Bachelor of Applied Arts - Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Studies - A Reputation Second to None

As the only four-year Canadian Paralegal Studies program, there is no better place to focus on paralegal education than at The Business School at Humber. Professors in the program possess a graduate degree, as well as having extensive practical experience in the legal field. Bernie Aron, Program Coordinator of the Paralegal Studies degree program recently received a John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for his exceptional focus on teaching and learning excellence.

Humber's multidisciplinary approach includes professional training in legal writing, advocacy and negotiations, and legal research. The faculty believes that properly representing a client entails understanding the client's background and motivation; therefore, this program offers courses in psychology, sociology, political science, and the philosophical foundations of the legal system. Work placements offer the on-the-job experience where students will utilize and sharpen new competencies.

Education That is in High Demand

Clients are discovering that people who are properly training a paralegal education are able to meet many of their law-related needs in a cost-effective manner. With an ever changing work day, students of the Paralegal Studies degree program have to be cross-trained over the four years in all aspects of the Canadian legal landscape.

Curriculum Highlights

• Philosophy of Law
• Small Claims Court
• Tort and Contract Law
• Evidence/Litigation Process
• Provincial Offences
• Residential Landlord/Tenant Law
• Immigration/Refugee Law
• Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure

Work Term

The paid work term is from May to August after semester six, and lasts 14 weeks/490 hours. Students work with their degree placement advisor to find a placement that fits their career goals. Students are also encouraged to take career management workshops to develop effective job search skills. The School provides support, such as working with the legal community to identify work term employment opportunities.

Humber Ranks High in Mooting Competitions

Humber paralegal students traditionally compete - and rank high in mooting competitions including the Osgoode Cup and Capital Cup competitions. Students work with seasoned coaches going into competition and have a history for ranking in the top ten oralists as well as having teams make it to the quarter finals.

Industry Employers

Humber paralegal students and graduates have the skills, knowledge and attitude to make an immediate contribution to your workplace, meeting your staffing needs in a cost-effective way. Employment at your law firm is their goal, this is what they want to do.

Career Options

On successful completion of this program and licensing exam, you could choose to work as a paralegal in a law firm, small claims court agent, legal researcher, court monitor, investigator, or paralegal firm manager.

Paralegals provide important advocacy services for clients appearing before specialized tribunals such as the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board, and before the Provincial Offences Court and the Ontario Small Claims Court.

Possible career opportunities:

• Paralegal
• Small Claims Court Agent
• Provincial Offences Prosecutor
• Legal Researcher
• Court Monitor
• Investigator
• Paralegal Firm Manager

Potential employment opportunities:

• Major paralegal firms
• Federal/Provincial government
• Court administration
• Administrative boards/tribunals
• Law firms

Professional Accreditation

Accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC), our program gives you a sound foundation in Canadian law. The Paralegal Studies degree has also received support and endorsement from the following:

• Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Records
• Paralegal Society of Ontario
• Professional Paralegal Association of Ontario
• Prosecutors’ Association of Ontario

Memberships

Professional accreditations show employers and industry members that you have a passion for higher learning and a need for professional growth. Graduates can pursue membership with:

• The Paralegal Society of Ontario
• The Prosecutors’ Association of Ontario
• The Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Record
• The Law Society of Upper Canada for paralegal education program accreditation

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4U or equivalent) minimum 65 per cent
  • Five Grade 12 U or M courses in addition to those listed above
  • Overall minimum grade point average (GPA) 65 per cent

or

Mature student status

or

College or university transfer status

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

Selection: Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Cost & Fees

The 2016/2017 fee for two semesters is

• domestic $7,446.54
• international $14,800

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2016/2017 academic year. Fees are subject to change.