SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Returning to school is the fastest way to advance your career, increase your salary and create opportunity.  However, when you are balancing your family, job and other obligations, finding the right educational training to fit your life can be a challenge.  The Paralegal Certificate Program at Spartanburg Methodist College understands what adult students need: convenient evening hourse, reasonable tuition, practical courses taught by legal professionals and personal attention.  

The Spartanburg Methodist College Paralegal Certificate program is currently accepting new students for its Spring I 2007 term.   Classes will be held for 10 weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 until 9 p.m. and will run for 10 weeks, from January 23 until March 29.

Tuesday night course selections for the Spring I 2007 term include Bankruptcy, Psychology and the Law, and Communications for the Law Office.  Probate, Title Search II and the Professional Paralegal Job Search courses will be available on Thursday evenings. 

The SMC Paralegal Certificate Program trains students to work under the direction of an attorney and perform substantive legal work, such as with trial preparation, performing research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with financial and corporate transactions. In addition to being employed in law offices, paralegals work for corporations, banks, hospitals, insurance firms, government agencies, real estate companies, trust and estate administration, property management, and commercial lending.

 “Our paralegal students come in all ages – from their 20’s to their 70’s, and from all backgrounds. The one thing they share in common is a desire to study the law and work in the legal profession,” says Yvonne Harper, Director of the Paralegal Program.  

Over the years, Harper has seen an increase in the number of legal departments and law firms that are sending their employees to be students in the evenings.  

 “We are providing a valuable service to the Upstate legal community, which ultimately benefits the general public,” she says.

Tuition is $275 per course, with payment plans available.  Individuals may also audit a course for $125. To apply and register, go to Adult Students at www.smcsc.edu.    For more information, contact Harper at 864-587-4278 or E-mail harpery@smcsc.edu.

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 95th year of providing a quality education to students in a Christian environment. More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.