This fall students enrolled in the Paralegal Certificate program at KSU’s Continuing Education will have the unique opportunity to visit influential legal offices in Cobb County. The guided tour will allow students to see and experience the county court system behind the scenes.
“Our students spend a lot of time with our attorneys learning about the law and the court system,” said Jennifer Henderson, program manager for the Paralegal Certificate program. “They hear from paralegals on what their role will be once they are in a law office, but they also need the practical piece that would help them put it all together.”
Students will begin their tour at the Cobb County Probate Court, where they will learn the duties and matters assigned to the Probate Court under Georgia law. Other stops include the Juvenile Court, the district attorney’s office and the Superior Court Clerk’s office. Students will have the opportunity speak with judges, interact with attorneys and other court personnel. They will also view actual trials and court proceedings taking place in Magistrate Court.
Henderson said the tour would help reduce the students’ apprehension of approaching the court system or its employees.
“The goal is for students to increase their confidence as they begin to navigate the courts and departments within Cobb County,” Henderson said. “We understand that not all of our students will work in our county, but the knowledge gained can be applied to any legal office. We want students to know where to file documents, when to file them and who they need to speak with if they have questions.”
The Paralegal Certificate program currently offers daytime and evening courses, giving students the flexibility to create their own schedule. Certificate holders also have the option to take added specialty courses like immigration law, employment law fundamentals and legal nurse consulting to enhance their continuing education.
Schedule courthouse stops include:
- Probate Court
- Sheriff’s Office
- Magistrate Court
- State Court Clerk’s Office
- State Court Administration Office
- Juvenile Court
- Superior Court Judge
- District Attorney’s Office
- Superior Court Clerk’s Office
To learn more, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.
