Paralegal Certificate

Program Description

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.

Application Requirements

1. Click here to complete an application, then attach to an e-mail and send to blistertait@oakland.edu

2. Have certified transcripts sent from an accredited higher education institution, college or university showing satisfactory completion of a minimum of 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours. 

• Eighteen of those hours must represent a broad general education. 
• Examples of courses considered general education include, but are not limited to: social and behavioral science, English composition and literature, and  foreign language.
• Examples of courses not considered general education include, but are not limited to, physical education, performing arts, and accounting.

3. Submit a one-page, double spaced, computer created autobiographical writing sample. This should be representative of the applicant’s best writing skills. A resume will not meet this requirement.

4. Students must complete the Personal Writing Inventory (PWI).  (Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate degree with an overall “B” average (3.0) are exempt.) Assessment will be given via email. 

Program Requirements

Oakland university’s accelerated Paralegal Program consists of 9 courses: Introduction to Law and Ethics, Substantive Law - Contracts, Substantive Law - Torts, Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, and Computerized Assisted Legal Research and Basic Office Skills. The last semester will consist of a 100-hour internship and 4-7 week elective courses covering Auto Law, Employment Law, Probate, Estate Planning and Elder Law. Students who will be in a cohort group are required to take 3 courses every semester, for 3 semesters.

Registration

Click here to register for the program. 

Course Descriptions

CEPL 25001 - Introduction to Law and Ethics

     

CEPL 25060 - Substantive Law: Contracts

   

CEPL 25070 - Substantive Law: Torts

   

CEPL 25120 - Legal Research and Writing

            

CEPL 25420 - Litigation

  

CEPL 25770 - Computerized Legal Research and Basic Office Skills

  

CEPL 25990 - Paralegal Internship

  

Special Topics I (7 Weeks)

CEPL 25350 - Employment Law

  

CEPL 25780 - Auto Law

  

Special Topics II

CEPL 25520 - Special Topics: Probate

  

CEPL 25680 - Estate Planning