The Sheridan Paralegal two-year diploma program prepares you for a challenging career in a growing segment of the legal field. Recent changes in Ontario law require paralegals to be licensed. Successful completion of the accredited Sheridan Paralegal Program qualifies you to write your licensing test.
The program emphasizes development of written and oral advocacy and focuses on all areas of authorized paralegal practice including:
- Summary conviction offences
- Provincial offences appeals
- Small claims court matters
- Appearances before tribunals such as the Landlord and Tenant Board and Workers Safety Insurance Board
Your program professors are all lawyers with many years of experience working in the legal profession. Under their direction you'll learn through a combination of teaching methods including:
- Classroom lecture
- Collaborative group assignments
- Mock trial
- Computer-based assignments in the computer lab
Get Real-World Experience During the final term of your Paralegal Program, you're required to spend four weeks in field placement in a law-related setting. You may be in a court office, legal clinic, paralegal firm, law firm or with municipal prosecutors. Some travel may be required and you'll need to provide your own transportation.
The Paralegal Program is located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario.
Sheridan prepares you for career success. When you complete your Paralegal college 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 following organizations:
- Courts
- Government ministries
- Law firms and paralegal firms
- In-house legal departments
- Community legal clinics
- Other law-related settings, including opening your own business
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)
APPLICANT SELECTION
Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses). Although not a requirement, Grade 12 mathematics or equivalent is recommended. Basic computer skills are essential. You should have a minimum keyboarding speed of 30 wpm.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other related programs.
PREPARATION FOR APPLICATION
Applicants are encouraged to research the Ontario paralegal profession before applying for admission. The Law Society of Upper Canada website www.lsuc.on.ca is an excellent resource (click on the Latest News/Paralegal Regulation links) or you may contact the Program Coordinator.
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
Sheridan field placement agencies may require a police record check for criminal offences. Students will be required to provide this documentation directly to their field placement prior to the start of the placement and at their own expense. Students who cannot meet these requirements may have limited field placement opportunities.
*Course duration for September starts is two academic years. Course duration for January and May starts is 16 months continuous.
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
| |
|
|
| TERM 1 |
|
|
| SOCI 16039G |
Introduction to Sociology |
3 |
| LAWS 13334 |
Introduction to the Canadian Legal System |
3 |
| LAWS 16446 |
Small Claims Practice/Procedure |
3 |
| LAWS 19303 |
Evidence |
3 |
| APPL 17545 |
Introductory Computer Skills for Paralegals |
3 |
| COMM 13029 |
College Communications 1 |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
18 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 2 |
|
|
| LAWS 10855 |
Torts, Contracts and Business Law |
3 |
| LAWS 15666 |
Administrative Tribunals and Public Law |
3 |
| LAWS 18659 |
Civil Trial Procedures and Advocacy |
3 |
| COMM 13431 |
Principles of Legal Writing |
3 |
| APPL 13592 |
Software Applications for Paralegals |
3 |
| GNED |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
18 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 3 |
|
|
| LAWS 16206 |
Ethics and Professional Practice for Paralegals |
3 |
| LAWS 11385 |
Provincial Offences and Motor Vehicle Law |
3 |
| LAWS 14602 |
Tenant Protection Law |
3 |
| LAWS17995 |
Case Law Research and Legal Writing |
3 |
| ACCG20146 |
Accounting for Paralegals |
3 |
| GNED |
General Education Elective |
3 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
18 |
| |
|
|
| TERM 4 |
|
|
| LAWS 19077 |
Debtor and Creditor Law |
3 |
| LAWS 16250 |
Negotiation and Mediation |
3 |
| LAWS 24178 |
Tribunal Practice and Procedure |
3 |
| LAWS 20009 |
Employment Law for Paralegals |
3 |
| LAWS 26367 |
Summary Conviction Law and Procedures |
3 |
| MGMT 24178 |
Paralegal Practice Management |
3 |
| FLPL 28634 |
Field Practicum (4 Weeks) |
0 |
| |
|
|
| Total: |
|
18 |
Note: Courses subject to change.