Prepare to become a licensed paralegal

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	Campus
Winter 2025	Barrie
Fall 2025	Barrie

*Program delivery methods are subject to change.

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.

Ready to apply?

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What are the admission requirements for the Paralegal program?

Paralegal 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.

Note: College diploma level courses cannot be used towards exemptions in this program, as those courses are a requirement for admission to the program. Any requests for course exemptions must be based on previously completed paralegal education from a Law Society of Ontario accredited program. Advanced standing may only be given for a maximum of 40% of the paralegal program’s courses.

Additional information

The unpaid field placement runs for approximately six weeks following completion of third semester final exams. During field placement, students will be exposed to areas within the permitted scope of paralegal practice while under the supervision of a licensee of the Law Society of Ontario. Working with the student, the field placement coordinator secures a field placement host on behalf of the student.

What career paths can I take as a paralegal?

Your Paralegal graduate certificate gives you many 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.