Paralegal Certificate

Currently, all Paralegal Program courses are held in a Live Online format, meaning individuals meet remotely in a synchronous format. 

The primary goal of the Paralegal Program at Oakland University is to introduce students to the study of law with emphasis on real-world applications and legal procedures. Classes are taught by attorneys, judges and qualified professionals who understand the role of the paralegal in modern legal practice. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% growth in employment of paralegals and legal assistants between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for paralegals was $50,940 in May 2018. Formally trained paralegals with strong computer and database management skills should have the best job prospects.

In an effort to reduce costs and increase efficiency, businesses are hiring paralegals to perform tasks once done by lawyers. These organizations include but are not limited to: 

• private law firms (largest organization to hire paralegals)
• corporate legal departments
• insurance companies
• real estate and title insurance firms
• banks
• court houses

* Please be advised that paralegals may not offer legal services or advice directly to the public, except as permitted by law.  

All Paralegal Program courses are held in a Live Online format, meaning individuals meet remotely via Zoom in a synchronous format. 

This full time program consists of three, 14-week semesters. Classes are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm each semester.  The cohort group will follow the schedule below:

Semester 1 – Ethics and Introduction to Law; Contracts; Legal Research and Writing

Semester 2 – Torts; Litigation; CALR- Computerized Legal Research

Semester 3 – Special Topics Course; Special Topics Course; Internship – 100 hours (may be completed at your current work place.)  Special topics course options consist of probate, elder law, auto law, criminal law, and employment law.

Special topics courses will rotate and students have the option to register for these special topics courses a la carte after they graduate if the one they prefer is not offered during their cohort. Email toniawernette@oakland.edu for more information. 

COHORT SCHEDULES

The cost of the one year Certificate in Paralegal Studies is $5,450.  The Orientation Class costs $100 and is nonrefundable. Books and materials are a separate cost. Textbook cost is dependent on student choices regarding book format and other factors. While non-credit professional certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid, prospective students should consider the following for tuition payment: 

• Enroll in our interest free payment plan and pay for the course over 12 equal installments. Students must be current on their payments in order to continue on to the second and third semesters of the program. 
• Visit the Oakland University Financial Aid for Continuing Education Students Page

The primary goal of the Paralegal Program at Oakland University is to introduce students to the study of law with emphasis on real-world applications and legal procedures. Classes are taught by attorneys, judges and qualified professionals who understand the role of the paralegal in modern legal practice. 

Ethics and Introduction to the Law

This course provides an overview of governmental organizations (including Michigan and federal court systems) and sources of law (including statutory law, common law and administrative law).

Substantive Law – Contracts

This course provides a comprehensive overview of contract law. 

Substantive Law - Torts

This course covers the basic law related to a civil wrong as it applies to personal and property damage. 

Legal Research and Writing I

This course provides knowledge of primary and secondary legal resources along with teaching the skills of legal writing. 

CALR (Computer Aided Legal Research)

Students will learn how to use electronic resources for solving advanced research problems. Students will review basic Microsoft Office skills, including Word, Excel, and Power Point. Students will also learn how to navigate various databases utilized in legal environments. 

Litigation: Case Preparation before Trial

Detailed study of pretrial case preparation: alternate dispute resolution; gathering and organization of materials; legal investigation; client interviewing; and drafting a complaint, an answer, and  affirmative defenses.

Internship

This course includes one class meeting and 100 hours law office experience.  Effective resume writing and job hunting skills are also covered.

SPECIAL TOPICS I

Auto Law – 7 weeks 

This course provides a basic understanding of the law as it relates to auto insurance.

Employment Law - 7 weeks

This course covers areas of the law that deal with employment relationships.  

SPECIAL TOPICS II

Probate - 7 weeks

This course examines the substantive, procedural, and practical aspects of probate law under EPIC (Michigan's Estate and Protected Individuals Code). 

Estate Planning - 7 weeks

This course provides an overview of the principles related to the control and disposition of property inter vivos and after death. 

Admission

See below for information on submitting an application. Students must have completed a minimum of 45 undergraduate credit hours OR have at least 10 years of relevant paralegal experience to be admitted to the program. Students must achieve a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in each class once in the program.

• Click here to complete the application. Do not forget to upload your resume and one page autobiography outlining your interest in the program.
• Send all official transcripts to toniawernette@oakland.edu. They must be sent directly from the institution.
• International students must provide a WES or ECE credential evaluation.

How to Resolve a Complaint

Students may encounter problem situations during their course of study at Oakland University that may require review by appropriate administrative or academic personnel. This is a description of the problem-resolution procedure established by the university. The procedure provides a fact-finding system for resolving problems between students and faculty or staff members when a review of the issue is not available through other established university procedures. In some cases (e.g. discrimination and harassment), the university has specific procedures which must be followed. 

Each student, faculty member, administrator and staff member has an obligation to resolve problems fairly through discussion between the aggrieved student(s) and the specific university person immediately involved with the problem.

PACE Academic Complaint

Each academic department has its own internal procedure for resolving complaints about classroom situations. A copy of the relevant grievance procedure may be obtained from the involved academic department or school. The student must first contact the department or school and follow the respective grievance procedure within that department.

Depending on the department, the chair, Director or designee may hear the facts of the case or refer it to an internal committee. If the problem is not resolved at this step, the student may contact the dean of the college or school to continue the problem resolution process. For cases involving grade disputes and classroom procedures but not involving discrimination, harassment or illegal behavior, the process stops at the dean level.

PACE Nonacademic Complaint

If the problem is not academically related, the student must first contact the department or school and follow the respective grievance procedure within that department or be referred to the responsible unit. If the problem is not resolved at this step, the student may contact the director of Professional and Continuing Education to seek final resolution. For nonacademic complaints, appeals stop at the director of Professional and Continuing Education.

 Complaint Process:

1. Student/Participant must email detailed description of complaint along with corresponding documentation to oupace@oakland.edu
2. PACE Director will contact the complainant with a resolution or to formalize a meeting as part of the complaint exploration process.

General:

• Oakland University Library Guide to Legal Research
• Legal Information Institute – Introduction to Basic Legal Citation.
• Court Listener – Website containing legal opinions from federal and state courts.
• FindLaw – Legal news, information, and resources.
• Martindale.com – National registry of lawyers.
• NOLO Legal Encyclopedia – Legal Topics.
• Oyez – Supreme Court of the United States cases.
• SCOTUSblog – Independent News & Analysis on the Supreme Court.
• The Law Dictionary – Online law dictionary

Michigan:

• Michigan Compiled Laws by Chapter
• Legal Information Institute - Michigan – Michigan Legal Matters.
• Library of Michigan Digital Repository – Collections of Michigan government, administrative law, and Michigan legislative materials.
• Michigan Appellate Opinion Manual – Citation guide for Michigan state courts.
• Michigan Courts  – Current Rules, Administrative Orders and Jury Instructions..
• Michigan Courts - Courts – Links and information to Michigan courts.
• Michigan eLibrary – Supporting Michigan Libraries.
• Michigan State University College of Law – Michigan Ordinances & Codes. 
• Library of Michigan– Law Library.
• Michigan Law Review

Professional Associations:

• American Bar Association - Membership – ABA Membership.
• American Bar Association  – Standing Committee on Paralegals.
• NALA: The Paralegal Association – National paralegal association.
• NALS of Michigan – The Association for Legal Professionals.
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations - Home page 
• State Bar of Michigan - Home page 
• State Bar of Michigan Paralegal Section – Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section.

Paralegal Profession:

• American Bar Association – Information for Lawyers:  How Paralegals Can Improve Your Practice.
• NALA: The Paralegal Association Certification – Paralegal Certification.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  - Occupational Outlook Handbook Paralegals and Legal Assistants.
• State Bar of Michigan  – Role of Nonlawyers in Law Practice: Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistant Services.
• The ABC’s of e-Discovery 
• The Estrin Report – Game Changing Positions:  Are You Ready To Make An Awesome Career Move?
• The National Federation of Paralegal Associations - Paralegal Certification.
• Legal Talk Network – The Paralegal Voice.