About this program

Why Become A Paralegal Major?

The paralegal profession holds jobs for the future.

The United States Department of Labor has reported in its current Occupational Outlook Handbook, that: "Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects. This occupation attracts many applicants, and competition for jobs will be strong. Experienced, formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects."

Who is a Paralegal?

“A paralegal is 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 for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, and must work under the supervision of an attorney.”

Why choose EMU's Paralegal program?

Approved by the American Bar Association, EMU’s unique Paralegal Program offers both a bachelor degree and a second bachelor degree, both of which lead to a job in the legal field!

The program’s faculty – all of whom are attorneys – are committed to providing program students with the "real world" skills needed to succeed in today’s legal profession and to work under the supervision of an attorney. These skills include:

  • Proficiency in legal research, writing and analysis;
  • Using computer-based research and office management tools;
  • Learning court rules and procedures;
  • Learning doctrinal law on topics including 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
  • Learning to apply skills to and within the ethical standards of the legal profession and how to avoid the unauthorized practice of law

EMU’s Paralegal Program includes an attorney-supervised legal clinic for EMU paralegal students. Students work inside the Washtenaw County Courthouse helping members of the public with civil court forms and court procedures. EMU welcomes transfer students and has articulation agreements with many community colleges, which allow students to transfer certain courses to the Paralegal Program. Contact the program coordinator for more information. Program graduates are currently working in settings such as Ford Motor Company, private law firms, and the United States Attorney’s Office. Many graduates attend law school and have been accepted to the University of Michigan Law School, Michigan State University College of Law, University of Toledo College of Law, Wayne State University Law School, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Some graduates work in law related fields such as arbitration, mediation, legal compliance, or human resources. Students must be admitted to the Paralegal Program and follow the retention policy. Select Paralegal as your major and prepare for your exciting career in the law!

Request More Information

Coordinator of Paralegal Program
School of Technology and Professional Services Management
202 Roosevelt Hall
734.487.1161 | [email protected]