Becoming a Paralegal in Ontario

Paralegals in Ontario are licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

A paralegal in Ontario is licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada to provide certain legal services for businesses and the general public. Paralegals can represent clients in small claims court, in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act, on summary conviction offenses when the maximum penalty does not exceed six months imprisonment and before administrative tribunals like the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Under legislation effective June 30, 2010, paralegal applicants must be graduates of a legal services program that has been accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Instructions

1. Graduate from a legal services program accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada. These programs consist of at least 18 courses, most of which cover areas relevant to paralegal practice. At least one course on professional responsibility and ethics will be included, and a field placement of at least 120 hours is required. Most accredited programs in Ontario are offered at community colleges or private colleges, and graduates receive a diploma.

2. Apply for a license with the Law Society of Upper Canada within three years of completing your paralegal education. You can apply online. The Law Society requires an official copy of your college transcript, the course outline for the professional ethics and responsibilities class you took, a statement of completed field placement, two color passport photos and proof of your legal name. You must have a personal and confidential email address. Candidates may have to provide documentation that they are of good character. As of 2010, the nonrefundable application fee to the Law Society of Upper Canada was $500.

3. Pass the paralegal licensing examination. As of 2010, the exam consisted of 130 multiple-choice questions focusing on rules of conduct, professional responsibility, ethics and practice management, and candidates have 3 1/2 hours to complete it. Cost of examination materials and the fee to sit the exam are included in your license application fee. The date, time and location for your exam will be set after you start the paralegal licensing process.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't pass the licensing exam the first time, you can take the exam again, but you must pass it within three years. The three-year period starts on June 1 of the year you first submitted your application to the Law Society.

References

• Paralegal Society of Ontario: What is a Paralegal?
• Paralegal Society of Ontario: What is Required to be a Licensed Paralegal?
• The Law Society of Upper Canada: Paralegal Licensing Process
• The Law Society of Upper Canada: Paralegal Education
• The Law Society of Upper Canada: Licensing Rules and Policies