity to join these associations.
The Paralegal Certificate Program is eligible for WIA funding – a federal program that will assist laid off workers as well as long-term unemployed, low income, unskilled workers in retraining or new training to help them get back in the workforce.
The next classes available for entry are scheduled for February. Tuition is $139 per class or $278 each six weeks for those wanting to take both classes offered. No books are required for the classes.
“Paralegal students need good verbal and written communication skills and need to be able to master word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and legal research software,” Holland said.
There is no application or registration fee for the classes. Prospective students should call to register at least five business days before the class is scheduled to begin. Call 770-528-4586 or email Cynthia.Holland@ChattahoocheeTech.edu for a more detailed schedule and complete course listing.