Michigan Paralegal Career and Salary Guide
While Michigan does not have statewide qualification standards for paralegals or legal assistants, most paralegals enter the field with a combination of education and experience. This career guide includes Michigan paralegal salary and job outlook information, career resources, and answers to the most common questions about how to become a paralegal in Michigan.
Table of Contents:
- How to Become a Paralegal in Michigan
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Michigan
Since there are no statewide requirements for Michigan paralegal certification, individuals can take different paths to becoming paralegals. The most common route to a paralegal career is completing an education paired with experience. Following are the basic steps to becoming a paralegal in Michigan:
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Completing an associate in paralegal studies program, paralegal bachelor’s degree program , or paralegal certificate program through one of the many paralegal schools in Michigan can help candidates build their credentials and become more competitive applicants for available paralegal jobs. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved 10 Michigan paralegal programs.1
2. Gain experience.
Many paralegal programs include internships, job shadowing, or other real-world experience working in legal environments. Even in programs where such experiences are not required to earn a degree or certificate, they are typically recommended for the on-the-job experience and professional networking opportunities they provide. Some paralegals start as legal secretaries and become paralegals after earning experience in the field.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
While state-level licensure or certification is not required to work as a paralegal in Michigan, earning what is known as voluntary certification can enhance your qualifications when applying for open positions. You can read more about certification below.
Paralegal Certification in Michigan
In Michigan, paralegals are defined as paraprofessionals and are permitted to perform select tasks under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. Michigan has no minimum training or education requirements for paralegals, which allows for on-the-job training. However, most employers prefer paralegal candidates with some formal training. After earning a paralegal degree or certificate, individuals can seek certification through organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). For additional information about how to become a paralegal, including further information on national certification, visit our guide Steps to Become a Paralegal.
Michigan Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
Projected Job Growth
1.7%
Paralegals in Michigan from 2022-20322
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently reported that 7,580 paralegals and legal assistants were employed in Michigan, earning an average annual salary of $63,460.3 The Midland metropolitan area was the ninth-top-paying metro area for paralegals and legal assistants.3 Projections Central estimates a 1.7% employment growth in Michigan for legal assistants and paralegals, which is lower than the national projected growth of 4.2%.2
Michigan Paralegal Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Number Employed4 | Average Annual Salary4 |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 7,580 | $63,460 |
| Ann Arbor | 270 | $68,950 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | 4,040 | $66,370 |
| Flint | 240 | $55,780 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming | 860 | $68,230 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | 400 | $60,780 |
Paralegal Employers in Michigan
Corporate legal departments, government agencies, and private law firms all employ paralegals in Michigan. Government agencies are another source of paralegal jobs in Michigan that may attract recently qualified professionals looking for a more general introduction to paralegal work. LinkedIn is a good research resource where you can search on geography (Michigan or city-level) for “paralegal” to find networking opportunities, job postings, and companies most associated with users identifying as paralegals; companies in Michigan with the most LinkedIn users as paralegals include:
- Dow
- Dickinson Wright PLLC
- General Motors
- Honigman LLP
- Michigan State University
- Miller Canfield
- Stenger & Stenger PC
- University of Michigan
You can read more about different paralegal career tracks and specialties on our careers page.
Paralegal Resources
Here are some resources to help paralegals in Michigan with professional development, networking, and career growth.
Paralegal Associations in Michigan
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected Boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geography and/or area of law.
- Grand Rapids Bar Association (GRBA): Welcomes members from all sections of the legal professions, including paralegals and legal assistants, and offers networking opportunities, regular professional development, and continuing education meetings.
- Great Lakes Paralegal Association (GLPA): Seeks to promote strong ethics and professional attainment for paralegals.
Additional Resources
- Davenport’s Michigan Wills and Estate Planning Legal Forms: Forms included in this book can be modified as necessary to clients’ needs during initial drafting, saving paralegals valuable time.
- John F. Schaefer Law Library at Michigan State University: Hosts extensive collections of law materials and provides access to electronic sources for legal research.
- Michigan Court of Justice: Access court filing systems, research cases, and legal news of interest. Court forms, published law, and other reference materials are also available on this site.
- Michigan Court Rules: Covers court rules for civil, criminal, probate, and appellate procedures.
- Oakland County Bar Association: Hosts a jobs board that includes positions for paralegals and legal assistants.
- Paralegal411 Jobs Board: For even more paralegal jobs in Michigan, check out our jobs board.
- State Bar of Michigan Career Center: Source for finding Michigan paralegal jobs from across the state.
- State Law Library of Michigan: Provides the general public with access to an extensive print collection as well as electronic subscription databases.
References:
1. American Bar Association Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections, 2022-2032: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm