Paralegal

Fleming program courses meet all competency requirements and prepare you to write the licensing exam and become a member of the LSO. As a licensed paralegal in Ontario, you can commission documents and represent clients dealing with lawsuits falling within the jurisdiction of Small Claims Court. You can act for people facing summary conviction charges under municipal by-laws, provincial statutes, or the Criminal Code. Some serve as by-law enforcement personnel or act in a prosecutorial capacity for municipal governments. Paralegals are also trained to assist clients through the potentially complex proceedings of tribunals such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal. Some paralegals choose to work under the supervision of lawyers or other paralegals, while others offer their services directly to the public.

Fleming’s two-year (four-semester) Paralegal program has some practical advantages. Not only will you be taught by experts, with a wide range of experience in the field, your first three semesters of study are completely integrated with students in the college’s Law Clerk program. Should you so choose, you can enhance your qualifications and possible job opportunities by returning for an extra semester of study and leaving with a second diploma in that related field.

What You’ll Learn

• Utilize the relevant structure, procedure, and authority of the courts and tribunals to advocate for clients and resolve disputes within the legal system.
• Research legislation and prepare citations of statutes, regulations, and other resources in producing documents for legal representation.
• Employ interviewing, interpersonal communication, presentation, and advocacy skills to assist in resolving disputes within the legal system.
• Work within the Law Society of Ontario permitted scope of practice while articulating the limits and affordances of their role within the legal system.