Paralegal 

Paralegals assist lawyers in nearly every aspect of law practice.  Paralegals work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They collaborate with lawyers on:

• Legal and factual research
• Court and agency filings
• Contracts, mortgages, and legal agreements
• Trial documents, evidence, and witness preparation
• Real estate closings and title examinations

A paralegal is not licensed to practice law. A paralegal is bound to the same ethical principles as a lawyer. Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law. 

For students choosing to go on to law school, Paralegal education gives them the practical skills that law schools often overlook, but employers require.

For more information on the career, pay, and program, see our FAQ page.

 

Unlocking Change: Alexian's Paralegal Journey

Alexian stumbled into the paralegal program but quickly found his calling: a powerful link between law and his passion for civil activism. See how he now combines both to create real-world impact and achieve personal fulfillment.

 

A Paralegal Program Built for You

Whether you’re new to college or changing careers, OCC offers a paralegal option made for you.

Paralegal Associate Degree

Choose the paralegal associate degree if you don’t already have a college degree. 

You’ll complete 63 credits hours of major requirements, supporting courses, electives, and general education. Full-time students can complete the program in two years.

• Associate Degree Admission & Course Requirements

You’ll graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree, fully prepared to:

• Work as a paralegal. You’ll be ready to start your career right away.
• Transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree. Our transfer agreements with Eastern Michigan University, Madonna University and Oakland University let you complete your bachelor’s degree in just one more year.
• Go to law school. While most law schools require a bachelor’s degree, our paralegal program provides marketable skills that surpass any pre-law major.

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Paralegal Post-Bachelor Certificate

Choose the paralegal certificate if you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college but want to take your career in a new direction. OCC’s 34-credit certificate program prepares you to become a paralegal in the shortest possible time. Complete six core courses, an elective, and three supporting courses in as few as nine months.

• Certificate Admission & Course Requirements

 

Take the Next Steps

Ready to begin your paralegal studies? Get started now:

1. Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application. On the application select the degree program ‘Paralegal Applicant (PLG.APP)’. Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.
2. Email the Paralegal Director. We'll set you up with a zoom interview to discuss program options and develop a custom program plan. 

I am interested in the Paralegal Program

For more information about OCC's Paralegal Program complete the form below

Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today! 

By planning early and working with an OCC Counselor throughout your OCC experience you will be able to maximize your OCC applicable credits upon transfer. If you are pursuing an associate in applied science you may be able to satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses, saving you time, money and aggravation!  Regardless of your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to assist with navigating your way to a bachelor’s degree. Visit the College Transfer Success Guide webpage for additional information and resources.

More to Explore

Considering Paralegal? You might also be interested in these programs: