Paralegal with dark, pinned back hair, a magenta blazer and yellow earrings sorting through files in a cardboard filing box

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.

Program code PARL
Duration 1 Year
Credential Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Program Delivery Full-time
Program delivery method(s) In person What does this mean?

Program information

Program description

Ontario is currently the only province in Canada whose law society regulates paralegals in the province. Licensed paralegals provide legal services to the public within a particular scope of practice. In this program, you will acquire an understanding of general principles of law, theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare you to appear before various legal forums such as Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences Court, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Landlord and Tenant Board. Conflict management strategies, entrepreneurial preparedness and ethics and professional responsibility are emphasized. You graduate prepared to apply to write the Law Society of Ontario’s licensing exam to become a paralegal in Ontario. 

Intake information

Start dateCampus
Fall 2025 Barrie

*Program delivery methods are subject to change.

Tuition and fees

Work-integrated learning

What are the admission requirements for the Paralegal program?

Paralegal admission requirements

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

Selection Process

Applicants with two years of post-secondary education or greater with a “B” or 70% average is recommended. Applicants who apply with less than the recommended minimum requirements must also submit a 500 word letter of intent explaining the reason for their interest in the program and resume which demonstrates a minimum of three years of professional experience.

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.

Additional information

The unpaid field placement runs for approximately six weeks following completion of third semester final exams. During field 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 the student, the field placement coordinator secures a field placement host on behalf of the student.

What career paths can I take as a paralegal?

Your Paralegal graduate certificate gives you many career opportunities

Paralegals find employment in paralegal or law firms, government offices, legal aid clinics, and in private and public sector environments. Entrepreneurial opportunities also exist for paralegals to become self-employed and offer services to the public.

What courses are included in the Paralegal graduate certificate program?

Course overview

21 Program Courses
1 Field Placement

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Paralegal program outline.

  • ACCN 1000 – Legal Accounting
  • CMPT 1000 – Legal Computer Applications
  • COMG 1001 – Communication/Writing
  • LEGL 1000 – Administrative Law
  • LEGL 1008 – Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
  • LEGL 1009 – Legal Research and Writing
  • LEGL 1014 – Torts and Contracts

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Please note, delivery methods are based on planning for the upcoming semester and are subject to change.

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Do you have questions about Paralegal? Contact us!

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