Fleming College's Paralegal program is specifically designed to prepare you, as a graduate, to meet Ontario’s paralegal licensing standards. The program is accredited by The Law Society of Upper Canada.
Peterborough
Fall 2012
| Program Status: | Accepting Applications |
| Program Code: | PLG |
| Location: | Peterborough |
| Co-ordinator: | Diana Collis Email |
| Credential: | Ontario College Diploma |
| Start Dates: | September 04, 2012 |
| Tuition Fees: | $1,864.70 per semester* |
| * Tuition and fees subject to change. | |
Winter 2013
| Program Status: | Accepting Applications |
| Program Code: | PLG |
| Location: | Peterborough |
| Co-ordinator: | Diana Collis Email |
| Credential: | Ontario College Diploma |
| Start Dates: | January 07, 2013 |
| Tuition Fees: | $1,806.70 per semester* |
| * Tuition and fees subject to change. | |
Program Highlights
Our Paralegal diploma program has been accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada and prepares you to become a paralegal licenced to provide legal services in the Province of Ontario. Licensed paralegals in Ontario can represent clients dealing with lawsuits falling within the jurisdiction of Small Claims Court. They can act for people facing summary conviction charges under municipal by-laws, provincial statutes or the Criminal Code. Some serve as by-law enforcement personnel, or act in a prosecutorial capacity for municipal governments. Paralegals are also trained to assist clients through the potentially complex proceedings of tribunals like the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal. Some paralegals choose to work under the supervision of lawyers or other paralegals, while others offer their services directly to the public.
University Grad?
Are you a university graduate? You may be eligible for direct entry into second semester of this program and graduate in as little as 12 months. Contact the program co-ordinator for more information.
Why Choose Fleming
Fleming’s two year (four semester) Paralegal program has some practical advantages. Not only will you be taught by experts, with a wide range of experience in the field, your first three semesters of study are completely integrated with students in the college’s Law Clerk program. Should you so choose, you can enhance your qualifications and possible job opportunities by returning for an extra semester of study and leave with a second diploma in that related field.
(The start date for this additional semester is subject to student interest and enrolment. Check with the program co-ordinator for details.)
Work Experience
The 160-hour field placement is an opportunity to get an understanding of the demands and rewards of this career. Field Placement can be completed during the final 15 week semester of the program or can extend beyond your final academic semester.
Is this You?
A desire to help people, to interpret the legal system for them, and make fair representation on their behalf is important if you want to be successful and satisfied with your Paralegal career. You should also possess:
- an entrepreneurial attitude
- confidence to act as an advocate for others
- strong oral and written communication skills
- ability to read and analyze complex legal materials
- determination to conduct intricate research
- strong time management skills and organizational ability
- high standard of ethics
- good stress management skills
If you are up to these challenges, this may be a career path worth considering. The work can be varied, stimulating and financially rewarding.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities such as this are growing in the legal system and include employment with:
- government agencies
- legal clinics
- administrative tribunals
- law / paralegal firms
Sample job titles include: Paralegal, Administrative Tribunals Agent or Court and Tribunal Agent. After some experience in the legal field, you may decide to work on a self-employed basis, and start up your own business offering services in permitted areas of legal representation -- for example, as an agent at Small Claims Court and at some administrative tribunals, or providing legal services for residential tenancy matters.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Additional Costs
Plan to spend approximately $740 per year for books and supplies.
Transfer Agreements
- Royal Roads University - Victoria, B.C.
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
For more information see the Pathways to University page.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.