Paralegal Program FAQs


Chris Putt, Paralegal

"After I was outsourced in my previous career, I researched several new career options. I chose paralegal because of its professionalism, high growth, and competitive wages. Even though I could walk to another paralegal program, I chose OCC because of its outstanding reputation in the legal community. It was the best career decision of my life!"

-Chris P., Paralegal - Plunkett Cooney, 2011 OCC Paralegal Graduate


Although lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, paralegals provide the legal profession with a cost-effective alternative to produce legal work. A paralegal is not a legal secretary, but instead a vital, educated member of a legal services team. Paralegals, also known as Legal Assistants, work closely with attorneys to assist in:

  • Performing legal and factual research.
  • Drafting documents for filing with courts and agencies.
  • Drafting contracts, mortgages, and all manner of legal agreements.
  • Organizing trial documents, evidence, preparing witnesses & assisting at trials.
  • Many other substantive legal tasks
  • For more information, see the Michigan Guidelines for Utilization of Legal Assistant Services or ABA Guidelines for Utilization of Paralegal Services.

Isn't a paralegal just a legal secretary?

NO! A paralegal is not a legal secretary. The differences are huge. A legal secretary does what all secretaries and administrative assistants do. They type dictation, organize, schedule, file, and other vital administrative tasks. Paralegals create legal documents from scratch, strategize possible responses, research the law, and generally do all of the tasks of a lawyer except those prohibited by law. (But always under the supervision of a lawyer.) Often, an experienced paralegal is assigned a legal secretary for support. Although early in a Paralegal career, some tasks may be administrative. Two main differences to keep in mind: 1) Paralegals bill the clients for their time just like a lawyer - secretaries do not. This makes paralegals a revenue generator, not a cost. 2) Paralegals are expected to be self-directed professionals. This means that they are responsible for their own professional development and quality of their work product.

Are paralegal jobs available?

Absolutely… Despite recent downward revisions of employment estimates, the paralegal career remains one of the fastest growing career fields in the United States. According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegal employment is expected to grow at 15% for at least the next decade. The Michigan Department of Career Development has forecast that the need for paralegals will grow by 15.5% over a ten-year period ending in 2020. In addition, paralegals’ work is less likely to be offshored than that of other legal workers.



How much do paralegals earn?

In Michigan (as of 2018) paralegal median salaries were as follows:

  • Midsize firm, 0-2 years exp: $38,500 - 56,000
  • Midsize firm, 2-3 years exp: $40,000 - 64,500
  • Midsize firm, 4-6 years exp: $51,500 - 75,250
  • Top Earners: $78,250 - 104,500 (Additional combined skills such as project management, accounting, and computer information systems)

Source: Robert Half 2018 Legal Salary Guide. These values are consistent with national averages

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. This support allows OCC to maintain a high-quality program and still charge affordable tuition. With tuition as low as $90 a credit hour, OCC is truly an educational bargain. For students who qualify, financial aid is available. OCC’s paralegal program also qualifies for many retraining programs.  Book costs are out of our control, but there are many options such as renting to reduce costs. Budget $100 a course for books.

Ten Reasons to enroll in OCC’s Paralegal Program.


  1. OCC provides a recognized, high quality paralegal education.

Is the program approved by the American Bar Association?


Do not be fooled! Online Paralegal programs and Non-ABA approved programs make it extremely difficult to find a quality paralegal job. "Despite projected much faster-than-average employment growth, competition for jobs is expected. [Those] formally trained [in ABA-approved programs] ... should have the best employment opportunities." - US Department of Labor

Is the program or its faculty involved in the paralegal community?


Which program do I enroll in?


Is there an application deadline?

Effective for the fall 2019 semester OCC will no longer have an application deadline for fall or winter admission. . There are still financial aid deadlines. Once admitted to OCC, you must be admitted to the Paralegal program which can be done up until the start of classes.

How Do I enroll in the program?

  1. Apply to OCC - Choose PLG.APP as your program of study
  2. Contact the Paralegal Program Coordinator:

Doug Kolly
Program Coordinator
Phone 248.522.3627

At which campus are the classes offered?


How long does it take to complete the program?

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, our Post Bachelor’s Certificate Program takes only 1 academic year. (If you are a full-time day student, you could complete this sequence in as little as 9 months - September - May. Full-Time night students can complete it in 12 months September - August.)


Is there an internship option?

Yes. It is a highly recommended program option. As part of the internship program, students have the opportunity to:

  1. Work with other legal professionals.
  2. Apply the information learned in the classroom to real-life situations.
  4. Develop a better understanding of paralegal work.
  5. Build their resume experience and networking contacts.



Can I transfer to law school after the OCC Paralegal Program?


Can I transfer paralegal credits from another institution to OCC?


Policy on Transfer of Paralegal Credits:

Does OCC’s Paralegal Program offer continuing paralegal education?


What do paralegal students learn in classes?


How do I graduate from the program?




Doug Kolly
Program Coordinator
Phone 248.522.3627