If you’re interested in getting straight to work in Canada’s legal world, then Centennial College’s one-year Paralegal program represents a quick, convenient way to get the education and experience to start a career in Canadian law as a Paralegal.
What separates a Paralegal from a Lawyer?
According to the Law Society of Ontario, paralegals are an important part of Ontario’s legal system, helping clients solve law-related problems, and make sure their rights are secure. Ontario’s Job Bank further defines the career as one where you could be doing a variety of different paralegal jobs.
One of the many possible paralegal duties is providing affordable legal representation for those who need it. A paralegal can represent people in small claims court, traffic court and certain criminal matters. Alternately, they can assist lawyers throughout the legal process, both on the people-based side (for example, interviewing witnesses) and the document-based side (such as helping with wills).
As a paralegal, you can also conduct important court procedures, such as administrating oaths and issuing warrants, even be a Justice of the Peace, perform civil marriages… it’s a long list of possibilities, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. Bottom line: Becoming a paralegal opens the door to a lot of possible careers, and you can find your niche.
A career that’s in demand
At the Ontario Job Bank there’s a steady demand for legal services, particularly affordable ones, which is where paralegals come in. On top of that, law firms will always need extra hands to manage legal matters and provide assistance. And speaking of law firms, becoming a paralegal puts you right in the middle of the action, providing you with the connections and experience to move your career up in the legal world, too.
Becoming a licensed professional
Becoming a paralegal requires dedication and skills, but most importantly, you need to pass an exam administered by the Law Society of Ontario. Centennial College’s Paralegal program will prepare you for a career as a licensed paralegal through hands-on, practical experience in legal research, writing and advocacy. Sure, an inside-out knowledge of law helps, but it’s equally important to practice the paralegal studies that you learn. That’s why Centennial Paralegal students participate in practice trials where students put what they’ve learned to the test.
There’s also a work placement in the final semester where you work in a law, corporate or government office, acquiring real paralegal training and experience. On top of that, the program is accredited by the Law Society of Ontario, which means that program graduates are eligible to use their Paralegal Certificate to get into the Paralegal Licensing Exam, and become licensed paralegals in Ontario.
Paralegals have a meaningful impact on the lives of others, as they help clients navigate complex legal matters and ensure that their rights are protected. You can make a real difference in people's lives – and that difference could begin at Centennial College.
Written by Izabela Shubair