W2623 – Stand Out or Fall Behind: Why Formal Paralegal Education Matters

This session will explore how structured academic programs enhance professional competence, improve client service, and strengthen the credibility of the paralegal profession.

Overview

Course Category: Live Webinars

Course Level: Basic

CLE Credit: Non-substantive

Start Date and Time (CT): Wednesday, April 29, 2026 12:00 pm

CLE Hours: 1.0

Fees: $49 for Members and $70 for Nonmembers

Course Materials: Most live webinars include the ability to ask questions during the webinar about the topic, view slides of the presentation and have access to a recording of the webinar.

Description: Formal paralegal education is essential for developing the analytical, ethical, and practical skills required in today’s legal environment. This session will explore how structured academic programs enhance professional competence, improve client service, and strengthen the credibility of the paralegal profession. Attendees will gain insight into the correlation between education and career advancement, as well as strategies for advocating for formal training within their organizations. By emphasizing quality education, we empower paralegals to meet evolving legal standards and contribute meaningfully to the justice system.

Course Year: 2026

Instructor: Antoinette France-Harris

Antoinette France-Harris has been a licensed attorney since 1998. In 2010, she transitioned to academia, joining Atlanta Technical College as a full-time instructor in Paralegal Studies and as Department Chair. In 2014, she joined Clayton State University as an Assistant Professor and has since been promoted to Professor and Program Coordinator for Legal Studies. She has published two textbooks: Georgia Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration, 2d ed. (2025), and Fundamentals of Georgia Family Law (2023). She holds a BS from Harvard University, an MSW from Columbia University, and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.