Prepare to become a licensed paralegal

Paralegal Ontario College Graduate Certificate program

Understand the general principles of a paralegal practice. Graduate prepared to apply to the Law Society of Ontario to become a licensed paralegal.

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2022-2023 program outline

2021-2022 outline (PDF)

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Program code PARL

Duration 1 Year

Credential Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Delivery Full-time

Program information

Program description

In this program students acquire an understanding of the general principles of law, and gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in ethics and a small business practice. Taking the program prepares students to apply to become a licensed paralegal in accordance with the requirements of the Law Society Act. A licensed paralegal may be self–employed, offering fee for service legal assistance, without the supervision of a lawyer, or may be a salaried employee in various legal environments.

Intake information

Start date	Campus
Winter 2022	Barrie
Fall 2022	Barrie

Tuition and fees

Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
Review additional program-specific fees for this program.
You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-integrated learning

This program includes a field placement component where you will gain practical, hands-on work experience in a setting relevant to your program.

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What are the admission requirements for the Paralegal program?

Paralegal admission requirements

Post-secondary diploma or degree; three years of post-secondary education is recommended

Selection Process

Applicants must also submit a 500 word letter of intent explaining the reason for their interest in the program.

Note: College diploma level courses cannot be used towards exemptions in this program, as those courses are a requirement for admission to the program. Any requests for course exemptions must be based on previously completed paralegal education from a Law Society of Ontario accredited program. Advanced standing may only be given for a maximum of 40% of the paralegal program’s courses.

Admission details

The unpaid field training placement runs for the equivalent of four weeks following completion of third semester final exams. During field training placement, students will be exposed to areas within the permitted scope of paralegal practice while under the supervision of a licensee of the Law Society of Ontario. Working with a field training coordinator, students will secure field placement hosts.

What career paths can I take as a paralegal?

Your Paralegal graduate certificate gives you many career opportunities

Paralegals can be employed in paralegal or law firms, government offices, legal clinics, or in private and public sector environments. Opportunities may also exist for entrepreneurs to become self-employed paralegals and offer services to the public.