The Ontario government has issued a province-wide stay-at-home order. Seneca’s on-campus learning activities will continue as scheduled. Access to Seneca’s campuses is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about critical dates and program delivery for the Summer 2021 term and Fall 2021 term is now available.
Check the program delivery web page to see if this program will be delivered online or in hybrid format for the upcoming term. Learn more about technical requirements for online learning.
Paralegals are unique to Ontario, providing specified legal services directly to the public for a fee without the supervision of a lawyer. This two-year diploma program prepares you to write the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) licensing examination and become a licensed paralegal in the province, in accordance with the requirements of the Law Society Act. Your learning will focus on both legal ethics and small-business practice so that you’ll be prepared to work in a law or paralegal firm, in a government setting or as a self-employed professional.
Your fluency in English is critical for your success and there is a strong focus on effective communication skills, both verbal and written, throughout the program.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Written and verbal communication
Drafting legal documents
Advocacy, including examination, cross-examination, submission of arguments
Legal research and writing
Ability to analyze and apply legislation to real-life situations
Negotiation and conflict resolution
Having met all the necessary academic requirements, you will have the opportunity to participate in a four week unpaid field placement at the end of final examinations in fourth semester. With the support and assistance of the school’s faculty and staff, you will play an active role in securing your placement. Those wishing to be placed in a court or other government setting will have to provide a police clearance certificate.
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to pursue your paralegal licence and operate your own paralegal practice. You may also explore career opportunities within:
Upon successful completion of all the elements of Alternative Dispute Resolution, including full attendance, you will receive an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate from Seneca School of Legal, Public and Office Administration.
This program has been accredited by the Law Society of Ontario.
To obtain a paralegal licence, you will have to be:
A graduate from an accredited program
Pass a licensing examination, and
Be of good character
For more information visit the law Society website.
Paralegal application and licensing fees are not included in any fee schedule quoted by Seneca College.
This two-year diploma program prepares you to work in the justice sector as a professional public service administrator or clerk for court.
This two-year legal paraprofessional diploma program prepares you to work alongside lawyers as a law clerk whose role is vital to supporting case outcomes.
This one-year diploma program prepares you to work in an administrative role in a law firm, government office or corporate legal department.
