Program Overview

Paralegal Ontario College Graduate Certificate program

Program Description

Ontario is currently the only province in Canada whose law society regulates paralegals in the province. Licensed paralegals provide legal services to the public within a particular scope of practice. In this program, you will acquire an understanding of general principles of law, theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare you to appear before various legal forums such as Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences Court, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Landlord and Tenant Board. Conflict management strategies, entrepreneurial preparedness and ethics and professional responsibility are emphasized. You graduate prepared to apply to write the Law Society of Ontario’s licensing exam to become a paralegal in Ontario.

Intake Information

• Start date: Fall 2025
• Campus: Barrie

Tuition and Fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• Review additional program-specific fees for this program.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Work-Integrated Learning

• This program includes a field placement component where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a setting relevant to your program.
• Learn about types of work-integrated learning at Georgian.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent

Selection Process

Applicants with two years of post-secondary education or greater with a “B” or 70% average is recommended. Applicants who apply with less than the recommended minimum requirements must also submit a 500 word letter of intent explaining the reason for their interest in the program and resume which demonstrates a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Career Opportunities

Paralegals find employment in paralegal or law firms, government offices, legal aid clinics, and in private and public sector environments. Entrepreneurial opportunities also exist for paralegals to become self-employed and offer services to the public.

Course Information

• 21 Program Courses
• 1 Field Placement

Program-Specific Courses

• Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Paralegal program outline.
  • ACCN 1000 – Legal Accounting
  • CMPT 1000 – Legal Computer Applications
  • COMG 1001 – Communication/Writing
  • LEGL 1000 – Administrative Law
  • LEGL 1008 – Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
  • LEGL 1009 – Legal Research and Writing
  • LEGL 1014 – Torts and Contracts

Course Delivery Method

• In person: This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.