Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
INSTITUTION INFORMATION
Name of
Institution:
Sheridan College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Trafalgar Road Campus:
1430 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON L6H 2L1
905-845-9430
Davis Campus:
7899 McLaughlin Road
Brampton, ON L6V 1G6
905-459-7533
Locations:
(Campus Location
of Program is in
bold)
Hazel McCallion Campus:
4180 Duke of York Boulevard
Mississauga, ON L5B 0G5
905-845-9430
Skills Training Centre:
407 Iroquois Shore Road
Oakville, ON L6H 1M3
905-845-9430
Website Address: www.sheridancollege.ca
All Sheridan campuses are accessible by local public transit, with convenient
connections to GO Transit. Visit:
www.sheridancollege.ca / About Sheridan/ Campus Info/ How to Get to Sheridan
Second Career Coordinator: Deborah Campbell
Contact Person:
Application
Process/Offer of
Admission/Letter
of Acceptance:
Phone: 905-459-7533 or 905-845-9430 ext. 5068
Fax: 905-874-4385
E-mail: deborah.campbell1@sheridancollege.ca
1. If you have been provided with a Second Career Application Package by
your Employment Assessment Centre, please review Sheridan’s full-time
program admission requirements outlined below under Program-Specific
Admission Requirements. Please note that to be extended an offer to
Sheridan and obtain an acceptance letter, you are required to meet the
admission requirements. We will be pleased to talk with you about your
program and Second Career. Also, please attend a Sheridan Second
Career Information Session - times and locations are noted at
www.sheridancollege.ca under Programs and Courses, then select
Second Career.
2. Please apply to your program choice through the Ontario Colleges
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
website at: www.ontariocolleges.ca. Please provide transcripts or request
mature student testing, if you meet the criteria (see below Mature
Student Status). There is a $95 non-refundable application fee, payable
to Ontario Colleges.
3. If Sheridan determines you do not meet the admission requirements
through transcripts or testing, we will provide you with information about
how you can most efficiently obtain the necessary prerequisites through
Sheridan’s Upgrading or ESL Programs.
4. If you are accepted into your program choice, you will receive an offer of
admission and, subsequently, a detailed acceptance letter, which you will
submit with your Second Career funding application.
Certification of
School:
Sheridan is an Ontario Public College and is certified to issue T2202A tax
receipts.
Sheridan recognizes that some students who enter a program at the College will
have earned postsecondary credits at other recognized postsecondary institutions
and may wish to apply these credits towards the Sheridan credential. Advanced
standing refers to the transferring of credit earned at another recognized postsecondary institution towards a Sheridan credential.
Students may apply to receive advanced standing for specific Sheridan course(s)
based on the successful completion of similar courses at other recognized
postsecondary institutions subject to meeting applicable Sheridan policies.
Advanced
Standing:
Candidates must have achieved a minimum course grade of C grade in the
course that is being considered for advanced standing, or the minimum pass for
the course for promotion within the program, whichever is higher.
Courses considered for advanced standing must have been completed within five
years prior to the request except with the permission of the Dean of the respective
school.
Please refer to the full time Advanced Standing policy on Sheridan’s Policies and
Procedures website for specific details. Mac users please note: you must use
Firefox, Opera or Netscape to access the documents on the Policies and
Procedures website.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Program
Name/Credential:
Paralegal (Ontario College Diploma)
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required
courses:
Program-Specific
Admission
Requirements:

One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
Or,
Mature Student Status – Mature students do not possess an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma, or equivalent, and are 19 years of age or older
before the starting date of the program.
Mature students who apply to Sheridan’s certificate and diploma programs must
demonstrate their ability to work at the postsecondary level in one of the following
two ways:


By successfully completing equivalency testing in English and/or
mathematics and/or; science or
By completing a program of academic upgrading at a level appropriate to
the program of choice.*
Mature students must demonstrate proficiency in meeting specific program
prerequisites.
*If you do not have the required prerequisites, you may wish to enrol in Sheridan’s
Academic Upgrading program to obtain equivalent credits. Sheridan also offers
an ESL program. Preparatory training, such as academic upgrading, is eligible for
Second Career funding, subject to the approval of Employment Ontario.
APPLICANT SELECTION
Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of previous academic
achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including the
required course(s).
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
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
(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.
Start/End dates by
semester:
September 2013
Start
Sept. 3, 2013
1 To
Dec. 13, 2013
Jan. 6, 2014
2 To
April 17, 2014
Sept. 2, 2014
3 To
Dec. 12, 2014
Jan. 5, 2015
4 To
April 17, 2015
This is a full time program over 2 years: (4 semesters of 14 weeks each)
Hours per week: 18 (daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday to
Friday)
Approximate hours of hands on training: Students have a 140-hour field
placement, usually at the end of the program.
In addition, a number of the courses will have computer labs and assignments
involving hands-on practice such as mock trials and negotiations.
Program Length/
Hours/Weeks:
Following the final term of the Paralegal program, you are required to spend four
weeks in an unpaid field placement in a law-related setting in order to graduate.
Two Year Program
Programs starting in September have a four month break over the summer (from
approximately mid-April to end of August) between first and second year. The
Christmas break is approximately 3 weeks, and breaks between semesters are 2
weeks.
Programs starting in January and May run continuously over 16 months (no
summer break). The Christmas break is approximately 3 weeks, and breaks
between semesters are 2 weeks.
Students will be notified about their class schedule and timetable prior to the
beginning of each semester.
Class Size:
Approx. 35
Course Outline:
See Program Outline section below
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
Registration Fee –
(applicable at time
of publication –
subject to change
without notice):
Annual Tuition
(2012/13) –
(applicable at time
of publication –
subject to change
without notice):
The $95 non-refundable application processing fee paid to Ontario Colleges
covers application processing for one application cycle.
• Year One: $3,815.00
Tuition fees are regulated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
*Tuition for programs starting September 2013, and subsequent terms, is subject
to increase and will be updated when the increase has been determined.
• Year 2: *
*By action of the Ontario government, a change may be made to year two tuition.
For purposes of your research, please use the year one tuition.
Parking (2012/13) –
(applicable at time
of publication –
subject to change
without notice):
Parking for programs starting September 2013, and subsequent terms, is subject
to increase and will be updated when the increase has been determined.
• One Month: $80.00
• One Semester (September to January): $186.00
• Two Semesters (September to May): $343.00
• Three Semesters (September to August): $410.00
Cost for books, etc. for programs starting September 2013, and subsequent
terms, is subject to increase and will be updated when the increase has been
determined.
Additional Costs
2012/13 –
(applicable at time
of publication –
subject to change
without notice):
Year 1
Books: $459.00
Expendable Supplies: $404.00
Year 2 (subject to increase)
Books: $459.00
Expendable Supplies: $404.00
See “Other” category
Mobile Program - laptop required:
Mobile computing programs require the use of a laptop as a mandatory
component of curriculum during academic terms. New students in mobile
computing programs must bring a laptop of their choice that will meet the
program’s requirements. For more information please refer to:
mobilecomputing.sheridaninstitute.ca.
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
Other:
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.
Licensing
When you complete your Paralegal college program, you’ll have completed all of
the educational requirements to allow you to write at your own expense the
professional licensing exam that qualifies you to work as a paralegal. Please
review the Law Society of Upper Canada website for Paralegal licensing details.
Payment Policy for
Second Career:
Option 1: Payment of total fees for one full year should be paid in full by the tuition
deadline. Please refer to your Fees Invoice for tuition deadlines as deadlines
vary depending on when you are extended and accept an offer.
Refund/Withdrawal
Policy:
To officially withdraw from Sheridan full time programs, you must do so in writing
by submitting to the Office of the Registrar an “Application for Term or Complete
Program Withdrawal” form available at all Sheridan Student Advisement offices. If
you withdraw by the tenth scheduled day of the term, then all fees are refunded
for that term, minus a $100 administrative processing charge.
Your Second
Career in
Paralegal:
Career
opportunities/
Employment
Prospects/Success
Factors:
The Sheridan Paralegal two year diploma program prepares you for a challenging
career in a growing segment of the legal field. As the government opens more
areas of client service to paralegals your opportunities will expand even more.
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.
Sheridan prepares you for career success. When you complete your Paralegal
college program, you will be ready to write your professional licensing exam that
qualifies you to take positions in any of the following:






Courts
Government ministries
Law firms and paralegal firms
In-house legal departments
Community legal clinics
Other law-related settings, including opening your own business
Alumni of Sheridan can access all in-person and web-site Career Centre’s
services for assistance in Career Counselling and Employment Advising for one
year after their graduation date. After one year, they can access all web-site
services including jobs.sheridan (our on-line job posting system).
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
Method of
Instruction:
Equipment
Availability:
Instructor
Qualifications:
Courses are instructor-led. Students will engage in a variety of applied learning
and experiential activities and will complete multiple industry projects.
Students will have access to computers in open access computer labs.
College faculty are hired based on a combination of industry experience and
academic qualifications. Most full-time faculty have relevant Master’s degrees
and/or professional certifications where applicable to their field of expertise.
Faculty are provided with opportunities to engage in professional development to
ensure currency in their field as well as proficiency in teaching adults.
All Sheridan’s programs are designed and kept up to date with input from
Program Advisory Committees that include representation from employers and
industry organizations.
Curriculum Design:
Network for Innovation & Leadership in Education at Sheridan (NILES) at
Sheridan oversees the design of new programs and courses and maintains a
schedule of program review to keep programs up to date.
Students have the opportunity to complete a formal evaluation of the course and
instructor at the end of each course.
Evaluation of
Instructors,
Courses and
Programs:
Physical Facilities:
Additional
Supports and
Resources
Available:
In addition, students can participate in the Student Satisfaction Survey to evaluate
their program.
Public colleges must survey students, graduates and employers as mandated by
the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to obtain information on Key
Performance Indicators (KPIs). Please visit Please visit: Sheridan Home Page,
About Sheridan, Sheridan at a Glance, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Sheridan classrooms and campus facilities are accessible and are designed to
support a wide range of applied learning activities. Classrooms and labs are
equipped with modern technology, including digital AV teaching and learning aids.
At the Davis and Trafalgar Road campuses, gyms and fitness centres, full-service
cafeterias, modern learning resource centres and vibrant student centres
contribute to supporting student learning and life. Both campuses have attractive
grounds that provide a relaxing counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of student
activity.
As a public college, Sheridan is able to offer a full range of student services and
supports:
Athletics and Recreation
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
Career Centre (job search assistance): available for one year following graduation
Counselling and Special Needs Services
Accessible Learning Services
Library Services
Peer Tutoring and Mentoring
Health Services
Student Advisement Centre
Student Union
Special
Accommodations:
Sheridan’s Accessible Learning Services facilitates equal access for eligible
students with disabilities by coordinating reasonable academic accommodations
and support services. Accommodation plans and services are tailored to
correspond with the disability related needs of each student and are determined
based on the documentation provided and program specific requirements.
Page 8 of 16
Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Course
Requirements:
Course code:
Hours /
week:
Course Name:
Semester 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 HOURS PER WEEK
18
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 HOURS PER WEEK
18
LAWS 16206
Ethics and Professional Practice for Paralegals
3
LAWS 11385
Provincial Offences and Motor Vehicle Law
3
LAWS 14602
Tenant Protection Law
3
Semester 2:
Semester 3:
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
LAWS17995
Case Law Research and Legal Writing
3
ACCG20146
Accounting for Paralegals
3
GNED
General Education Elective
3
TOTAL HOURS PER WEEK
18
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 HOURS PER WEEK
18
Semester 4:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COURSE
Code: SOCI
16039G
Introduction to Sociology
Hours / wk: 3
This course is designed to provide students with an introductory overview of sociology in the
context of Canadian society. This includes an examination of the complex nature of the social
dynamics within our society. Topics include the sociological imagination, sociological
perspectives, analysis of culture, interaction in social groups and institutions, race and gender,
and economic and social differences related to access of opportunity. Through interactive lecture,
videos, in-class activities, role play, discussion, and small group work, students will develop their
understanding of the social world in which they live.
COURSE
Introduction to the Canadian Legal
System
Code: LAWS
13334
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Hours / wk: 3
Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
This course gives students a general overview of the Canadian legal system and the role of the
paralegal within it. Recent developments with respect to paralegal regulation will be discussed.
Students also be introduced to various types of law, and given an overview of constitutional law,
including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
COURSE
Code: LAWS
16446
Small Claims Practice/Procedure
Hours / wk: 3
Small Claims Court is a permitted area of practice for independent paralegals in Ontario. In this
course, students become familiar with the Small Claims Court rules and forms. Students learn
how to draft Small Claims Court pleadings, including a plaintiff's claim, defence and defendant's
claim. Students also carry a case through from the initial client interview to conducting a mock
trial.
COURSE
Code: LAWS
19303
Evidence
Hours / wk: 3
The rules of evidence govern the manner in which trials and hearings are conducted and
determined. Evidentiary rules are studied with a view to understanding their underlying principles
and their application in a trial setting. Emphasis will also be placed upon the trend in the courts
towards admitting types of evidence that were formerly excluded and the historical reasons for
this trend.
COURSE
Introductory Computer Skills for
Paralegals
Code: APPL 17545
Hours / wk: 3
Students use legal precedents to produce legal correspondence. Students assess a fact situation
to develop a theory of the client's case. They adapt precedents and apply the principles of legal
drafting to draft pleadings. They use legal websites and databases to find and update case law
and legislation, and conduct searches of legal issues. Students produce charts and spreadsheets
using Word and Excel. They research and report on a legal issue, using PowerPoint as the
presentation tool.
COURSE
Code: COMM
13029
College Communications 1
Hours / wk: 3
College Communications - 1 is the first of two communications courses required for Paralegal
students. The course focuses on production of written work for a variety of situations and the
development of analytical skills for reading. Students will develop skills in both academic and
professional communication through a series of individual and group activities. Course work will
include analysis and evaluation of different writing genres; production of clear, well- reasoned
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
short essays; revision of basic grammar rules; practice proofreading and editing with precision,
and demonstration of the fundamentals of academic research through completion of a research
essay on a legal topic.
COURSE
Torts, Contracts and Business Law
Code: LAWS
10855
Hours / wk: 3
Many private law issues fall under the two categories of tort or contract. Tort law deals with civil
wrongs committed intentionally or negligently. Contract law deals with negotiated agreements
which govern business relationships and are intended to promote predictability in the business
world. In this course, students learn the principles of tort law, contract law, and consumer
protection law, including Sale of Goods Act and Consumer Protection Act, using case studies,
class discussions, assigned readings and analyses of the law. In the workplace, these principles
will be applied in Small Claims Court litigation and in a variety of business contexts.
COURSE
Code: LAWS
15666
Administrative Tribunals and Public Law
Hours / wk: 3
Students are introduced to general principles of administrative law, including the duty of fairness,
jurisdiction, discretion, bias, and natural justice. Students study the relationship of administrative
tribunals to government and the courts, and will be introduced to unique features of practice
before administrative tribunals, including procedures and rules of evidence. Specific reference will
be made to particular tribunals, such as the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and their
enabling legislation.
COURSE
Civil Trial Procedures and Advocacy
Code: LAWS
18659
Hours / wk: 3
This course complements the Small Claims Court course. It is designed for the novice advocate
and public speaker. Students learn how to prepare and litigate a case. Basic concepts such as
courtroom attire and trial procedures are introduced. Mandatory involvement in mock trials is
required.
COURSE
Principles of Legal Writing
Code: COMM
13431
Hours / wk: 3
Effective writing skills are critical to effective client communication and persuasive advocacy. This
course introduces you to the techniques of clear, correct writing, emphasizing proper sentence
structure, spelling and punctuation, and the importance of an organized presentation of written
material. Using in-class exercises and drafting assignments, you will apply professional standards
and writing skills to produce legal correspondence, pleadings and other documents.
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
COURSE
Software Applications for Paralegals
Code: APPL 13592
Hours / wk: 3
Students assess client fact situations, develop a theory of the client's case, and select allegations
which support that theory. Students then use legal software to draft pleadings, motions and other
legal documents. Students learn the principles of legal file set-up, and apply them to organize,
store and retrieve legal documents. Students also learn to use tickler systems and dockets. The
focus is on hand's-on activities, with in-class demonstrations followed by immediate student
applications.
COURSE
Ethics and Professional Practice for
Paralegals
Code: LAWS
16206
Hours / wk: 3
Paralegals have a professional duty to provide legal services and discharge all responsibilities to
clients, tribunals, the public and other licensees honourably and with integrity. Students learn the
principles of professional conduct, including areas of permitted practice; the general duty to
clients; the duty of confidentiality; ethical advocacy; fair and reasonable fees; the duty to the
administration of justice; the obligation to assume complete professional, financial and
supervisory responsibility for one's practice; and responsibility to the Law Society. Through
interactive lectures, class discussions, in-class exercises, applications and presentations,
students learn how to analyze ethical and professional issues.
COURSE
Provincial Offences and Motor Vehicle
Law
Code: LAWS
11385
Hours / wk: 3
Provincial offences law is a niche area of permitted practice for paralegals. You will learn about
the three procedural streams in provincial offences proceedings; the different charging
documents and procedures for each stream; the types of offences prosecuted under each
stream; evidence that must be led by the prosecution; procedural protections and defences
available to the defendant; and basic principles of sentencing. You will also learn how to read and
apply the Provincial Offences Act in conjunction with charging legislation. Through in-class
discussions, case studies and exercises, you will learn about provincial offences law from the
perspective of both the prosecutor and the defence agent.
COURSE
Tenant Protection Law
Code: LAWS
14602
Hours / wk: 3
Residential tenancies law is a niche area of permitted practice for paralegals. You will learn about
tenancy agreements, legal obligations of landlords and tenants, grounds for termination of
tenancies and procedures for termination. You will also learn the rules governing rent increases
and legal rent, and maintenance obligations. Using in-class exercises and internet resources
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
September 2013 start
available at the Landlord and Tenant Board website, including appropriate forms, you will apply
residential tenancies law and procedures as set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, the Rules
and the Regulations.
COURSE
Case Law Research and Legal Writing
Code: LAWS 17995
Hours / wk: 3
Sound legal research and writing skills are essential to persuasive advocacy. You will are
introduced to the principles of legal research, using legal resources and legal databases to
access primary and secondary sources of law. Through in-class exercises and hands-on
assignments, you learn a systematic approach to researching and analyzing legal issues.
Applying the principles of persuasive legal writing, you will draft case briefs and legal
memoranda.
COURSE
Accounting for Paralegals
Code: ACCG
20146
Hours / wk: 3
Paralegals are required by the Law Society of Upper Canada to maintain proper books and
records and to comply with reporting obligations. Failure to do so may result in suspension of a
paralegal's licence to provide legal services to the public. Students learn the basic principles of
accounting in the context of running a paralegal business. Students also learn how to manage
client funds in a paralegal practice using general and trust accounts. Through interactive lectures,
demonstrations, class discussions and in-class exercises, students learn how to implement and
maintain the required procedures, books and records.
COURSE
Debtor and Creditor Law
Code: LAWS 19077
Hours / wk: 3
Debt collection is an essential component of any litigation practice. Students learn how to use
debtor searches as a basis for next steps in a collection file, and the procedures to be followed
when enforcing an order, including garnishment and writs of seizure and sale. Students are also
introduced to debtors' rights and protections, and the principles of insolvency and bankruptcy law.
Through in-class exercises and hands-on assignments, students learn how to set up a collection
file, and accurately complete necessary collection procedures, from the demand letter through to
satisfaction of the order.
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
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COURSE
Code: LAWS 16250
Negotiation and Mediation
Hours / wk: 3
The majority of legal disputes are resolved through alternative dispute resolution without going to
trial. Solid negotiation skills and a basic knowledge of the mediation process are essential for
paralegal practice. The negotiation section of the course covers ethics in negotiation; negotiation
styles; preparation for negotiation; negotiation strategies; and settlement procedures. The
mediation section covers the mediation process; the role of the mediator; characteristics of an
effective mediator; and dealing with ethical issues, including power imbalances and cultural
sensitivity. Students acquire practical negotiation skills and basic mediation knowledge through
role playing combined with self-reflection.
COURSE
Tribunal Practice and Procedure
Code: LAWS 24178
Hours / wk: 3
Students apply principles of administrative law and effective advocacy to tribunal procedure and
practice. Students identify and interpret enabling legislation for specific tribunals. Students learn
how to identify issues, determine burden and standard of proof, collect evidence, identify and
secure the attendance of witnesses, and plan an effective presentation. They identify the types of
relief that may be sought on preliminary motions. They learn the overall structure of a hearing,
presentation of evidence, the tribunal's right to control its own process, and tribunal decisionmaking procedures. Learning experiences include in-class discussions, interactive lectures, case
studies and in-class exercises.
COURSE
Employment Law for Paralegals
Code: LAWS 20009
Hours / wk: 3
Students learn principles of employment law, including the common law governing the
employment relationship, and applicable legislation such as the Human Rights Code, the
Employment Standards Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Workplace Safety
and Insurance Act. Paralegals apply these principles in practice management and tribunal
advocacy.
COURSE
Summary Conviction Law and
Procedures
Code: LAWS 26367
Hours / wk: 3
Summary conviction offences law is a niche area of permitted practice for paralegals. Summary
conviction offences are Criminal Code offences with a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine
of not more than two thousand dollars or imprisonment for six months or both. Students learn
about the three types of Criminal Code offences (summary conviction, hybrid, and indictable);
duty to the client and to the tribunal; preparation for trial; common-law and Charter protections
and defences available to the accused; trial procedures; and principles of sentencing. Students
also learn how to read and apply the Criminal Code. Through in-class discussions, case studies
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Paralegal – (PARAL)
Ontario College Diploma
Program Profile for Second Career
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and exercises, students learn about summary conviction law from the perspective of a defence
agent acting for an accused.
COURSE
Paralegal Practice Management
Code: MGMT
24178
Hours / wk: 3
A paralegal's ability to comply with professional obligations to clients, other licensees, the Law
Society and other persons is based on sound practice management. Students conduct a selfassessment, draft a business plan, and assess practice start-up issues. Students analyze issues
and trends that may affect maintenance or growth of an existing business. Students analyze
professional, ethical and legal obligations to clients, employees, the regulator and the paralegal
profession. Learning experiences include in-class discussions, interactive lectures, case studies
and in-class exercises.
COURSE
Field Practicum (4 Weeks)
Code: FLPL 28634
Hours / wk: 3
Students work in a law-related environment for a minimum of 140 hours. Under the guidance of a
field placement supervisor and the field placement officer, students perform a variety of tasks at
an entry-level position in a professional workplace. Students gain invaluable practical experience
in the legal field. Placements are chosen on the basis of their appropriateness for the student's
personal and professional goals.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
All information current at time of publication - subject to
change without notice.
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