Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
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
Featured Programs:
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, No GRE/LSAT required.
Post University - Online Associate and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Rasmussen University - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law - Online Master of Legal Studies Program, Bachelor's Required
American University - Online Master of Legal Studies- No GRE/ LSAT Req'd, Five Concentrations Available, Bachelor's Required
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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