Graduate Certificate in Paralegal
Centennial College
Key Information
Campus location
Toronto, Canada
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 3,630 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* tuition 3 semesters Canadian students; CAD 23,539 - tuition 3 semesters International students
Introduction
- Program Code: 2870
- School: The Business School
- Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Program Type: Graduate Certificate program
- Program Length: 1 year/ 3 semesters
- Location: Ashtonbee Campus
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 Centennial’s one-year (three-semester) undertaking. This graduate certificate program will make you eligible, upon successful completion of all requirements, to write the Law Society’s Paralegal licensing examination — enabling you to practice as a licensed paralegal in Ontario. Licensed paralegals may represent clients in areas such as summary conviction criminal offences, traffic violations, provincial and municipal offences, tribunals and the Ontario Small Claims Courts.
Throughout your studies in the Paralegal program, you'll gain a solid knowledge of Canadian law, concentrating on subject areas within the permitted scope of paralegal practice. In addition to dedicated academic lectures, practice management and mock trials, there will be a two-day-per-week work placement in the third semester, providing hands-on training in established law and paralegal firms. Centennial’s experiential learning will exceed the requirements of the Law Society and assist in preparing you to enter the field, not only with practice experience but also with the chance to network within the industry.
As a Centennial Paralegal graduate, you'll be well prepared to write your licensing examination and become an integral part of the legal system.
Admissions
Curriculum
Program Highlights
You will learn in state-of-the-art facilities, such as a mock courtroom on campus that will give you the opportunity to practice in a simulated courtroom setting. You will experience the work of being a paralegal through mock tribunal competitions. Hands-on learning within this School of Business program will include the use of technology systems such as PCLaw, Quicklaw and other legal research tools that support paralegal objectives. Successful Paralegal program students have been highly organized with an ability to plan and prioritize; comfortable with researching tasks; possessed analytical with strong numeracy skills; thrived under pressure and had the ability to meet deadlines; possessed strong interpersonal skills; were innovative problem solvers and decision-makers; had the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and adapted easily to technology and current industry computer software.
Please note: The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body — not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.
Program Outcome
Program Highlights
- You learn in state-of-the-art facilities such as an on-campus mock courtroom that gives you the opportunity to practice being a paralegal through moot court and mock trial competitions.
- Hands-on learning within The Business School program includes the use of technology systems such as PCLaw, Quicklaw and other legal research tools that support paralegal objectives.
- Successful Paralegal program students are highly organized, possess the ability to plan and prioritize, are comfortable with researching tasks, possess strong analytical, numeracy and interpersonal skills, thrive under pressure, have the ability to meet deadlines, are innovative problem solvers and decision-makers, have the ability to work successfully in a team environment and adapt easily to technology and current industry computer software.
- This Centennial program offers Paralegal students unique opportunities for experiential learning and cultural exchange through our Faculty-Led International Program (FLIP) working with survivors of human trafficking in Nepal and a moot competition in the United Kingdom at the University of Leicester.
Please note: The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body, not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Utilize the applicable structure, process, and jurisdictional authority of courts and administrative tribunals to successfully resolve disputes and appeals within the legal system.
- Develop and assess strategies which adhere to established principles of ethics and codes of conduct, and enhancement of professional competence.
- Select, evaluate, and utilize effective advocacy techniques, including oral and written legal presentations, using accurate legal terminology.
- Employ effective human relations, interpersonal, and intervention strategies to assist in resolving conflicts.
- Research, analyze, and interpret legislation and examine the judicial interpretation of legislation, and produce proper citations of provincial and federal statutes, regulations, and other legal resources.
- Develop a coherent case management strategy and execute it effectively.
- Conduct legal research and collect, analyze, and synthesize different research tools for the purpose of legal drafting and representation.
- Work within areas of permitted practice and articulate limitations on representation for agents and paralegals.
- Utilize information technology resources and current industry computer software.
Career Opportunities
Career Outlook
- Paralegal Business Owner
- Paralegal for Corporation
- Paralegal Agent
Areas of Employment
- Law firms
- Paralegal firms
- Community legal service
- Government
- Insurance firms
- Self-employed
- Collection Agencies
- Corporations
- Highway Traffic Act offenses
- Small Claims Court
- Tribunals
- Provincial
- Minor Criminal Offense Consultants
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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