Paralegal

HFC's Paralegal program offers a strong foundation of skills and knowledge to help you succeed as a professional paralegal. After graduating, you will be well prepared to begin your legal career or continue studying at a four-year university Paralegal Studies or Pre-Law program.

Interested in this program?

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What is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a person qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity, and who performs delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

In short, a paralegal conducts a lot of legal work to support attorneys, but is not an attorney.

Why should I choose this program?

  1. Employers prefer accredited degrees: Law firms support accredited schools such as HFC's program. Degrees from an accredited school assure that a paralegal has received quality training under nationally established standards, giving you a competitive advantage when looking for a job.

  2. Approved curriculum: HFC's curriculum provides fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success. Our program of study includes Essential Paralegal Skills, Civil Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Contracts, Property, and Legal Practice Technology.

  3. Pre-law specialization: Our paralegal program helps prepare you for law school if you wish to continue your education. Many of the classes you will take during the first two years of law school are similar to the course of study we provide. In fact, many of our faculty studied in the HFC paralegal program prior to enrolling in law school.

Certificate of Achievement
Paralegal Studies
Associate in Business
Paralegal Studies

What skills will I learn and improve?

  • Advanced computer research skills
  • Advanced persuasive writing skills
  • Enhanced critical thinking skills
  • Knowledge of legal concepts essential for legal and business professionals, including contract and property law.

What are my career opportunities?

Median pay: $50,940 per year, or $24.49 per hour

Michigan Top 50 jobs includes paralegals

  • Lawyer
  • Paralegal
  • Business professional

More career opportunities can be found through the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program features and benefits

Legal Studies scholarships available

HFC provides WestlawNext training

Faculty who teach are currently working in the field

Testimonials and Endorsements

David K. - Student

HFC’s Paralegal Program was challenging in the best possible way. From learning how to understand and draft legal documents to learning client interview techniques, the subject matter was broad and fascinating. I left the program equipped with the tools that I needed for success in the legal field.

Attorney Anthony G. - Employer

Almost two years ago Ashleigh H, then a student at the HFC Paralegal studies Program, was hired by this office. While employed here she graduated at the top of her class in May 2018. Her work has been exemplary, and she has demonstrated the desire and ability to further her paralegal skills in areas that were not part of the Paralegal Studies Program. She is an outstanding example of the superior product Henry Ford College’s program produces. This office would recommend HFC graduates of the Paralegal Studies Program to any law firm seeking a paralegal.

Shannon S. - Student

I started with the internship provided by HFC in 2017 … and I am still here. I was hired in June of 2017 and am now the Paralegal and Office Manager. I engage with many outreach organizations such as Black Lives Matter Detroit and the National Lawyers Guild. The company sent me to D.C. last year for the National Lawyers Guild Convention and I’m planning another trip there on behalf of the company to Portland Oregon. I’ve learned so much…. I will say the program at HFC prepared me very well. I would recommend it to anyone.

Stacey H. - Student

I enjoy Professor Corley’s lectures and insightful real-life situations that pertain to our class and what we may encounter in the real world. He brings to the class professionalism… and wisdom…

Anita Fernandez - Student

I have been in the automotive industry for more than a decade. Although I’ve been responsible for processing documents in compliance with the State of Michigan, I could not have found a more comprehensive legal training program. My colleagues consistently come to me with questions or to consult with our customers, and I act as liaison between our customers and the State.

Kylie L. Johnson - Student

The Paralegal Studies program at Henry Ford College has changed my life, exposing me to the world of law. It has boosted my confidence and ability to interact in the world of professionals. What you learn here will be with you for a lifetime. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in being involved in supporting a lawyer, otherwise known as a 'gladiator in a suit.'

Roberta Justice - Student

I learned so much with HFC’s program. It put me on the career path that I’ve always dreamed of. Keep doing what you are doing with HFC. It’s a very valuable program, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Faculty

Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.
Name Credentials Email
Samer Jadallah
LGAL AD TG 		J.D., Western Michigan University*; J.D., The Thomas M Cooley Law School snjadallah@hfcc.edu