Paralegal

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Program Info:

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent graduate or Mature Student status (i.e., 19 years of age or over with at least one year out of high school) and subject to the discretion of the college Director. Grade 12 or equivalent graduates who cannot supply appropriate proof and Mature Students will be required to complete an entrance examination to properly assess their personal strengths and weaknesses. A good command of the English language, an ability to work with an individualized learning system (particularly the Integrated Learning™ System) or online learning as applicable, and an ability to follow instructions are required.

Program Highlights

The Paralegal Diploma program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of positions within the paralegal field. Throughout the program, students learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of the paralegal profession, ranging from the Canadian constitutional structure to practical approaches for legal research, fact investigation, and writing of legal-related documents. The paralegal field offers many employment opportunities in almost every sector of the economy as it touches on many aspects of our society. To this effect, the program curriculum provides students with knowledge of the various processes of civil litigation in Ontario, court proceedings, and trial stages as well as those pertaining to lower courts, such as Small Claims. Students gain legal skills such as advocacy, negotiation, and interviewing. The program equips students with day-to-day skills required in the legal services sector and familiarizes them with office management procedures, various legal software packages often used in law firms, and the basics of accounting principles required by the Law Society. Graduates of this accredited Paralegal Diploma program will be entitled to apply to the Law Society of Upper Canada to write their licensing examination.

* Not all programs are offered at each location.

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Career Opportunities

Recent studies indicate that strong growth in Paralegal jobs is expected over the next few years. Paralegals are employed by law firms, record search companies, and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors.

Licensed paralegals may represent clients in areas such as summary conviction criminal offences, traffic violations, provincial and municipal offences, administrative tribunals, and the Ontario Small Claims Courts. As a paralegal, you may work as an independent provider of legal services, or in law offices or legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, government agencies, community legal clinics, and administrative tribunals.

CORE COURSES

Upon completion of the program the participant must demonstrate the following core competencies:

  • Business Skills
    Grammar Essentials for Business Writing
  • Office Skills
    Basic Bookkeeping Level 1 and Personal Computer Fundamentals for End Users
  • Word Processing
    Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word
  • Spreadsheets
    Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Legal
    Introduction to the Legal System Parts I and II, Client Care for Legal Professionals, Administrative Law, Legal Research and Memorandum Writing, Evidence and the Litigation Process, Tort and Contract Law, Criminal/Summary Conviction Law, Employment Law, Provincial Offences/Motor Vehicle Law, Insurance Law/SABS, Small Claims Court, Legal Writing and Communications, Tribunal Practice and Procedure, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Legal Computer Applications, Residential Landlord and Tenant Law, Advocacy, Immigration and Refugee Law Overview, Economic Classes, Family Sponsorship, Temporary Status, Refugee Protection, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Practice Management/Operating a Small Business, Legal Accounting
  • Worksite Externship
    The externship exposes the student to a working environment where classroom instruction is put into practice. This allows the student to link classroom knowledge and training to real life, practical activities.
  • Program Type:

    Diploma

  • Anticipated salary:

    C$32,580 – C$71,287 (Information from PayScale Canada)

  • Program Duration:

    49 Weeks

  • Program Notes:

    Tuition fees include all materials and student manuals. Financial assistance may be available to qualified students.

  • Program Category:

    Legal

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