Access to justice requires well-trained and licensed paralegals to fill the growing demand for affordable services in the legal profession. Centennial College’s Paralegal program will prepare students to excel in the field through strong theoretical and practical courses.

The Law Society of Ontario accredits Centennial’s one-year (three-semester) undertaking. This graduate certificate program will make students eligible, upon successful completion of all requirements, to write the Law Society’s Paralegal licensing examination — enabling them to practice as a licensed paralegal in Ontario. Licensed paralegals may represent clients in areas such as summary conviction criminal offences, traffic violations, provincial and municipal offences, tribunals and the Ontario Small Claims Courts.

Throughout the studies in the Paralegal program, students will gain solid knowledge of Canadian law, concentrating on subject areas within the permitted scope of paralegal practice. In addition to dedicated academic lectures, practice management and mock trials, there will be a two-day-per-week work placement in the third semester, providing hands-on training in established law and paralegal firms. Centennial’s experiential learning will exceed the requirements of the Law Society and assist in preparing them to enter the field, not only with practice experience but also with the chance to network within the industry.

As a Centennial Paralegal graduate, students will be well prepared to write their licensing examination and become an integral part of the legal system.