UGA Gwinnett Offers Crash Course in Paralegal Qualifications

The University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus is offering an opportunity that will enable jobseekers to prepare themselves for a career in the legal industry. This will be in the form of an intensive 8-week Paralegal Certificate Course^© at the UGA Gwinnett Campus from Feb. 3 through March 24.

The class meets on Fridays from 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is offered by the Georgia Center for Continuing Education in partnership with the Center for Legal Studies.

“Our mission to provide quick, intensive, low cost programs has never been more relevant than it is today,” said Center for Legal Studies President Gary Knippa in a press release, adding that the paralegal field is growing faster than the national average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that the number of paralegal jobs in 2018 will be 28 percent higher than a decade earlier. The national median earnings for paralegals are currently $44,480, and freelance paralegal professionals can earn significantly more. 

The tuition for the paralegal course will be $1,189.

Knippa said the time and cost is dramatically lower than the two to five years and $3,000 to $50,000 it takes to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Students who complete the Paralegal Certificate Course will receive their certificate from the University of Georgia, which Knippa said would provide instant credibility when applying for jobs.

“Students will be trained to interview witnesses, investigate complex fact patterns, research the law, prepare legal documents, and assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation,” said instructor Gail Stowers.

The UGA Gwinnett Campus is located at the Intellicenter, just off I-85 near the intersection of Old Peachtree Road NW and Sever Road in Lawrenceville. For info, contact the Registration Specialist at 706-542-3537 or visit tinyurl.com/ParalegalUGA

About the UGA Gwinnett Campus

The University of Georgia Gwinnett Campus offers graduate degree programs and professional development classes provided through the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. It is located in Lawrenceville. For information about the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, visit http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu.

About the Center for Legal Studies

The Center for Legal Studies was founded in 1980. CLS offers courses in conjunction with hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide in live lecture, online, DVD, and text-only formats. The curriculum is updated by CLS to remain current and on pace with the newest trends in the legal industry. Visit http://www.legalstudies.com.