To apply for a paralegal licence with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), all applicants must have graduated from a Law Society accredited Paralegal Education Program, which must be from a college approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

What is the Loyalist College Paralegal Diploma Program?

Students of the full-time 2-year Paralegal Diploma Program at Loyalist College, accredited by the LSO, learn through a combination of classroom instruction and practical experience that includes training in substantive law and legal procedures, and an emphasis on ethical conduct and professional responsibilities.

Courses cover a wide variety of subjects, including:

• Introduction to the legal system
• Legal Communication
• Legal Research and Writing
• Torts and Contracts
• Advocacy
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Admission requirements

• OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND
• Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR

• Mature student

Field placement

Field placement takes place in a student’s second year. Placements have been done at:

• Federal Department of Justice
• Private law firms
• Paralegal firms
• Community legal clinics
• Government legal departments
• Crown Attorneys’ offices (criminal)

Once students have completed all the requirements of this program and have received a certificate, they are eligible to apply for admission to the LSO’s paralegal licensing process.

More info

For more information on the Paralegal Diploma Program at Loyalist College including fees, full admission requirements, and how to apply, visit loyalistcollege.com

The Ontario Paralegal Association (OPA) is the largest professional association of licensed paralegals in Ontario. Its mandate is to represent the interests of paralegals throughout the Province. To find out more, or to become a member, visit the OPA website.

								
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