Sheridan’s two-year Paralegal diploma program sets you on the road to becoming a licensed paralegal.

Critical training

Successful completion of Sheridan's accredited Paralegal program qualifies you to write the Law Society of Upper Canada licensing examination, a requirement if you wish to practice as a paralegal in Ontario. The training you receive at Sheridan – from professors with many years of experience working in the legal profession – will prepare you for a career in this challenging field.

What you'll learn

• Prosecution and defence of summary conviction offences and provincial offences.
• Small claims court procedure.
• Effective advocacy before tribunals such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Human Rights Tribunal, and the Immigration and Refugee Board.
• Legal research and writing.

Hands-on experience

Following the final term of your Paralegal program, you'll complete an unpaid four-week (140-hour) field placement in a legal environment within a paralegal's permitted scope of practice. You may be in a variety of legal settings including a court office, legal clinic, paralegal firm or law firm. Some travel may be required, and you'll need to provide your own transportation.

Career Opportunities

When you complete Sheridan’s Paralegal program, you'll have completed all of the educational requirements to allow you to write the professional licensing exam that qualifies you to take positions in any of the organizations listed below.

Here are some places you might work:

• Community legal clinics
• Courts
• Government ministries
• In-house legal departments
• Law firms and paralegal firms
• Other law-related settings, including your own business

Program Purpose

To provide professional career preparation for learners wishing to pursue a career as a licensed paralegal. The program provides training in all areas within which paralegals are permitted by law to provide legal services. Students acquire an understanding of the general principles of law and receive theoretical and practical training in specific legal subjects, ethics and professional responsibility, and business practice.

Program Goals

• Write the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) paralegal licensing examination with a view to becoming a licensed paralegal.
• Identify the scope of paralegal practice established by the Law Society Act.
• Conduct himself or herself in compliance with the ethical and professional responsibilities of a Paralegal in accordance with the rules and by-laws established by the LSUC and in particular the Paralegal Rules of Conduct and Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines.
• Establish and manage a paralegal practice in accordance with the rules and by-laws of the LSUC including the Paralegal Rules of Conduct, Paralegal Professional Conduct Guidelines and Practice Management Guidelines.