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 for which a lawyer is responsible. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law, and must work directly under the supervision of an attorney.”
Since 1975 the American Bar Association has approved paralegal programs that satisfy rigorous standards. Approved by the American Bar Association, EMU’s Paralegal Program offers both a bachelor’s degree and a second bachelor’s degree.
The American Bar Association approves the Eastern Michigan University Paralegal Program.
Click here to watch a short video about this program.
Learn
A Paralegal major provides professional training that lays the foundation for a career in the legal field.
The Paralegal Program faculty – all of whom are attorneys – are committed to providing students with “real world” skills needed to succeed in today’s legal profession and to work under the supervision of an attorney. Skills students learn to 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.
Opportunities
Employment opportunities are excellent in law firms, corporations, banks, human resource offices, hospitals, state and federal governments, and court systems. A number of graduates go to law school when they receive their Paralegal degree or after working in the legal field for a few years.
Students participate in an internship during their degree program, enabling them to complete the program with work experience on a resume. EMU Paralegal Program students have the amazing and unique opportunity to work in the Washtenaw County-EMU Legal Resource Center located in Ann Arbor.
For General Education requirements and other Eastern Michigan University requirements, contact College of Engineering & Technology Advising at 734.487.9751 or cot_advising@emich.edu | Make an appointment
For information on Articulation Agreements, see Transfer Agreements . If you have a question about an Articulation Agreement, contact Community College Relations.