Paralegal Studies Degree Programs

2023 Paralegal Program Graduate

"I graduated from Madonna University in May 2023 with my Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies and dual minors in Psychology and Business Administration. I am currently a first-year law student at the University of Michigan Law School.

I ultimately chose Madonna after receiving recommendations about the well-respected Paralegal Program and a positive experience visiting the campus. In both the Paralegal Program, and work in my other courses in Psychology and Business at the University I was able to sharpen both my legal skills and expand my perspective through multiple disciplines with the help of the supportive, experienced faculty.

Choosing Madonna was a wise choice because it provided plenty of opportunities to work with the community, both around the University and beyond through service projects, as well as to grow professionally in preparation for law school. During much of my time as a student, I worked as a litigation paralegal at the Sam Bernstein Law Firm which focused on advocating for catastrophically injured clients in tort cases.

Having this legal background not only allowed me to get a head start on useful things like experience working at a law firm, but it helped me validate my passion for, and confidence in my choice to attend law school. One of the most rewarding experiences I had while attending Madonna was when I was accepted to law school."

 Paralegal Manager, Dykema

I chose Madonna University because Madonna's reputation precedes it!  Early on in my legal career, I worked closely with paralegals, also Madonna alums, who inspired me to pursue my degree(s) from Madonna.

Upon graduation, I was working as a full-time paralegal.  I have since moved into law firm administration at the Detroit office of Dykema, a large law firm which is one of the top 200 law firms in the country, where I manage the paralegal team.

The experience and education at Madonna is special because faculty care about each student.  The class sizes are small and the faculty spend one-to-one time investing in each student.  I also appreciate the spiritual feelings that come with attending Madonna.  Having an ABA approved degree from Madonna has ensured that I have the option to work in either corporations, or in law firms, while remaining competitive in the market.  Being a Madonna student comes with real life experience and top notch education.  I found it most rewarding that I was prepared and able to jump right in and add substantive value in each of my possessional positions.

Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Michael J. Riordan,

Michigan Court of Appeals

My position reports directly to the judge. My primary responsibilities include a variety of secretarial and administrative activities to assist in the operation of a judge's chambers in a confidential and professional manner including: scheduling, processing and coordinating votes for motion docket, ensuring case files are complete, proofing opinions, preparing files for cases and motion dockets, and coordinating case call dates, court meetings and personal appointments for the judge. I also serve as initial contact in judge's chambers, answering inquires or directing callers to appropriate staff and other assigned tasks involved with daily operations.

Additionally, I assist the judge in preparing opinions by researching various legal issues and checking the lower court records to verify the facts.

Madonna's Paralegal Program faculty and advisors take an active interest in making sure their students succeed. I was nervous about making a career change, but the support of the advisors made the challenge a success. Madonna was the perfect choice for me. It was close to home and had web based and evening courses that allowed me to earn my degree while working full time while raising a family. The intimate class size and individual attention is second to none. The challenging legal research and writing courses prepared me for my duties with the Michigan Court of Appeals. The variety of courses offered was also beneficial since we handle criminal, civil, and termination of parental right cases at the court. I began employment with knowledge of Westlaw and Lexis as well as the ability to use the law library we have on site. I was able to assist the judge and law clerk with research assignments with little direction upon gaining employment. Judge Riordan told me that he was interested in a Madonna graduate because he has had great experiences with them in the past. I do not believe I would have my career today without the knowledge and experience I gained at Madonna. The Paralegal Program has a great reputation within the legal community and I am proud to be a Madonna alumni.