Paralegal

Program Overview

Access to justice requires well-trained and licensed paralegals to fill the growing demand for affordable services in the legal profession. Centennial College’s Paralegal program will prepare you to excel in the field through strong theoretical and practical courses. The Law Society of Ontario accredits this one-year (three-semester) graduate certificate program, making you eligible to write the Law Society’s Paralegal licensing examination upon successful completion of all requirements. Licensed paralegals may represent clients in various areas, including summary conviction criminal offences, traffic violations, and provincial and municipal offences.

Program Structure

The Paralegal program at Centennial College is designed to be completed in 1 year, consisting of 3 semesters. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the legal field. Key features of the program structure include:

• Experiential learning opportunities through a two-day-per-week work placement in the third semester.
• Dedicated academic lectures and practice management sessions.
• Mock trials to enhance practical skills.

This program is designed to exceed the requirements set by the Law Society of Ontario, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce.

Featured Experiences

• Hands-on training in established law and paralegal firms during the third-semester work placement.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including an on-campus mock courtroom for moot court and mock trial competitions.
• Use of technology systems such as ULaw and other legal research tools to support paralegal objectives.
• Unique opportunities for experiential learning and cultural exchange through the Faculty Led International Program (FLIP), including work with survivors of human trafficking in Nepal.
• Participation in moot competitions, such as those held at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Career Options

Graduates of the Paralegal program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

• Paralegal Business Owner: Start and manage your own paralegal practice, providing legal services to clients.
• Paralegal for Corporation: Work within corporate legal departments, assisting with compliance and legal documentation.
• Paralegal Agent: Represent clients in small claims court and other legal proceedings.
• Legal Assistant: Support lawyers by preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing case files.
• Compliance Officer: Ensure that organizations adhere to legal standards and regulations.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.