Paralegal

Program Description

This program prepares you to become a licensed paralegal in accordance with the requirements of the Law Society Act. As a licensed paralegal, you may act in a self-employed capacity and offer specified legal services directly to the public for a fee without the supervision of a lawyer, or you may be a salaried employee in various legal environments. This program provides training in those areas in which a licensed paralegal may legally practice.

In this program, you will acquire an understanding of general principles of law, and receive theoretical and practical training in specific legal subjects, legal ethics and small business practice.

On successful completion of all the elements of LGL201, including full attendance, you’ll receive an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate from the School of Legal and Public Administration.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• Students are required to be highly literate in the English language and to have good writing and analytical skills to be successful in the Paralegal program. Objective tests designed to assess these skills may be administered.
• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may also be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

Desirable:

• Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)
• Grade 12 The Writer's Craft
• Grade 11 Canadian History and Politics Since 1945

Note: Although not required for admission, a high degree of computer literacy and keyboarding skills at 35 w.p.m. are recommended.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

Your new career begins with our four-semester Paralegal diploma program which has been accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue your paralegal licence and explore career opportunities in paralegal firms, private and public sector law departments, law offices, legal clinics and or as a private practitioner.

Required Keyboarding Speeds

• 50 w.p.m. (net) for graduation

Field Placement

Having met all the necessary academic requirements, you will participate in a four-week unpaid field placement at the end of final examinations in fourth semester for practical experience. Students being placed in a court or other government setting will have to provide a police clearance certificate.

Licensing Requirements

Effective May 1, 2007, paralegals are required to be licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Note: This program has been accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada.To obtain a paralegal licence, an individual will need to graduate from an accredited program, pass a licensing examination and be of good character. Please refer to the Law Society website at www.lsuc.on.ca for information regarding the requirements for paralegal licensing. Paralegal application and licensing fees are not included in any fee schedule quoted by Seneca College.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject for which EAC150 is the pre-requisite.

Curriculum

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