Paralegal Certificate Program
An ABA Approved Program
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According to the 2008-2009 Bureau of Labor and Statistics Handbook, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks once done by lawyers. Paralegals are performing a wider variety of duties, making them more useful to businesses.
Demand for paralegals also is expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, health care, international law, elder issues, criminal law, and environmental law. The growth of prepaid legal plans also should contribute to the demand for legal services.
Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing array of other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks also hire paralegals. Corporations in particular are expected to increase their in-house legal departments to cut costs. In part because of the range of tasks they can perform, paralegals are also increasingly employed in small and medium-size establishments of all types. Take a look at the NALA 2008 National Utilization and Compensation Survey Report to review the current data. |
The Oakland University Paralegal Program was established in 1974 and ABA approved since 1976. Our well-respected program has employed hundred of graduates who live and work in our community. Here is what our students are saying:
The Paralegal Program through Oakland University is one of the best investments I have made in my education and my legal career. The instructors utilize a "real-world" approach in their teaching methods which gave me a greater understanding and "working knowledge" of legal concepts and procedures. Throughout the Paralegal Program, I have continually increased my writing, communication and legal skills along with the competence to function at a higher professional level. This program also provides the opportunity to acquire the essential level of proficiency and expertise needed within various specializations of the law. I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking a career within the legal field.
Anne Walter, OU Paralegal Student, February 2009
Please be advised paralegals may not offer legal services or advice directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
Winter registration begins December 1, 2009
Visit our Schedule page to plan for Winter 2010.
Click Here to Register
Click "Add to Cart" to begin the registration process. Please provide your personal information and choose to take from one up to 4 classes. Payment is easy using MasterCard, Visa, or online checking (ACH). If you are paying by check, please mail or fax your registration using the registration form linked in the bullet list below.
New Course Offerings - Computer-Based Office Skills Level 1 and 2
These new courses will fulfill the computer requirements for the Paralegal Program |
Visit the links below for more information about the Paralegal Program at OU:
Employment Opportunities
Events of Interest
Federal Bar Association Panel: October 29 from 5:30 - 7:00p.m.
Click here for more information
Legal Search and Management Website
LS&M Update
The Paralegal Job Search Strategy:
Contact Linda S. Jevahirian for scheduled dates. Linda S. Jevahirian 248-471-3443 linda@legalsearchonline.net
Free Training
Join Oakland County Law Library for free Westlaw training - First Wednesday of every month at 1p.m. September - December
To register call 248-858-0012 or click here
DMBA's 6th Annual Paralegal Expo: Highlighting Business Partners in the Practice of Law
Click here for more information
Networking
Networking is the best tool anyone can have to help manage their career, and we encourage our students to attend events, meetings, and functions of professional organizations, and keep in touch with classmates and business associates. Please note our external links below:
External Links
Oakland University Paralegal Program Contact Information:
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332 Elliott Hall
Oakland University
Rochester MI 48309-4401
Phone: 248.370.3128
Fax: 248.370.4963
E-mail: sba-ce@lists.oakland.edu |