Paralegals provide legal support services to lawyers, clients and courts. While they are neither trained nor licensed to practice law, they are trained to assist in performing all tasks provided by licensed attorneys except to give legal advice, accept clients, set legal fees and present cases in court.

Is the program approved by the American Bar Association?

Yes. The program has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) for a number of years and just recently the college underwent an extensive review by the ABA. The result of the review was that the ABA has extended its approval of the program.

What is the cost of tuition?

Unlike private schools and public universities OCC is financially supported by both the state of Michigan and Oakland County. Because of that, OCC can maintain a high quality program and still charge affordable tuition. OCC is truly an educational bargain. For students who qualify, financial aid is available.

Why enroll in OCC’s Paralegal Program?

If you’re looking for a career in this exciting field OCC has a quality program that will help you get where you want to go.

1. This program is approved by the American Bar Association.
2. As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education the college keeps up to date on all of the developments in paralegal education.
3. Ninety-three percent of paralegal employers would recommend an OCC paralegal to other attorneys.
4. All faculty members are attorneys, judges or qualified paralegals who love to teach.
5. Classes are small (maximum of 20 students) and so students get personalized attention. At OCC you are not just a number.

Are there jobs?

Absolutely…The Michigan Department of Career Development has forecast that the need for paralegals in the Detroit are would grow by 40% over a ten-year period. In Michigan (as of 2000) paralegals earned, on average, an hourly wage of $19.24 and an annual salary of $41,280. The Paralegal career remains one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. The following organizations may employ paralegals:

• Law Firms
• Corporate Legal Departments
• Real Estate
• Title Companies
• Hospitals
• Free Lance Paralegals for Attorneys or Corporations
• Local, State and Federal Governments

At which campus are the classes offered?

The paralegal classes are offered at the Orchard Ridge Campus in Farmington Hills. However, prerequisites for the program and non-paralegal courses may be taken at any campus.

What degree or certificate options does OCC offer in the Paralegal Program specialty? Does it take a long time to get through the program?

It’s possible to earn a two year Associates Degree in Applied Science with a paralegal major, or for those already holding a baccalaureate degree, it’s possible to earn a Paralegal Certificate. The course sequence begins each fall and winter term. At least two courses are offered each term (fall, winter, and spring/summer), so all course work in the program may be completed within one calendar year. This means a person with a baccalaureate degree could be trained for a new and stimulating career within a year.

What do Paralegal students learn in classes?

The Paralegal specialty courses include Legal Research and Writing, Litigation, Substantive Law, Trial Preparation, and Evidence. Course content covers ethics, torts, contracts, computer-assisted research using the Internet and CD-ROM, plus law office software related to case management and document tracking. In addition the College offers special topics courses which cover such subjects as family law, criminal law, wills and trusts, probate of estates and business organizations.

Is there an internship option?

Yes. It is a highly recommended program option. As part of their program students with internships have the opportunity to:

1. Work with other legal professionals
2. Apply the information learned in the classroom to real life situations
3. Learn job related skills that will help when they are employed after graduation
4. Develop a better understanding of paralegal work.