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Paralegal Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$55.7K

$72.3K

How much do paralegal instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for paralegal instructor in Michigan is $55,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $72,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a paralegal instructor?

Paralegal Instructors are educators who teach courses related to paralegal studies, preparing students for careers as paralegals or legal assistants. They typically have extensive experience in the legal field and provide instruction on legal research, writing, ethics, and various areas of law. Paralegal Instructors may work at community colleges, universities, or specialized training programs and are responsible for developing curriculum, assessing student progress, and staying updated with legal trends. Their goal is to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the legal profession.

What does a paralegal instructor do?

A paralegal instructor trains students in a paralegal education program. You usually teach in a paralegal degree or certificate program at a vocational or technical school, but some paralegal instructors teach students who are in a legal studies degree program at a university. Your duties include preparing a syllabus for each course, covering all necessary subject matter during class, and providing exams to assess students’ performance. Your responsibilities sometimes include offering career or developmental advice to students. You teach a variety of topics, including legal writing and document preparation, law library research, legal procedure, and other relevant subjects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a paralegal instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paralegal Instructor, you need a strong background in legal studies, practical paralegal experience, and often a bachelor's or master's degree in law or a related field. Familiarity with legal research databases, course management systems like Blackboard or Canvas, and relevant teaching certifications is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and foster an effective learning environment. These skills ensure that instructors can deliver high-quality education, prepare students for real-world legal work, and adapt to evolving educational standards.

What are some common challenges paralegal instructors face when transitioning from legal practice to teaching?

Paralegal Instructors who move from legal practice to teaching often encounter challenges such as adapting their communication style for diverse learners, developing engaging lesson plans, and balancing curriculum requirements with practical skill-building. Instructors must also stay updated on both legal developments and effective teaching methods. Building rapport with students and managing classroom dynamics are key to creating a positive learning environment, which may differ from traditional law office interactions.

What is the difference between Paralegal Instructor vs Paralegal?

AspectParalegal InstructorParalegal
Required CredentialsParalegal certification, teaching credentials (if applicable)Paralegal certificate or degree, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, classrooms, online teachingLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageColleges, universities, vocational schoolsLegal industry, corporate sector, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

In summary, Paralegal Instructors primarily teach and train students in educational settings, often requiring teaching credentials alongside paralegal certification. Paralegals work within legal environments providing support to attorneys. While both roles require paralegal certification, their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan?

For Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Paralegal Instructor jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Paralegal Instructor jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Paralegal Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Paralegal Instructor jobs in MI?

For Paralegal Instructor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Paralegal Instructor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,716 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : College Wide
Job Type: Adjunct
Job Number: 202300083
Division: Paralegal
Opening Date: 01/01/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary of Purpose
Oakland Community College, a multi-campus institution in Oakland County, Michigan is a student-centered community dedicated to providing quality learning opportunities for individuals, the community and organizations on an accessible, affordable basis. We are one of the largest community colleges in the state of Michigan, with a multi-campus system, serving more than 12,000 students. OCC is seeking Adjunct Faculty Instructors who value diversity, shared responsibility, open communication, personal empowerment, integrity and ethical commitment. Adjunct Faculty must be committed to using modern technology in the classroom.
Applications for adjunct positions are accepted continuously and entered into a candidate pool. Adjunct Instructors are hired on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year, depending on enrollment needs. If a need arises, applications in the pool are reviewed and the Department reaches out directly to candidates.
Candidates who do not have legal residence in the State of Michigan will become Edustaff employees. Employment offers, salary, and benefits are provided by Edustaff, not OCC (Oakland Community College).
To be considered for this position, please include the following as attachments to your online application: resume, cover letter, copies of unofficial transcripts (showing date degree was conferred) and any applicable licenses/certifications. Please note that if hired, official transcripts (from school to school) are required within 30 days of hire.
Typical Duties
Primary responsibility will be to teach anticipated day and/or evening Paralegal courses, which range from basic to advanced skill levels. Where applicable, adjuncts are required to maintain and/or provide licensure and certifications.
Knowledge and Skills Required
  • Experience with multi-cultural students and staff preferred
  • Ability to work as a team player in a multi-cultural working environment
  • Online teaching experience preferred

Minimum Education and Experience
  • Minimum qualifications are a JD degree or equivalent and two (2) years recent experience in the academic area OR
  • Bachelor's degree plus graduation as a paralegal from ABA accredited paralegal program and five (5) years recent work experience as a paralegal OR
  • Associate's degree from an ABA accredited paralegal program and eight (8) years recent work experience as a paralegal

Salary
$1,000 per instructional credit hour
We are excited to have you consider Oakland Community College (OCC) as your employer of choice!
OCC strives to provide valuable and empowering services not only to our students, but also to our employees.
See below the benefits offered by the College under the benefit types: full-time and part-time
Full-Time Positions for the Following Employee Groups:
Classified, Exempt (Non-union), Faculty, Maintenance, Operating Engineers, Public Safety, Teamsters
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
  • There is a $2,000 prorated Medical Opt Out stipend with proof of other applicable medical coverage
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan provided by the College, no payroll deductions
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Health Care, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, and Adoption FSAs are available
Life Insurance
  • TheCollege provides $120,000 of coverage (portion is subject to taxation), no payroll deductions
Disability
  • 70% of wages provided for Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
  • The Exempt, Faculty, and Teamsters employee groups can elect the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) provided by TIAA; opting out of MPSERS
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute via payroll deduction into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Voluntary Benefits
  • Employees can elect voluntary benefits of optional life insurance (for self, spouse, and/or children), cancer protection, pet insurance, legal & ID shield, long term and/or critical care during annual open enrollment in November
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employees have a free resource to assist with a wide-range of needs, including counseling sessions

Employee Group: Classified Part-Time
Benefit Effective Date: First of the month after date of hire
Part-time Classified employees are offered the opportunity to have medical, dental, vision at the full monthly premium; life insurance is also available at a nominal cost. Participation requires that benefit costs be taken via payroll deduction.
Medical
  • Multiple PPO medical plans with prescription coverage to choose from; Plans provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)
    • Free preventive services on every plan
    • Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible medical plans
  • BCBSM through the Western Michigan Health Insurance Pool (WMHIP) medical is offered to all employment groups
Dental
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) plan that has free in-network preventive services including two annual cleanings
Vision
  • NVA (National Vision Administrators) plan that includes annual examinations with participating providers
Life Insurance
  • Employees can choose to have a life insurance policy of $10,000 or $20,000
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents
  • Employees may take Non-OCC classes using the tuition reimbursement program

Employee Group: Adjunct Faculty, Part-time Hourly (Non-union), and Casual Instructors*
Retirement
  • College employees are part of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) provided by the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Voluntary Retirement Accounts
  • Employees can open and contribute, via payroll deduction, into 403(b) and/or 457(b) voluntary retirement accounts provided by TIAA
Tuition
  • OCC tuition reimbursement program available for Adjunct Employees
*Edustaff employees are not eligible for OCC benefits.
Contact Information:
01
Do you have a minimum of an Associates Degree or higher?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question