Fleming College

Program Highlights

The Fleming Paralegal diploma is accredited with the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC ). The LSUC is the governing body for paralegals. Fleming program courses meet all competency requirements and prepare you to write the licencing exam and become a member of the LSUC. As a licenced paralegal in Ontario you can commission documents, represent clients dealing with lawsuits falling within the jurisdiction of Small Claims Court. You 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 such as the, Landlord and Tenant Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, 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 three semesters. 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 unpaid 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. Placement opportunities must be within scope of practice as provided by the LSUC. In some cases a clear criminal record check may be required by the placement employer.

Licensing Requirements

Please refer to the Law Society web site for licensing requirements. All applicants must have graduated from an accredited program, pass the licensing exam and be of good character.

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:

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.

Indigenous Perspectives Designation

The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students studying in the Child and Youth Care program. To qualify for the IPD, students must take and successfully complete GNED49 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies and GNED128 - Indigenous Knowledges, along with a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences that will be incorporated into the final portfolio assignment in GNED128. The student’s transcript will indicate the IPD designation. Upon graduation, students with an IPD will have a strong foundational basis in Indigenous Studies, and a designation that will be marketable in the employment sector.

Additional Costs

Plan to spend approximately $740 per year for books and supplies.

Transfer Agreements

You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized below.