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Paralegal

Available as a two-year program

Many people are overwhelmed by the justice system and the cost of legal representation. Paralegals help their clients navigate through the process and answer key questions. Licensed paralegals can also represent their clients in court. The Law Society of Ontario accredits this program.
  • Credential
    • Two-year Ontario College Diploma

  • Start Date

    September entry

  • Location
    • Belleville campus

Find your career

The Law Society of Ontario must license anyone providing legal representation in Ontario. Thanks to a diploma from Loyalist, graduates are qualified to apply for a Class P1 licence, which opens doors to:

  • Fee-for-service advocate, representing clients in Criminal Court, Provincial Offences Court, Small Claims Court or before administrative tribunals such as the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.
  • Provincial offence prosecutors, paralegals in federal and provincial government legal departments, legal assistants in law offices and community legal clinics and court administration support staff.
  • A junior paralegal working in government earns a starting salary of approximately $45,000 to $48,000.
  • Be part of a legal team supporting lawyers dealing with complex issues and cases, in-house client services within government ministries, administrative agencies, private corporations, trade unions and professional associations.

This program is accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. Loyalist's Paralegal Education Program Accreditation was renewed in July 2020 and is valid for five years.

 

Our grads get great jobs

  • Municipal Prosecutor, Town of Cobourg
  • Planning Assistant/Deputy Clerk, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
  • Law Clerk, Bonn Law
  • Legal Assistant, O'Flynn Weese LLP
  • Administrative Assistant, Goldhar & Associates Ltd. – Trustees in Bankruptcy
  • Paralegal, Reynolds O'Brien LLP
  • Paralegal, Department of Justice Canada
  • Owner, Robertson Paralegal Professional Corporation
  • Intake Worker, Community Advocacy and Legal Centre

Is it for you?

If you’re drawn to the law, you can begin a rewarding career as a licensed paralegal in as little as two years. Successful candidates have:

  • An analytical mind
  • The ability to see problems from different perspectives
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • A desire to help others

Experiential learning

Students prepare for the full scope of practice of a licensed paralegal in Ontario through a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience that includes:

  • Training in substantive law and legal procedures.
  • An emphasis on ethical conduct and professional responsibilities.
  • Observing the courts during two practicums, and participating in a mock trial in either the Ontario Court of Justice or the Superior Court of Justice where each student is assigned the role of a legal representative.

Apply your learning on the job during a field placement in your second year. Loyalist students have completed placements with:

  • Provincial Offences Prosecutor’s office
  • Federal Department of Justice
  • Private law firms
  • Paralegal firms
  • Community legal clinics
  • Government legal departments
  • Crown Attorneys’ offices (criminal)

Outstanding faculty make the difference

  • Get lots of personal attention in small classes with experienced, dedicated faculty.
  • Core courses are all taught by experienced lawyers and paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, some of whom continue to work in their field.
  • Instructors have a vast depth of experience ranging from civil litigation to prosecuting cases ranging from shoplifting to murder as an Assistant Crown Attorney.
     

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