Your Guide to Becoming a Paralegal in Ontario

Are you intrigued, even passionate, about law and the legal system? If you find yourself drawn to read this post, perhaps you’re already training to become a paralegal, are researching classes for paralegal or a paralegal training program. Within one year at Anderson College, gleaning from lawyers and licensed paralegals, learning practical skills in class and via placement with potential employers, you can launch your career. Yes, within one year you can be a licensed Paralegal yourself, and helping people get the advice and support they desperately need, either working alongside other professionals or running your own business. But there are more steps you should know before leaping in.

If you’re still discovering which legal avenue may be best for you, you can tap our popular blog post The Fundamental Differences Between Law Clerk & Paralegal. If you’ve set your sights on paralegal studies in Ontario, then this guide’s for you.

Your Guide on How to Become a Paralegal in Ontario

1. Do Your Research

This, you’ve already begun by reading the post linked above, but you can also review the Job Bank description, prospects, wages and requirements to get the full details for the overall Canadian market. You want to make sure that this career is the right fit for your interests and goals and can easily do this by taking the “Anderson College Legal Career Training Quiz”.

2. Determine the Training That’s Right for You

We would suggest selecting a training program that powerfully prepares you for a thriving paralegal career, like the Paralegal program offered at Anderson College. This includes:

• Selecting a school that is accredited by the Law Society of Ontario
• Being taught by instructors that are industry experts, either lawyers or licensed paralegals
• A program that offers substantive law training, balancing traditional lecture and seminar courses, with field trips to local courts and tribunals, training through mock hearings and presentations, and
• A practicum placement with potential employers to graduate with the requisite hours to qualify for the licensing process.

3. Obtain Your License

To be able to provide legal services in Ontario you must be licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. To obtain a license you must:

• Graduate from a program accredited by the Law Society of Ontario
• Pass the licensing examination
• Be of good character.

4. Be of Good Character

To protect the public and maintain high ethical professional standards, the Law Society Act requires that paralegals be of good character. “Good character” is assessed by the Law Society of Ontario using a questionnaire and allows for the applicant to self-report on any circumstances that may raise any question about their character.

5. Set Your Sights on a Thrilling Career

Putting your best foot forward during your practicum, arranged by Anderson College for those attending our Paralegal program, is a fantastic first step. Networking with professionals, lets potential colleagues or contacts know how capable and effective you are, whether considering working within a legal environment or running your own practice. Upon graduation you will indeed have the technical legal skills required. But you also want to ensure you are perpetually honing your soft skills, from communication, organization, and teamwork to research and computer skills, to give you that competitive edge in the industry.
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If you feel like this is the career for you, we’re here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about our Paralegal program or any one of our other 30+ leading-edge programs, book a virtual appointment with an Admissions Advisor today.

Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!

We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:

• Paralegal Program & Courses at Anderson College
• Anderson College (Legal Career Quiz)
• The Fundamental Differences Between Law Clerk & Paralegal