Paralegal at Algonquin College

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 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.

Careers

A licence is required to practise in the defined areas of paralegal practice in Ontario. Upon licensing by the Law Society of Ontario, graduates may be self-employed or find employment in a variety of positions within the areas of paralegal practice with titles such as licensed paralegal, paralegal, independent paralegal, court agent, claims analyst, labour relations representative, grievance adjudication officer, legal assistant, law clerk, notary public, commissioner for taking oaths, municipal or provincial prosecutor, by-law enforcement officer, litigation paralegal, and accident benefits paralegal.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Work within areas of permitted practice and articulate limitations on representation for paralegals.
2. Develop and assess strategies which adhere to the professional and ethical requirements of the Paralegal Rules of Conduct.
3. Research, analyze, interpret and apply the provisions of legislation and case law to client situations using proper legal citation methods.
4. Conduct trial and tribunal advocacy in accordance with the permitted scope of practice of a paralegal by utilizing the applicable structure, process, and jurisdictional authority of courts and administrative tribunals.
5. Select and employ effective human relations, interpersonal, and intervention strategies to assist in resolving conflicts.
6. Develop a coherent case management strategy and execute it effectively.
7. Select and utilize information technology resources and current industry computer software.
8. Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, using accurate legal terminology.
9. Create legal documents and correspondence required for use by clients and on behalf of clients.
10. Investigate and utilize paralegal business practices competently and effectively.
11. Develop time management and organizational skills to meet the timelines and limitation periods within a legal environment.
12. Identify and apply discipline specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent.

• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic)Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22.