东密歇根大学

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 can be delegated any task normally performed by a lawyer, as long as the lawyer supervises the work. Paralegals must avoid the unauthorized practice of law. Paralegals may not establish an attorney client relationship with a client, set fees, or give legal advice.

Since 1975 the American Bar Association has approved paralegal programs that satisfy the rigorous standards. Eastern Michigan University Paralegal Studies Program is approved by the American Bar Association.

Learn

A Paralegal Studies Program major provides professional training that lays the foundation for a career in the legal field. A Paralegal Studies Program major also qualifies a pre-law major.

The Paralegal Studies Program faculty – all of whom are attorneys – are committed to providing students with “real world” skills needed to succeed in today’s legal environment. Skills students learn include:

Proficiency in legal research, writing, and analysis;
Understanding the basics of specific areas of law, such as Family Law and Probate, Estates, and Wills;
Learning court rules and procedures;
Using computer-based research and office management tools;
Gathering and managing small to large amounts of data and documents;
Drafting, investigating, and analyzing legal documents;
Learning accounting and business applications;
Interviewing clients and conducting case investigation; and
Preparing for trial.

Opportunities

Employment opportunities are excellent in law firms, corporations, banks, human resource offices, hospitals, state and federal governments, and court systems.

Students participate in an internship during their degree program, which enables them to complete the program with work experience on a resume. EMU Paralegal Studies Program students have the amazing and unique opportunity to work in the Washtenaw County-EMU Legal Resource Center located in Ann Arbor.