Centennial launches 1-year Paralegal program to meet demand

Centennial College is launching its Paralegal program to help meet the growing demand for paralegal practitioners in Ontario. Paralegals are an integral part of the legal system and are active throughout the legal process from the first client meeting until case resolution. Paralegals have the distinction of being allowed to represent clients in Small Claims Court in Ontario.

Centennial’s Paralegal program is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC). Graduates are eligible to write the LSUC licensing examination that is required to practice as a paralegal in Ontario. The licence allows paralegals to provide permitted legal services to the public and appear before certain lower level courts and administrative tribunals.

The one-year graduate certificate program is tailored to individuals who already possess a college diploma or university degree, and who are looking to join the burgeoning paralegal field. Those with three to five years of relevant legal work experience will also be considered for admission.

In addition to the core LSUC academic materials, Centennial’s program incorporates 210 hours of workplace training, which gives students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a legal environment. The new program prepares students to work in established law firms, or be entrepreneurial and set up their own paralegal practice.

Centennial is accepting applications immediately for classes commencing on January 9, 2012. For more information, go to our Paralegal program page.