When it was launched, the Paralegal program at Centennial College was a direct response to the demand for paralegals, which continues today.
Because the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) accredits this one-year undertaking, upon successful completion of the Paralegal program you are eligible to write the mandatory LSUC licensing examination that is required to practice as a paralegal in Ontario.
During your time in Centennial College's Paralegal courses, you will gain theoretical and practical experience, practicing and competing in mock trials. Additionally, part of the final semester is devoted to a two-day-per-week work placement that totals 196 hours — more than the experiential learning requirement of the Law Society.
Once you complete the program, you will be an integral part of the legal system — from the first client meeting until case resolution. You will have the distinction of being allowed to represent clients in criminal code offences, traffic violations, municipal offences, various boards, agencies, commissions, and tribunals as well as small claims court.
Career Opportunities
Program Highlights
-You learn in state-of-the-art facilities such as an on-campus mock courtroom that gives you the opportunity to practice being a paralegal through moot court and mock trial competitions.
-Hands-on learning within this School of Business program includes the use of technology systems such as PCLaw, Quicklaw and other legal research tools that support paralegal objectives.
-Successful Paralegal program students are highly organized with an ability to plan and prioritize, comfortable with researching tasks, possess strong analytical, numeracy and interpersonal skills, thrive under pressure and have the ability to meet deadlines, are innovative problem solvers and decision makers, have the ability to work successfully in a team environment, and adapt easily to technology and current industry computer software.
Please note: The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body — not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and in the materials of those external bodies.
Career Outlook
-Paralegal business owner
-Paralegal for corporation
-Paralegal agent
Areas of Employment
-Law firms
-Municipal prosecutors
-Debtor/creditor agents
-Contract reviewers
-Process servers
-Notary publics/commisioners of oaths
-Paralegal firms
-Community legal service
-Government
-Insurance firms
-Self-employment
-Collection agencies
-Corporations
-Highway Traffic Act offences
-Small claims court
-Tribunals
-Provincial
-Minor criminal offense consultants
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