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Paralegal

Two paralegal students are engaged in conversation, both wearing professional attire. One student is holding a piece of paper, while the other holds a white glass mug.

Paralegals are legal experts and advocates who empower their clients and demystify legal processes by providing advice, guidance and acting as representatives before courts and tribunals.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Paralegal
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
Two years
Start Date(s)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

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 license, 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Graduates of this program, accredited by the Law Society of Ontario, are eligible to write the Paralegal Licensing Examination to become licensed to provide legal services in Ontario. 

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

  • Provincial Offences Prosecutor 
  • Municipal Prosecutor 
  • Paralegal, Graydon Ross LLP Planning Assistant/Deputy Clerk, Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen 
  • Paralegal, Bonn Law 
  • Court Clerk, Ministry of the Attorney General 
  • Paralegal, Reynolds O’Brien LLP 
  • Paralegal, Department of Justice Canada 
  • Paralegal, Community Advocacy and Legal Centre 
  • Paralegal, POINTTS

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

How you'll learn

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 court and tribunal litigation, participating in a paralegal placement, 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 defending and prosecuting cases ranging from shoplifting to murder.

Courses

PROF1023 Building Links 1

This course offers students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom and to explore legal subjects in a variety of contexts.

PARA1010 Introduction to the Legal System

This subject introduces students to important elements of the Canadian legal system, including the nature, systems, and sources of law, the Canadian government and political system, the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the jurisdiction and structure of Federal and Ontario courts. The concluding unit of the course presents an overview of private substantive law principles and terminology relating to ownership and other interests in property (real and personal) methods of organization of a business and selected consumer protection legislation.

COMM1081 Legal Communications

This course focuses on the fundamental skills of effective communication in a legal environment. The course will promote the improvement of writing skills that are specific to the legal profession.

COMP1023 Legal Computer Applications

Students learn and practise computer software applications specific to working in a legal environment. Applications include formatting and editing legal documents, generating spreadsheets, and preparing presentations.

WRIT1021 Legal Research & Writing 1

This course introduces the techniques used to research and update legislation and case law using Quicklaw, CanLII, Elaws, the Justice Laws Website and traditional means.

PARA1012 Torts and Contracts

This course introduces students to basic principles in the law of torts and contracts. Tort principles include requirements of proof for intentional torts and for negligence claims, defences, liability without fault, heads of damages and statutory liabilities or entitlements. Contract law principles include elements of a valid contract, defects that render a contract void or voidable, methods of discharging contractual obligations and breach of contract issues and remedies.

PARA1011 Criminal Summary Conviction Procedures

This course examines summary conviction criminal procedures from the laying of the charge(s) through to the completion of the trial, sentence and appeal. Students develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the various participants, the documentation involved, and the legislation that governs criminal proceedings. Reference will be made to legislation, including, but not limited to, the Criminal Code of Canada, in particular Part XXVII: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the Canada Evidence Act; the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and the Rules of Criminal Proceedings.

LAWS1016 Employment Law

This course examines legal issues in the context of employment law, including the nature of the employer-employee relationship, employment law principles, human rights, disability labour relations and provincial legislation relating to employment law. This course also examines practice and procedure relating to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and regulatory offences relating to employment law.

ETHI1019 Ethics - Professional Responsibility

This course provides a comprehensive review and discussion of Law Society rules, guidelines and by-laws respecting what constitutes ethical conduct and what a licensed paralegal's professional responsibilities are in dealings with clients, other members of the legal profession, court and tribunal adjudicators and support personnel and members of the public. Relevant case decisions, examples and scenarios are used to support understanding of the guiding principles.

PARA1009 Evidence & the Litigation Process

This course examines the basic principles of the laws of evidence and techniques for introduction in the hearing process. It also examines various forms of evidence and rules respecting admissibility, exceptions to the admissibility rules, and rules relating to the testimony of witnesses. Students are introduced to the procedure by which a case reaches the court system and the procedure that follows.

WRIT1026 Legal Research & Writing 2

This course explores the techniques used to interpret and apply legislation and case law. It also introduces the skills needed to draft legal correspondence and memoranda persuasively. Prerequisite: WRIT 1021

PROF1033 Paralegal Career Prep

This course is designed to assist students with understanding the employment market for graduates and to help students with job market entry preparations.

PARA2020 Alternative Dispute Resolution

This course will familiarize students with the range of alternative dispute methods currently used to bypass the traditional litigation process. Dispute resolution alternatives examined will include negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. This introductory course will guide students in an examination of the objectives, principles, practice and application of three of the most widely used alternative dispute methods.

PROF2048 Building Links 2

This course offers students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom and to explore legal subjects in a variety of contexts.

WKPL2086 Court & Tribunal Observation

Prerequisite: COMM 1081, COMP 1023, PARA 1010, PARA 1012, PROF 1023, WRIT 1021, ETHI 1019, LAWS 1016, PARA 1009, PARA 1011, PROF 1033, WRIT 1026, PARA 2019, PARA 2020, ACCT 2030, LAWS 2019, LAWS 2020, PROF 2048

LAWS2019 Introduction to Administrative Law

This course introduces students to administrative law and proceedings by examining substantive common law and statutory principles and selected tribunals' jurisdiction, procedural requirements and review/appeals provisions.

ACCT2030 Legal Accounting

This course provides students with an understanding of basic accounting principles with an emphasis on accounting requirements by the Law Society of Ontario. Students will be introduced to legal accounting software. These outcomes will be achieved through lectures, computer labs, assigned exercises, and tests. Prerequisite: COMP 1023

GNED1101 Paralegal Elective Placeholder 1

Course description not available

GNED1102 Paralegal Elective Placeholder 2

Course description not available

GNED1103 Paralegal GNED 1100 Placeholder

Course description not available

WKPL2087 Paralegal Practicum

This course provides students with opportunities to observe day-to-day work requirements and work-related expectations within their chosen field of study. At the discretion of a placement host or the practicum coordinator, students are assigned practical tasks that enable them to enhance their career knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: COMM 1081, COMP 1023, PARA 1010, PARA 1012, PROF 1023, WRIT 1021, ETHI 1019, LAWS 1016, PARA 1011, PROF 1033, WRIT 1026, PARA 1009, ACCT 2030, LAWS 2019, LAWS 2020, PROF 2048, PARA 2020, PARA 2019

PARA2019 Provincial Offences/Motor Vehicle Offence

This course examines Provincial Offences Act procedures for commencing proceedings, disposing of charges without trial, the conduct of hearings, applications/motions and trials, imposition of sentence, setting aside default convictions and filing notice of appeal. Reference is made to common motor vehicle offences. In addition to court procedures relating to the offence, the classification of offences, police powers, elements of proof, available defences, statutory and administrative penalties and Charter of Rights and Freedoms issues will be discussed.

LAWS2020 Residential Landlord and Tenant Law

This course examines the Residential Tenancies Act, selected regulations, Landlord-Tenant Board processes and procedures as well as the types of evidence required in relation to a variety of frequently-encountered disputes concerning the rights and obligations of residential premises landlords and tenants in Ontario.

PARA2021 Advocacy

Students are introduced to the skills of effective client representation from initial client contact through to case presentation in court. Prerequisite: PARA 1009, PARA 1011

PROF2049 Building Links 3

This course offers students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom and to explore legal subjects in a variety of contexts.

WKPL2086 Court Tribunal and Observation

Students will participate in first-hand exploration of litigation in our Court and Tribunal Observation course. Students will have the chance to witness a variety of proceedings, which may include pre-trial motions, trials, pre-hearing motions, and hearings at the Ontario Court of Justice, Small Claims Court of Ontario, Landlord Tenant Board, and more. Gain insights into litigation procedure and technique, courtroom dynamics, legal argument, and advocacy strategies. This immersive experience bridges theory with practice, providing essential perspective for future legal professionals. Prerequisite: COMM 1081, COMP 1023, PARA 1010, PARA 1012, PROF 1023, WRIT 1021, ETHI 1019, LAWS 1016, PARA 1009, PARA 1011, PROF 1033, WRIT 1026, PARA 2019, PARA 2020, ACCT 2030, LAWS 2019, LAWS 2020, PROF 2048

GNED1101 Paralegal Elective Placeholder 1

Course description not available

GNED1102 Paralegal Elective Placeholder 2

Course description not available

GNED1103 Paralegal GNED 1100 Placeholder

Course description not available

WKPL2087 Paralegal Practicum

This course provides students with opportunities to observe day-to-day work requirements and work-related expectations within their chosen field of study. At the discretion of a placement host or the practicum coordinator, students are assigned practical tasks that enable them to enhance their career knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: COMM 1081, COMP 1023, PARA 1010, PARA 1012, PROF 1023, WRIT 1021, ETHI 1019, LAWS 1016, PARA 1011, PROF 1033, WRIT 1026, PARA 1009, ACCT 2030, LAWS 2019, LAWS 2020, PROF 2048, PARA 2020, PARA 2019

BUSI2032 Practice Management - Operating a Small Business

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the theories and practical knowledge required to successfully plan and operate a small legal business.

PARA2023 Small Claims Court

The course examines the jurisdiction of Ontario Small Claims Court, the procedural requirements for various steps in an action from commencement through to appeal and enforcing payment of a judgment and best practices for drafting pleadings and other court documents.

PARA2022 Tribunals Practice and Procedure

This course provides an introduction to the concepts of practice as well as the basic skills and techniques needed to advocate for clients before tribunals. Students are exposed to the administrative law system in Canada and, in particular, Ontario. Learners will become familiar with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, the governing legislation for administrative tribunals in Ontario. Students are also presented with information about specific tribunals where paralegals may represent a client, including the enabling legislation and rules of practice specific to those tribunals. Prerequisite: LAWS 2011

*Courses subject to change.

This image is depicting a paralegal scenario inside a courtroom. Two people are sitting down. One is looking towards the right of the image and one is writing down on a piece of paper. A third person is standing up looking down in front of them. There are also people sitting behind them observing. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent 

OR 

Additional requirements 

  • Clear, current Criminal Record Check required for placement (Vulnerable Sector Check may also be required). 
  • For more information on the paralegal licensing process, visit lso.ca.  

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Computer proficiency in word processing, file management, email and internet browsing. 

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.  

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 
  • All students require a laptop for in-class learning and activities.  

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 
  • All students require a laptop for in-class learning and activities.  

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.  

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Two students are sitting down at a table with a laptop and stack of paper in front of them. They are both smiling and looking at the paper.

Further study

Pathways and university transfer 

What’s next? Build on the knowledge and skills you learned at Loyalist by continuing your academic journey. Return to Loyalist to complete a second diploma or a post-graduate program in as little as a year, or receive credit recognition for your Loyalist studies when pursuing a degree at a university. Explore pathway opportunities.  

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