Ontario Paralegal Career Description

Find Paralegal and Legal Assisting Schools

According to the Paralegal Society of Ontario's website, "Paralegals are often more qualified than lawyers in specialized areas such as WSIB cases or Personal Property Security Act issues." As of May 7, 2007 Paralegals are no longer allowed to represent clients in family court. According to the Law Society of Upper Canada, who now regulate the paralegal profession in Ontario, the scope of a Paralegal's practice in Ontario includes representation of clients in small claims court, in the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act, on summary conviction offenses where the maximum penalty does not exceed six months' imprisonment, and before administrative tribunals, including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

Licensed paralegals, in the afore mentioned scope of practice, can give legal advice concerning legal interests, rights and responsibilities, draft or assist in drafting documents, negotiate on behalf of a client in a proceeding. Under the supervision of a lawyer, paralegals are permitted a wider range of legal services.

Paralegal Salaries in Ontario

We researched paralegal job openings throughout Ontario. Here's what we found: In Ontario a Corporate Law Clerk can earn $18 to $24 per hour depending on experience and education. Paralegals in Ontario can earn anywhere from $13 to $28 per hour. These wages will depend heavily on experience, education, areas of experience and location.

Paralegal Training in Ontario

In order to apply to become a licensed paralegal in Ontario you must graduate from a school approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. We offer 10 programs through Everest College Canada (formerly CDI Canada) that are approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The Paralegal Communications and Legal Administrative Assistant programs at Everest College locations in Ontario prepare students for successful careers in the paralegal field. Students learn the Canadian legal system and laws specific to their province or territory, legal procedures and practices as they are implemented in a legal/professional setting, drafting of legal documents, civil litigation, torts, criminal law, family law, real estate law, immigration law, legal research techniques and related legal principles.