Who is a Paralegal?
The American Bar Association defines a paralegal as “a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work.”
Why a Paralegal Major?
Individuals with a Paralegal degree are in high demand.
The United States Bureau of Labor predicts about 37,300 openings for paralegals each year, on average, over a decade; and reports that the median salary for paralegals was $60,970 in May 2023.
Eastern Michigan University Paralegal Program graduates are currently working in private law firms, corporations, courts and government agencies, and other entities.
Many graduates attend law school or other graduate programs, such as Human Resources or Criminal Justice, immediately after graduation or after working in the legal field for a few years.
Why choose EMU's Paralegal program?
American Bar Association Approved
The American Bar Association approves paralegal programs that are deemed “superior paralegal education programs designed to raise the competence of those individuals who assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services.”
The Eastern Michigan University Paralegal Program has long been a program approved by the American Bar Association. After conducting a rigorous review, in February 2023, the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association once again approved the Eastern Michigan University Paralegal Program.
Gain the Knowledge and Learn the Skills Needed to Succeed
You may enter the Paralegal Program any year of your undergraduate education; as a
transfer student; or as a second bachelor’s degree student.
The Paralegal Program faculty—all of whom possess years of work experience in an
array of settings—provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed
in the legal profession.
- Proficiency in legal research, writing and analysis;
- Using computer-based research and office management tools;
- Court rules and procedures;
- Doctrinal law on topics such as tort law, civil procedure, family law, and
probate law; - Drafting legal documents;
- Understanding corporate transactions;
- Interviewing clients and case investigation;
- Preparing for a civil trial; and
- Applying ethical standards and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law
Unique Internship Opportunity at Washtenaw County Courthouse
During one of their last semesters, students intern at an attorney-supervised Legal
Resource Center located in the Washtenaw County Courthouse. The internship allows
students to use their knowledge and skills to engage with individuals seeking help as
they navigate the legal system. Students typically highlight this work on behalf of the
community on their resumes and rely on connections made with legal professionals as
they explore employment and post-graduation opportunities.
Transfer Students Eastern Michigan University has established articulation agreements for the Paralegal Program with the following Michigan community colleges:
- Delta College
- Henry Ford College
- Lansing Community College
- Macomb Community College
- Oakland Community College
- Washtenaw Community College
For more information about transferring to the Eastern Michigan University Paralegal program visit Transfer Admissions.
Meet with an Advisor Whether you are considering a Paralegal major or are certain you wish to pursue a Paralegal major, you are encouraged to meet with an advisor before beginning your program at EMU and throughout your time at EMU. The process for advising differs depending on whether you begin at EMU as a first-year student, a transfer student, or a student seeking a second bachelor degree.
First Year Students
First Year students who declare a Paralegal major should contact the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology Student Services Office for advising. It is recommended that students schedule an appointment through the appointment scheduling system. Attending orientation before the first advising appointment at EMU is required for first year students. Students are encouraged to connect with the advising office each semester to make sure they are on track with program requirements. New students who need information about orientation can visit the EMU orientation website. Students are encouraged to connect with the advising office each semester to make sure they are on track with program requirements.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who declare a Paralegal major must schedule an appointment with an advisor in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology Student Services Office before they are able to enroll for classes. It is recommended that students schedule an appointment through the appointment scheduling system. This is important to be sure that transfer credit has been received and tabulated to your student record. This will insure you do not take courses you do not need or may be covered under an articulation agreement. Transfer students should be sure to send a final transcript from all transfer institutions once coursework is completed. Transfer students may complete the Online Transfer Orientation by visiting the Transfer Admissions website. Students are encouraged to connect with the advising office each semester to make sure they are on track with program requirements.
Second Bachelor Degree Students
Students who have previously earned a bachelor degree and wish to complete a second bachelor degree in Paralegal should contact the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology Student Services Office for advising. It is recommended that students schedule an appointment through the appointment scheduling system. You will then be put in touch with the Paralegal Program Coordinator to discuss a program of study to complete your degree at EMU. The Program Coordinator will determine if credit earned from prior academic coursework can apply to the second degree. Students pursuing a second bachelor degree are not required to complete EMU general education requirements. Students are encouraged to connect with the advising office each semester to make sure they are on track with program requirements.
Paralegal Program Internship Paralegal major students typically take LEGL 488L4 -- Legal Internship during one of their last semesters. A student may enroll in LEGL 488L4 once the student has completed LEGL 211 and LEGL 304W and has completed or will be concurrently enrolled in LEGL 311, LEGL 313, LEGL 404, and LEGL 405. Permission of the Paralegal Program Coordinator is required to register for LEGL 488L4.
LEGL 488L4 requires a minimum of 150 hours at the Washtenaw County EMU Legal Resource Center under the supervision of an attorney employed by Eastern Michigan University. LEGL 488L4 also includes an online component delivered through Canvas.
The Legal Resource Center is located in the Washtenaw County Courthouse in downtown Ann Arbor. The Legal Resource Center is open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, when EMU is in session.
At the start of the semester, the Legal Resource Center Site Supervisor works with each student to set their schedule for the semester.
Paralegal Program in the News - Eastern Michigan University’s Paralegal Program Receives Reapproval from the American Bar Association
- Eastern Michigan University paralegal program ranked No. 15 in the U.S., No. 1 in Michigan
- From Classroom to Courthouse: Eastern Michigan University's Paralegal Program Offers Real-world Experience
- EMU Program in Paralegal Studies Ranked Among the Nation's Best
- Call: 734.487.1161
- Office: 202 Roosevelt Hall
- Email: [email protected]