Full-time Programs
PARA - Paralegal
Program Entry
SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY
Program Length
Two-Year Ontario College Diploma
| Contact: | E-mail: |
|---|---|
| Dierdre Way, Year One Coordinator | dway@loyalistc.on.ca |
| Jane Bailey Year Two Coordinator | jbailey@loyalistc.on.ca |
On This Page
Highlights
- Paralegal students operate an on-campus legal information service (PAIRS).
- Students gain nine weeks of varied on-the-job experience in two work placements.
- Small classes with dedicated, experienced faculty mean more personal attention.
- After a common first year, students can apply to transfer to any justice program.
- A junior paralegal working in government earns a starting salary of $37,000 to $38,000.
Career Opportunities
Paralegals enjoy a range of career choices. They may provide information and advice on non-complex legal and regulatory matters, or work on more complex litigation as part of a team. Graduates are employed as:
- provincial offence prosecutors
- government paralegals and legal assistants
- litigation support staff in private law firms – and
- in community legal clinics assisting members of the public
Paralegals are qualified to represent clients before some courts and tribunals including:
- Provincial Offences Court
- the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal
- Small Claims Court
- Traffic Court
- the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
Program Description
A career as a paralegal is rewarding to individuals who enjoy the challenge of helping a client resolve a legal question. During a common first year, students develop knowledge and skills in:
- ethical decision-making
- computers
- communications
- the justice system
- insight into human behaviour
In their second year, students acquire specialized knowledge and skills in:
- case preparation and courtroom advocacy in Ontario Provincial Offence and Small Claims Courts
- administrative tribunal processes and procedures
- using computer and print resources, including Quicklaw, to research legislation and case law
- court enforcement procedures – and
- effective litigation and information support services
Learning is achieved with a combination of:
- instruction in small classes
- practical labs
- two supervised work placements
- hands-on practice in our student-operated legal information centre
After one year, students who wish to transfer to another justice studies program can apply directly to Year Two of:
- Community and Justice Services Worker
- Corporate and Commercial Security
- Customs and Immigration
- Police Foundations
Approximate Cost
Tuition: $2,688 (two semesters)
Books and Supplies: $1,240
Relocation and travel may be required for work placement (practicum) experience.
Admission Requirements
(a) Required academic preparation –
- OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) (M) or (O) level with Grade 12 English
OR
- mature applicant
Recommended academic preparation –
- Grade 12 mathematics
- computer proficiency in word processing, file management, e-mail and Internet browsing
(b) Transfer to Another Justice Studies Program: Students who, at the end of Year One, wish to be considered for admission to another justice studies program including Community and Justice Services Worker, Corporate and Commercial Security, Customs and Immigration, or Police Foundations, are encouraged to discuss this with their faculty advisor and/or program coordinator.
(c) Transfer of Credit: Applicants with prior education equivalent to Year One (from university and/or college) normally will be admitted directly to Year Two. Applicants seeking advanced standing are encouraged to review their qualifications with the program coordinator.
(d) Police Background Check: In order to participate in the field placement in Year Two, students will be required to complete a criminal record check and police background check by their local police service. Some applicants may not be eligible for the required field placement.
(e) Health: A personal health history form must be completed prior to registration. Applicants with special needs or limitations which may affect their potential employment are encouraged to discuss their program and career goals with the coordinator prior to enrollment.
Loyalist / University Transfer
Turn your diploma into a degree. Informal credit transfer agreements are in place with the following institutions as of September 2007:
Algoma University College
Athabasca Universitys
Griffith University
Nipissing University
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Ryerson University
University of Windsor
Graduates may contact the university of their choice to make individual arrangements. Informal agreements are in place with other institutions and new
transfer agreements are added annually. For more information on university transfer, please click here.
Curriculum
First Year - Semester One
COMM 1010 Communications 1
This course will enable the successful student to communicate effectively in writing, incorporating correct use of basic grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence construction.
COMP 1006 Computer Technology
This course provides beginner level computer users with more advanced instruction, including introduction to computers, electronic mail, internet software, wordprocessing, spreadsheet and database. Through practical lab experience, the learner will become more efficient operating current workplace software applications.
COUN 1009 Student Success 1
This course will provide first semester students with information, skills, and strategies that will enhance their chances for academic success. Orientation to the Centre for Justice Studies and Loyalist College facilities and resources is included.
FITN 1000 Lifestyle Management and Fitness 1
This course will introduce students to the incidence and impact of Canada's leading diseases. The student will develop an understanding of wellness concepts, and practical strategies for developing a healthy lifestyle. Students will study and implement prerequisites for developing and maintaining personal physical fitness programs. The student will develop and implement personal strategies to meet fitness standards required by the various justice agencies.
LASA 1000 Principles of Ethical Reasoning
This course focuses on ethical issues faced by individuals in their personal lives, as citizens, and as professionals. Students will analyze and clarify their values and learn the basics of moral reasoning and ethical behavior. Moral theories and professional codes are examined. Students will apply ethical decision making models to personal and professional dilemmas.
LAWS 1004 Canadian Criminal Justice System
This introductory course provides the student with an overview of the Canadian Criminal Justice System with a particular emphasis on the history, function, role and organization of Canadian law enforcement services. The operation of the criminal justice system will be examined and analyzed in light of contemporary issues affecting the system. Each of the major components from enforcement through the courts and correctional services will be explored.
SOCI 1003 Sociology & Canadian Society
An introductory course in which various concepts and sociological theories are presented. The sociological topics include the historical development of sociology, sociological theories, research methods, culture, socialization, race and ethnicity, and the study of aboriginal peoples of Canada.
SOCI 1004 Community & Social Services
This course will explore the structure and administration of community organizations and social services that operate within and adjacent to the Criminal Justice System. The course will further explore the issues, trends and legislation that impact on community social services.
First Year - Semester Two
COMM 1011 Communications 2
This course emphasizes improvement in basic Communications skills.
Writing styles, editing, and different approaches to writing are
taught.
Prerequisite: COMM 1011
COUN 1003 Interpersonal & Group Dynamics
In this introductory level course, students learn to apply knowledge from interpersonal relations and group dynamics to working in a team. Emphasis will be placed on developing awareness of one's self to enhance effective communications individuals and groups.
COUN 1005 Careers in Justice Studies
Students will explore the organizational structures of the various agencies both public and private that relate to the wide variety of careers in the field of Justice services. The students will then examine the roles, functions and specific careers within Police Services, Customs, Corporate and Commercial Security, Corrections and the Paralegal field.
COUN 1010 Student Success 2
This course is aimed at developing successful students. This curriculum will cover a number of topics, such as time management, learning styles, test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, and health and wellness and learning, but will also be developed throughout the course in consultation with the students.
FITN 1001 Lifestyle Management and Fitness 2
A continuation of Lifestyle Management and Fitness 1 combined with the introduction of the nutritional and psychological continuums of wellness. Emphasis will be placed on the development of personal programs. There will be both theoretical and physical fitness evaluations. Prerequisite: FITN 1000
LAWS 1003 Criminal and Civil Law
This course is designed to take the student from the origins of Canadian law, its roles and various components to the substantive aspects of civil, family, administrative and criminal law.
POLI 1000 Political Science
This course is designed to introduce the student to the most important political institutions in Canada and to provide a better understanding of the issues that have united and divided the country. The law-making process at the various levels of government will be examined and issues related to the enactment of contemporary legislation will be addressed. Students will explore the organization and administrative function of Government as it relates to the various justice fields of study.
PSYC 1003 Psychology
In this introductory level course, students will study the basics of psychology, its concepts and theories including: the historical development of psychology, biological bases of behavior, learning and memory, perception and consciousness, motivation, lifespan and personality development, and abnormal behavior.
SOCI 1005 Contemporary Social Problems
A continuation of Sociology and Canadian Society which will focus on a variety of social problems in Canadian society. The social issues will include: addiction, social stratification, minorities, race and ethnicity, education, workplace, gender issues, media and health issues, and the family. Each issue is looked at in detail including the history of the problem and what society is doing to deal with the issue. Prerequisite: SOCI 1003
Second Year - Semester Three
POLI 2002 Traffic Management
COMM 2001 Communications 3
This course emphasizes improvement in basic Communications skills. Writing styles, editing, and different approaches to writing are taught.
PARA 2000 Legal Research
The course introduces students to the research resources and techniques which will assist them to identify, access and update relevant statements of law.
PARA 2001 Provincial Offences Court Procedures
This course examines substantive principles and procedural requirements of Provincial Offences Act prosecutions in the Ontario Court Of Justice.
PARA 2002 Civil Litigation
Examines practice requirements at each step in a small claims proceeding and respecting selected residential tenancy disputes.
PRAC 2024 Paralegal Practicum
This course provides students with opportunities to observe day-to-day work requirements and employer expectations within their chosen field of study. In the discretion of placement host, students are assigned [ractical tasks that enable them to enhance career knowledge and skills.
SOCI 2000 Sociology of Deviance
This course is an examination of the sociological theories of deviance. The student will be responsiblefor researching one area of Sociological Deviance and preparing a paper on that topic.
Second Year - Semester Four
COMM 2004 Communications 4
Communications 4 is a specialized communications course focusing on specific writing needs of the learner. Skills required for university level and career specific writing are practiced. Prerequisite: COMM 1019
PARA 2003 Civil Law
Presents an overview of basic principles and terminology in the law of contracts, torts and property. Focus is on the general obligations, rights, and remedies of private individuals according to the nature of the legal relationship between them.
PARA 2004 Legal Clinic Lab
This is an independent study course in which each student completes a prescribed number of hours staffing a legal clinic on campus. Prerequisite: PARA 2000
PARA 2005 Administrative & Municipal Law
The course introduces students to the distinct characteristics of administrative proceedings by examining the statutory jurisdiction of, and common law principles that apply to selective tribunals, boards and commissions.
PARA 2006 Advocacy
Introduction to the skills of effective client representation from initial client contact through to case presentation in court.
PARA 2007 Paralegal Career Preparation
This course is designed to assist students to research the employment market for graduates and to help students with job market entry preparations. In a Practice Lab (PaIRS office) students apply cumulative knowledge and skills to answer legal information questions from College students and staff.
PRAC 2025 Paralegal Practicum 2
This course provides students with opportunities to observe day-to-day work requirements and employer expectations within their chosen field of study. In the discretion of placement host, students are assigned practical tasks that enable them to enhance career knowledge and skills.
PSYC 2000 Conflict Management
The first part of this course is designed to teach the skills and techniques of non-violent crisis intervention to the justice studies student. This is a hands-on experiential course where the required skill will be taught through role-plays and didactic exercises. Students will learn how to respond appropriately to defuse the anger and/or frustration in the disruptive individual. The student is able to receive certification from the Crisis Prevention Institution. The remainder of this course is an applied course in conflict resolution with an emphasis on mediation and negotiation. Prerequisites: PSYC 1003 and SOCI 1004
