Paralegal Education

Our Program

Humber's Paralegal Education program explores the theory, procedural and advocacy aspects of legal matters, which a licensed paralegal is allowed to handle – such as presenting cases before specific courts and administrative tribunals. You will learn the specialized knowledge and skills needed for advocacy, research and litigation. Students are trained in the Canadian and Ontario legal system, immigration law, legal research, and advocacy. Courses involving ethics, accounting, and entrepreneurship are included to assist students in setting up and managing their own businesses.

Our Advisory Committee provides regular review and input of our curriculum ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.

Your Career

It is an exciting time to enter the paralegal profession. As a legal advocate, you need strong communication skills particularly in spoken and written English; to be well organized, flexible, and detail oriented; and to have the ability to work independently towards deadlines and under pressure. If that's you, you can choose to find employment in paralegal firms or law firms or, for the self-starting entrepreneur, become a self-employed paralegal and offer permitted legal services to the public.

Work Placement

The unpaid field placement runs four weeks following semester four (133 hours). Working with the field placement advisor, students are actively involved in pursuing placement opportunities. They are expected to market themselves to prospective employers and find their own placements.

Our Industry Partnerships

Industry partners include: Department of Justice Canada, Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, Law Society of Upper Canada, A & A Paralegal Services Inc., Ontario Court of Justice, Paralegal Society of Ontario and Licensed Paralegal Association (Ontario).

Your Future Study Options

Graduates with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 75 per cent or higher will be considered for admission to the four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts – Paralegal Studies degree program. Graduates may then complete the degree program with the equivalent of six semesters of full-time study plus a paid work term. Graduates must also possess ENG4U or Humber’s COMM 200/WRIT 100 or COMM 300/WRIT 200 with a grade of 70 per cent or more. Admission will be based on availability in the program.

Graduates of the program can speak to the program co-ordinator about the courses required to complete the Law Clerk diploma program 02031. Courses that are common between the two programs may be used to satisfy credits within the Law Clerk program.

Qualified graduates of this program may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study at many postsecondary institutions. For detailed information, visit humber.ca/transferguide.

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Humber’s Paralegal Education program is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada, allowing graduates of the program to apply for licensing.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy
Three Grade 11 or Grade 12C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing to determine equivalencies. Invitation and booking of admission testing is done using the email address provided on the online application

Note: For more information, refer to Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Fees / Scholarships

The 2013/2014 fee for two semesters is

domestic $3,550.08
international $12,950.

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.

Alternative Course of Study

Humber also offers the Law Clerk diploma program 02031. This two-year program satisfies the four provincial exams offered by the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario. As a result, Humber graduates can apply for membership as an ordinary member.

Humber also offers the four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts – Criminal Justice degree program 22201.

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name
BCTA 100	Introduction to Canada's Legal System Introduction to Canada's Legal System Course Code: BCTA 100 The course provides the paralegal student with an introduction to and overview of Canada's legal system.
BCTA 101	Business and Civil Law Business and Civil Law Course Code: BCTA 101 The course will introduce the student to various aspects of civil law in Canada with an emphasis on law in Ontario and in business environments.
BCTA 102	Professional Conduct, Authorized Practice and Ethics Professional Conduct, Authorized Practice and Ethics Course Code: BCTA 102 Legal professionals about to start an independent practice or business or to work in the field must be aware of the current restrictions on the nature of their work, as well as possible changes to the methods and areas in which they may carry on business. This course is designed to explore ethics and authorized practice issues in both a broad and specific sense. The obligation of the legal professional to the client and the importance of client interviews, office management and preparation will also be discussed.
BISM 101	Computer Applications Computer Applications Course Code: BISM 101 This course will introduce the student to the latest software applications for word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet applications. The student will gain hands-on experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and integrated software, as well as email Blackboard for communication and course management.
GNED 101	An Introduction to Arts and Science An Introduction to Arts and Science Course Code: GNED 101 The humanities course focuses on fundamental questions individuals ask of themselves as they proceed through life. Why are we the way we are? Do we have free will or are we prisoners of our past experience or our biological inheritance? What motivates societies to change? Why do societal changes so often divide people into opposing camps? Why do so many people find contemporary life at home, at work, and in the community unfulfilling? What constitutes good government? How should injustice be fought? Can nations successfully deal with global problems? What is science and how does it differ from other kinds of inquiry? Can scientists provide solutions to the problems we face? What is art and does it offer answers of its own? What is its relationship to beauty, to knowledge, and to ethics? Is objectivity about art (or anything) possible? These questions are organized into units that begin with issues concerning the nature of the individual and then extend outward to various social, cultural and physical contexts. The issues explored in this course are too complex to have any one right answer. Rather, individuals must search for answers that make sense of their experiences via various theoretical perspectives. The humanities course supports this endeavour through study of different thinkers presented in the readings and exploration of different points of view explored in class discussions.
WRIT 100	College Reading and Writing Skills College Reading and Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 100 College Writing Skills emphasizes elements of the writing process. Although subject matter and format may change from one program to another, the skills necessary for effective writing remain the same, as do the professional standards that all Humber students are expected to attain. Students will practice the reading and writing skills that will be valuable in their college programs and build a strong base for professional business writing. Those students who plan to further their studies will develop the fundamental skills for writing acceptable academic English. To help students reach these goals, the course covers the following: analytical reading and critical thinking; essay organization and development; and the elements of clear writing, including grammar and punctuation skills. To complete WRIT 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the attached criterion sheet.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name
BACC 151	Accounting for the Court and Tribunal Agent Office Accounting for the Court and Tribunal Agent Office Course Code: BACC 151 In this course, students learn about accounting matters that will impact a paralegal practice. The objective is that they will become well equipped to identify accounting issues, analyze them, and make informed business decisions while they comply with the Law Society of Upper Canada's requirements for books and records to be maintained in a legal services practice. This course develops an overview of the accounting cycle and includes examination of several topics of specific interest to those who intend to work as a paralegal.
BCTA 150	Legal Research Legal Research Course Code: BCTA 150 This course provides a paralegal student with beginner's knowledge of conducting basic legal research of statutes, regulations and case law using different research media, including books and loose-leaf services, CD-ROMs and online research systems. Emphasis is also given to writing drafts of legal correspondence and legal memoranda in a law office.
BCTA 151	Small Claims Court: Procedures and Practice Small Claims Court: Procedures and Practice Course Code: BCTA 151 In this course, Paralegal students will learn about the role of the Small Claims Court in the administration of justice in Ontario and about the practice that is followed in that court as regards prosecuting and defending claims. Emphasis will be placed on the rules of the Small Claims Court and the relevant sections of the Courts of Justice Act. Students will also gain the skills of the fundamentals of trial preparation and trial presentation in respect of the Small Claims Court. The reality is that, in general, plaintiffs and defendants in this court represent themselves. Lawyers, students-at-law and agents make infrequent appearances. Accordingly, students who will act as agents (to use the language of section 26 of the Courts of Justice Act) require knowledge in the rules of evidence pertaining to the proof of claims or defences in this court, the principles of direct examination, cross-examination and re-examination, the marking of exhibits and the making of submissions or arguments based on fact and law at the end of the trial before judgment is delivered.
BCTA 154	Evidence Evidence Course Code: BCTA 154 This course is an introduction to the rules of evidence in the litigation process. Students will also gain an understanding of the nature of evidence, and the procedural requirements for effective presentation.
BCTA 200	Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure Course Code: BCTA 200 The course will introduce the paralegal student to criminal law concepts and to the criminal justice system in Canada including permitted areas of criminal practice for paralegals, and court procedures.
WRIT 200	Workplace Writing Skills Workplace Writing Skills Course Code: WRIT 200 Business Writing Skills introduces students to the strategies of effective written workplace communication. This course is designed to build on and reinforce the writing skills developed in WRIT 100 and requires students to apply these skills to vocationally relevant assignments. Students will learn how to select and organize pertinent information according to purpose and audience and will practise presenting their ideas clearly, precisely, and effectively in various written formats. To complete WRIT 200 successfully, students must produce writing that meets or surpasses the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet.

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name
BCTA 202	Immigration and Refugee Law Immigration and Refugee Law Course Code: BCTA 202 This course will cover Canada's immigration laws, and in particular, some of the relevant legal principles, rules, and standards that have been developed and applied by courts, tribunals, and government officials to individual cases. The course will deal with the process through which individuals gain admission to Canada as immigrants, visitors, temporary workers, and students. In addition, the student will study the processes by which an individual in Canada may change their political status, for instance, becoming naturalized as a Canadian citizen. This course will provide an introduction to refugees in Canada. One will also learn about how an individual may be removed from Canada. Finally, the student will become familiar with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
BCTA 204	Provincial Offences Procedures/Highway Traffic Act Provincial Offences Procedures/Highway Traffic Act Course Code: BCTA 204 Many consumer rights claims are made by individuals in Small Claims Court and other tribunals, as well as in negotiation with various businesses and corporations. This course will examine the case law, statutes, and regulations in place in Canada, and particularly in Ontario, regarding such rights.
BCTA 205	Residential Landlord and Tenant Law Residential Landlord and Tenant Law Course Code: BCTA 205 This course will provide the Paralegal student with an understanding of the substantive rules drawn from the Residential Tenancies Act as explained by the guidelines and pamphlets produced by the Landlord and Tennant Board. It will also deal with enforcement of this substantive law through notices and applications of this board. The student will learn how to complete the myriad of forms relating to the enforcement of rights and obligations belonging, respectively, to the tenant and the landlord.
BCTA 206	Advocacy Advocacy Course Code: BCTA 206 This course is an introduction to advocacy skills for the Paralegal student. Students will gain the ability to prepare presentations and the public speaking skills required to present a case at court or before administrative tribunals.
BCTA 207	Administrative Law Administrative Law Course Code: BCTA 207 This course is designed to give the paralegal student an understanding of the rules of natural justice and the laws and procedures applicable when a matter is heard before an administrative tribunal rather than in the traditional court system. A number of tribunals are examined.
GNED	General Education Elective General Education Elective Course Code: GNED The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences Anthropology ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology Arts ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces Cultural Studies CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower CULT 239 Digital Culture CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture Economics ECON 110 Real Life Economics ECON 204 People, Money and Markets ECON 206 The History of Money English ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction ENGL 247 Life Stories ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground Geography GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario GEOG 212 Political Geography History HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century HIST 217 History of War HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989 Humanities HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise HUMA 235 World Religions HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives! HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion Languages SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1 Philosophy PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 217 Ethical Issues PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex PHIL 227 Business Ethics PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics Political Science POLS 110 Introduction to Politics POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics POLS 219 Globalization POLS 223 War and Terrorism POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics Psychology PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental PSYC 220 Psychology - Social PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal Science SCIE 110 The Science of Everything SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe SCIE 216 Origins of Life SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth SCIE 221 The Environment SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs Sociology SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet SOCI 219 Sport and Society SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference SOCI 234 Society and Conflict SOCI 236 Issues in Crime SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion SOCI 238 Sociology of Food SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions SOCI 247 Leadership SOCI 249 Imagining the City SOCI 257 Canada Today SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name
BCTA 251	Mediation and Arbitration: Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediation and Arbitration: Alternative Dispute Resolution Course Code: BCTA 251 This course will examine the fundamentals of principled negotiations in order to develop effective negotiating skills. These skills will be applied in exercises selected to demonstrate the advantages of alternative dispute resolution, and its essential role in the mediation and arbitration processes. Reference will be made to ethical considerations, negotiation tactics, and the code of conduct expected to be followed by negotiators.
BCTA 252	Business Planning Business Planning Course Code: BCTA 252 This course is designed to serve as an introduction to self-employment and small business management for the legal professional. It will introduce the concepts of entrepreneurship, marketing of a business and the business plan. Students will gain a basic understanding of the considerations involved in deciding to enter into an independent business and the steps involved in starting a new business in the legal services field. At the same time, students will be given the opportunity to develop their skills in problem solving and decision-making.
BCTA 255	Employment Law Employment Law Course Code: BCTA 255 This course will introduce the students to the law affecting employment in Ontario, including employment standards, occupational health and safety, human rights, labour relations and workers? compensation. It is designed to familiarize students with the legal issues relating to the employee-employer relationship and how laws attempt to resolve conflicts in that relationship.
BCTA 256	Debtor/Creditor Debtor/Creditor Course Code: BCTA 256 This course introduces paralegal students to debtor-creditor law and procedure, focusing on Superior and Small Claims Court proceedings necessary to obtain and enforce a judgment of debt on behalf of a creditor against a debtor. In addition, selected issues and topics related to debtor-creditor law are also examined.
BCTA 257	Administrative Tribunal Practice and Procedure Administrative Tribunal Practice and Procedure Course Code: BCTA 257 This course is designed to give the paralegal student an understanding of practices and procedures before administrative tribunals. Advocacy skills and procedures before tribunals are also emphasized.
BCTA 258	Field Placement Field Placement Course Code: BCTA 258 This course is intended to provide the Paralegal student with practical work experience in a legal environment and to integrate those areas of academic study the student has already been exposed to, with practical experience of a paralegal nature. This course entails attendance by the student in a supervised legal environment for four weeks at the end of the fourth semester.
GNED	General Education Elective General Education Elective Course Code: GNED The following courses represent the GNED General Education electives that you can choose from as part of your program's curriculum. Introduction to Liberal Arts and Sciences GNED 101 An Introduction to Arts and Sciences Anthropology ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology ANTH 205 Cultural Anthropology Arts ARTS 138 Understanding Movies: An Introduction to Film Studies ARTS 229 Musical Pioneers ARTS 241 Exploring Music and Film ARTS 246 Art and Artists - Money, Madness and Masterpieces Cultural Studies CULT 211 Conspiracy Theories and Critical Thinking CULT 214 AlterNative Pathways: Aboriginal People in Canada CULT 217 Encounter with Latin America CULT 228 Pop Culture: Shaping How We Live CULT 236 China: The Next Superpower CULT 239 Digital Culture CULT 242 Culture, Technology and Identity CULT 243 Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture CULT 244 Gender, Race and Ethnicity CULT 245 The Body: Beauty, Sex and Consumerism CULT 248 Women and Popular Culture Economics ECON 110 Real Life Economics ECON 204 People, Money and Markets ECON 206 The History of Money English ENGE 110 Literature: An Introduction ENGL 239 Dark Days Ahead ENGL 242 Pulp Fiction ENGL 246 Contemporary Fiction ENGL 247 Life Stories ENGL 248 Voices from the Underground Geography GEOG 210 The Nature of Ontario GEOG 212 Political Geography History HIST 110 Canada: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly HIST 203 Monsters of the 20th Century HIST 217 History of War HIST 218 The Making of the Modern World HIST 222 The Age of Europe: From the Enlightenment to 1989 Humanities HUMA 137 Art Matters: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Art HUMA 226 The Arts and the 21st Century Imagination: Longing for Paradise HUMA 235 World Religions HUMA 241 Risky Business: Living in a Dangerous World HUMA 242 Vampires: In Film and Literature HUMA 244 Ordinary Heroes: Extraordinary Lives! HUMA 250 God, Science and Religion Languages SPAN 110 Introductory Spanish 1 Philosophy PHIL 100 Ideas: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 110 The Love of Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 217 Ethical Issues PHIL 225 Philosophy of Love and Sex PHIL 227 Business Ethics PHIL 228 Success: Philosophical Perspectives PHIL 229 Violence, Order and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy PHIL 230 Environmental Ethics Political Science POLS 110 Introduction to Politics POLS 204 Morality, Democracy and Politics POLS 219 Globalization POLS 223 War and Terrorism POLS 224 Justice, Equality and Rights POLS 225 Environmental Policy and Economics Psychology PSYC 110 Psychology - An Introduction PSYC 205 Applied Psychology and Leadership PSYC 207 Psychology of Sport PSYC 210 Psychology - Developmental PSYC 220 Psychology - Social PSYC 230 Psychology - Abnormal Science SCIE 110 The Science of Everything SCIE 208 Water: A Life or Death Issue SCIE 213 Astronomy: The Evolving Universe SCIE 216 Origins of Life SCIE 219 Dangerous Earth SCIE 221 The Environment SCIE 223 Astrobiology: Life in the Universe SCIE 224 Discovering Dinosaurs Sociology SOCE 100 Canadian Society and Culture SOCI 110 Sociology: Introduction SOCI 205 Social Entrepreneurship: Profit, People and the Planet SOCI 219 Sport and Society SOCI 232 Gender, Power and Society SOCI 233 Sociology of Cultural Difference SOCI 234 Society and Conflict SOCI 236 Issues in Crime SOCI 237 Sociology of Fashion SOCI 238 Sociology of Food SOCI 239 Citizenship, Immigration, and Democracy SOCI 240 Sociology of the Family SOCI 246 Sociology of Emotions SOCI 247 Leadership SOCI 249 Imagining the City SOCI 257 Canada Today SOCI 277 Sexual Diversity: Contemporary Social Issues

Diploma to Degree

Humber offers pathways from Ontario college diplomas to Humber degrees. Find out where your diploma can take you.

You can also choose another postsecondary institution. Humber has formal articulation agreements indicating the specific transfer arrangements from a Humber program to a particular degree program, as well as general policies on admissions at specific institutions. Click here to find out more.

May 2013 Program Availability

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Paralegal Education

The Business School

Our Program

Your Career

Work Placement

Our Industry Partnerships

Your Future Study Options

Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition

Admission Requirements

Fees / Scholarships

Alternative Course of Study

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)

Semester 1

Introduction to Canada's Legal System

Business and Civil Law

Professional Conduct, Authorized Practice and Ethics

Computer Applications

An Introduction to Arts and Science

College Reading and Writing Skills

Semester 2

Accounting for the Court and Tribunal Agent Office

Legal Research

Small Claims Court: Procedures and Practice

Evidence

Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure

Workplace Writing Skills

Semester 3

Immigration and Refugee Law

Provincial Offences Procedures/Highway Traffic Act

Residential Landlord and Tenant Law

Advocacy

Administrative Law

General Education Elective

Semester 4

Mediation and Arbitration: Alternative Dispute Resolution

Business Planning

Employment Law

Debtor/Creditor

Administrative Tribunal Practice and Procedure

Field Placement

General Education Elective

Diploma to Degree