Graduate Certificate Program Paralegal - Postgrado en Asesoría Legal

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 prepares candidates with strong theoretical and practical courses needed to excel in this field.

The Law Society of Ontario accredits Centennial’s 3-semester, one year undertaking. Our Graduate Certificate program allows students, upon successful completion of all requirements, to be eligible 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 within the Paralegal program, you will gain solid knowledge of Canadian law, concentrating on subject areas within the permitted scope of paralegal practice for your future career. As well as dedicated academic lectures, practice management and mock trials, there is a two day per week work placement in third semester totalling 196 hours of hands on training in established law and paralegal firms. Centennial’s experiential learning exceeds the requirements of the Law Society and assists in preparing our paralegal candidates to enter their chosen field, not only with practice experience but with the chance to network within the industry.

As a Centennial paralegal graduate you will be well-prepared to write your licensing examination and become an integral part of the legal system.

University degree or a two-year college diploma in any discipline
We will consider applicants who have partial (minimum 50%) university degree completion and who have a minimum of two years work experience relevant to the program (transcript and resume review required)

Additional Requirements: Proof of English proficiency

Start Date:Fall, Winter

Semester 1
Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
Legal Computer Applications
Legal Research/Writing
Torts and Contracts
Administrative Law
Communication/Writing

Semester 2
Tribunal Practice and Procedure
Provincial Offences/Motor Vehicle Offences
Small Claims Court
Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure
Residential-Landlord and Tenant Law
Employment Law
Legal Accounting

Semester 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Advocacy
Evidence and The Litigation Process
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Field Placement
Practice Management/Operating A Small Business
Immigration Law

Paralegal business owner
Paralegal for corporation
Paralegal agent