Paralegal Studies Certificate

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The goal of the Paralegal Program is not only to train students in the practical application of legal theory, but to fine tune their analytical, communication and organizational skills, while always being aware of the unauthorized practice of law prohibition. Paralegals must always work under the supervision and direction of a licensed attorney.
In order to achieve these goals, the program has the following specific objectives:

to implement and maintain a diverse and strong program for the quality education of competent paralegals;
to give our students not only a broad knowledge of numerous areas of law, but also specific legal skills;
with the knowledge and skills provided by our program, to enable our graduates to find employment by a wide range of employers in their chosen field;
to prepare our students to work effectively and efficiently with attorneys, clients, and the public;
to strengthen and enhance the skills of our students who are already employed in law-related positions;
to enable students to think critically, reason abstractly, use oral and written language effectively;
to be sure our students understand and value the important concepts of legal ethics, confidentiality, professional responsibility, and the boundaries of and prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by laypersons; and
to encourage and improve the role of non-lawyers in the delivery of legal services.

Students enrolled in this Certificate Program must already have either an Associate’s Degree (AA or AS) or a Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution.

Paralegals may not provide legal service directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Georgia prohibits the practice of law by non-lawyers.

Transfer Policy

The University of North Georgia (UNG) has adopted the following policy to be used when a student requests transfer credit for any paralegal course taken at another institution. Any student seeking to obtain transfer credit for any specific paralegal course taken at another institution must provide the following documentation and information to the Registrar’s Office:

(a) The name and address of the institution; (b) A transcript or other equivalent showing the course title, date taken, and grade received; (c) The course syllabus; and (d) Documentation of whether the paralegal program at the institution has obtained ABA approval.
Upon receipt of the above, the Registrar will consult with the Director of the UNG Paralegal Program as to whether transfer credit shall be given for the course requested.
Transfer credit will only be allowed if the course complies with all criteria of an equivalent course offered in the UNG Paralegal Studies program.
Transfer credit will only be allowed for a course in which the student received a 2.0 or higher.
The maximum number of legal specialty credit allowed for transfer shall not exceed nine semester hours.
UNG will not allow transfer credit for any course which was taken at an institution (other than a University System of Georgia school) which is not ABA approved.

Transfer credit policies for all non-legal specialty courses are available on the Registrar’s transfer information webpage.

Program Requirements 33 hours

Required Courses (21 hours)

Elective Paralegal Courses (select 9 hours)

Required General Education Course (3 hours)

BUSA 2810 - Legal Environment of Business
Required paralegal courses are offered once per year, and all elective paralegal courses are offered every other year. Given that students must complete 30 hours of paralegal courses and the rotation of paralegal classes, students should expect to spend at least two academic years earning their Certificate.

Note:

This certificate is approved by the American Bar Association.
Students qualifying are classified as “special” students, and as such, are not evaluated for Learning Support and are not required to take the Regents’ Test.
All paralegal classes are taught at night on the University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus.
PARA 1100 Introduction to Paralegalism and Ethics – is a prerequisite course for all the remaining paralegal courses.
Overall GPA of 2.0 to receive Certificate.