Paralegal Programs in Michigan

There are no state regulations for paralegal education in Michigan. Paralegals/Legal Assistants in Michigan have the opportunity to become members of the State Bar of Michigan after meeting specific education and experience criteria. Membership in the Sate Bar of Michigan is a professional accomplishment that demonstrates a paralegal's commitment to the field and to his/her employer.

There are regionally and nationally accredited schools offering paralegal programs both online as well as on campus throughout the state. There are thirteen colleges and universities in Michigan that offer American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal programs. With many the paralegal/legal assistant training programs available, carefully researching these programs for the one that best fits your personal and professional needs will be well worth it in the long run.

Choosing a Paralegal Program: What to Consider

As mentioned above, there are specific criteria for paralegals seeking membership with the State Bar of Michigan. Eligibility states that a paralegal/Legal Assistant be employed by a lawyer, law office, government agency or other entity working in the field of law and one of the following...

  • Graduate of an American Bar Association approved paralegal program and have a bachelor's/baccalaureate degree or
  • Have a baccalaureate degree in any field and not less than two years of on the job training as a paralegal/legal assistant or
  • Hold an associate's degree in paralegal/legal assisting and not less than two years of on the job training as a paralegal/legal assistant or
  • Hold an associate's degree in any field and have graduated from an ABA approved paralegal/legal assistant program with not less than two years of work experience in the paralegal/legal assistant field. or
  • Have at least four years of on the job training as a paralegal/legal assistant

As the paralegal profession evolves and the complexities encountered within the profession increase, a formal education will provide for greater career opportunities and income potential. For example, Employers in metropolitan areas of Michigan are trending toward hiring paralegals with baccalaureate level education and work experience.

An ABA approved paralegal education is not a requirement for employment or entry into the State Bar of Michigan, however, it does offer a prestige and legitimacy to the paralegal education students receive. There are many non-ABA approved paralegal programs offered in Michigan that would actually meet the specific criteria to be approved by the ABA, but due to the financial cost of applying for and maintaining approval status they choose not to. Read more about ABA and non-ABA approved paralegal programs.

The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) recommends that students enroll in an ABA approved program or a paralegal program offered at a college or university accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education or a program offered by one of their member schools. You'll find a list of schools that meet one or a combination of these recommended criteria below.

Through your research of the paralegal career you probably realized that many job postings in Michigan want a paralegal with a certain amount of work experience as well as formal training. Gain this valuable work experience while earning your paralegal education by participating in internship programs. The State Bar of Michigan as well as city and county bar associations throughout the state are working to post local internship opportunities on their websites as well as inform paralegal programs about these opportunities.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Michigan

star= Editor Recommended Program

starKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

info request

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

starVirginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

info request

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

info request

A.S. Paralegal Studies

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

info request

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

learn more

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

info request

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

info request

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

info request

Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Associate's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

request

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Degree Programs in Michigan - Campus Based

starRequest Information from the School(s) by selecting a campus location

The Academy of Court Reporting: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which is an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Programs Offered: Diploma, Certificate | Legal Administrative Assistant, Paralegal, Legal Secretary

Baker College of Auburn Hills: ABA approved program and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

1500 University Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2642
PH: 248-340-0600

Davenport University - Grand Rapids Campus: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate | Paralegal Studies

6191 Kraft Ave., SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
PH: 616-698-7111

Eastern Michigan University: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

111 Sill Hall
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
PH: 734-487-1161

Ferris State University: ABA approved program and member school of the AAfPE.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies

119 South Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2295
PH: 231-591-2416

Henry Ford Community College: ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant

5101 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
PH: 313-845-9693

Kellogg Community College: AAfPE member school and ABA approved programs.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

450 North Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017-3397
PH: 269-965-3931

Lake Superior State University: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, Minor | Legal Studies

650 W. Easterday Avenue
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
PH: 906-635-2104

Lansing Community College: Member of the AAfPE and ABA approved programs

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Paralegal

419 North Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48901-7210
PH: 517-483-1503

Macomb Community College: ABA approved and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal

14500 E. 12 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48088-3896
PH: 586-445-7176

Madonna University: ABA approved programs. AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Legal Assistant/ Paralegal

36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
PH: 734-432-5549

Northwestern Michigan College: AAfPE member school and ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686-3061
PH: 231-995-1257

Oakland Community College - Orchard Ridge Campus: ABA approved programs and AAfPE member school.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Legal Assistant/Paralegal

27055 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4579
PH: 248-522-3628

Oakland University: ABA approved program.

Programs Offered: Certificate | Paralegal

221 Varner Hall
Rochester, MI 48309-4401
PH: 248-370-4513