Paralegal Job Description in Michigan

Michigan does not regulate paralegals under state law, other than its Rule 5.3, which defines paralegals as legal paraprofessionals employed under a lawyer’s supervision. Paralegals in Michigan work in a variety of legal subspecialties under the supervision of an attorney, including (but not limited to) personal injury, American Indian law, children’s law, negligence law, environmental law, and information technology law. If you would like to become a paralegal in Michigan and work in one of these or other countless legal specialties, read on.
 

As an aspiring paralegal in Michigan, you need not complete any educational program. However, having a certificate or degree in paralegal studies or a related field will greatly improve your chances of getting a paralegal job in Michigan.

Michigan Paralegal Online and Campus Schools

Some schools’ programs in Michigan are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and others are not. Approval status is more of a personal preference, although some employers prefer to hire graduates of ABA-approved schools.

• The following Michigan paralegal programs hold ABA approval:

  • Oakland University – Rochester
  • Certificate – Paralegal Studies
  • Oakland Community College- Farmington Hills
  • Associate in Applied Science-Paralegal Studies
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – Paralegal Studies
  • Madonna University- Livonia and Macomb University Center, Clinton Township Campuses
  • Bachelor of Science-Paralegal Studies
  • Associate in Science-Paralegal Studies
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate – Paralegal Studies
  • Post-BSN Nurse Paralegal
  • Macomb Community College – Warren
  • Associate of Science-Paralegal Studies
  • Lansing Community College- Lansing
  • Associate in Business
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate- Paralegal Studies
  • Henry Ford Community College- Dearborn
  • Associate in Business
  • Grand Valley State University – Grand Rapids
  • Bachelor of Science-Legal Studies
  • Ferris State University – Big Rapids
  • Associate of Science- Paralegal Studies
  • Eastern Michigan University – Ypsilanti
  • Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
  • Bachelor of Science-Paralegal Studies
  • Davenport University- Grand Rapids
  • Associate of Science - Paralegal Studies
  • Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
  • Certificate - Paralegal Studies
  • Baker College of Jackson – Jackson
  • Associate in Business
  • Baker College of Clinton Township –Clinton Township
  • Associate in Business
  • Baker College of Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills
  • Associate in Business
  • Bachelor of Science - Legal Studies

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Usually, your paralegal studies degree or certificate program in Michigan will require you to complete a work internship, giving you valuable paralegal work experience. If it does not, seek out work experience in the paralegal field on your own. A good place to start is with a legal aid agency in Michigan such as the following:

• Michigan Indian Legal Services, Inc.-Traverse City
• Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Ann Arbor
• Legal Services of Northern Michigan, Inc.-Gaylord
• Legal Services of Eastern Michigan-Flint
• Legal Aid of Western Michigan-Grand Rapids
• Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. -Detroit

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You do not have to become certified through a national organization in order to work as a paralegal in Michigan. Some Michigan associations of paralegals, such as the Michiana Paralegal Association, recommend certification such as the following to help you advance in your Michigan paralegal career:

• National Federation of Paralegal Associations:
• Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) - earns the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation
• Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) -earns the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) designation

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Law firms, both large and small, employ paralegals throughout Michigan, but they are not the only job locations for paralegals. Businesses, from smaller corporations to large conglomerates, also employ paralegals in Michigan, as do government agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and more. Examples of paralegal employers in Michigan are:

• Hyundai Kia America Technical Center, Inc. – Superior Township
• Henry Ford Community College – Dearborn
• TRW Automotive – Livonia
• Chrysler Group, LLC – Auburn Hills
• Jackson National Life Insurance Company – Lansing
• DOW- Midland
• Kopka, Pinkus, Dolin and Eads – Farmington Hills
• National Guard – Grand Ledge
• Lingua Science- Troy
• Collins, Einhorn, Farrell P.C. – Southfield
• Amway – Ada
• Petrucelli Waara – Iron River
  

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Congratulations on becoming a paralegal in Michigan! Now you should consider joining an association for paralegals in the state, where you can network, find continuing legal education opportunities, and meet fellow Michigan paralegals. The following organizations are appropriate:

• Michiana Paralegal Association
• GRBA- Legal Assistants Section
• NALS of West Michigan
  

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