Begin your path to a career as a paralegal.
The Paralegal Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you to apply to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) to become a licensed paralegal. This program is offered in three consecutive semesters followed by a mandatory 120-hour field placement.
This program is accredited by the LSO. It prepares you for a career in which you provide legal services to the public in specified areas of practice. Learn in a hands-on environment, acquiring practical skills from experienced and dedicated faculty.
Study areas of law that are relevant to the type of work a licensed paralegal can perform, as governed by the LSO. You learn about case management and trial preparation in areas such as:
small claims court proceedings
provincial offences and summary conviction matters
proceedings before administrative tribunals
Complete hands-on activities, including participating in mock trials. Learn about ethics, professional responsibility and the requirements of running a legal services firm.
Benefit from completing a field placement lasting 120 hours. This gives you the opportunity to practise your skills and apply your knowledge to a real or simulated work environment.
For more information about becoming a licensed paralegal, visit https://lso.ca/becoming-licensed/paralegal-licensing-process.
Once licensed, you may find employment in:
private and public sector law departments
paralegal or law firms
government agencies
community legal clinics
administrative tribunals, or
you may become a self-employed legal services provider.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
Are highly analytical and attentive to detail.
Exhibit integrity and have a high standard of ethics.
Are flexible, organized, effective at time management and able to prioritize tasks.
Possess an entrepreneurial attitude.