Humber’s Bachelor of Applied Arts – Paralegal Studies is the only four-year degree program of its kind in Ontario. It combines legal theory and practice in a program that covers ethics and professional responsibility, negotiation and mediation, evidence, advocacy, contract and tort law, insurance law and employment law, which will give you the legal foundation you need to competently navigate Canada’s legal system. Paralegal Studies degree professors believe that properly representing a client includes understanding the client’s background and motivation. As a result, our program also includes courses in psychology, sociology, political science and the philosophical foundations of the legal system.

Your career as a paralegal can take you in many exciting directions, from representing clients in the Ontario Small Claims Court and Provincial Offences Court to being a paralegal in a major law firm or government department. Paralegals interview clients and witnesses, prepare legal documents and affidavits, conduct legal research and often track down key information for a legal case. They identify precedent and play a key role in assisting lawyers to prepare for examinations for discoveries, settlement hearings and trials. In fact, they are a key part of the legal process. They work in law firms, as part of the legal departments of corporate firms, in government and in community organizations. You may also become a provincial offences prosecutor, a Small Claims Court legal representative, a legal researcher, a court monitor, paralegal firm manager or you may choose to start your own paralegal practice. Paralegals also provide important advocacy services for clients appearing before specialized tribunals such as the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. As a paralegal, you’ll cover a wide range of legal matters, from wrongful dismissal to no-fault automobile insurance benefits and immigration and refugee board proceedings. Humber’s Bachelor of Applied Arts – Paralegal Studies can help you develop the competencies and skills you need to create the paralegal career you want. Our students have had the opportunity to do work placements with the Department of Justice Canada and Legal Aid Ontario while our graduates have been hired by major law firms in Toronto such as Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, and Dentons Canada LLP. As a paralegal, your everyday duties could include representing clients, drafting documentation in areas such as small claims court, highway traffic court, residential landlord and tenant, and other administrative tribunals. If you work in the litigation department of a larger law firm, you could assist in conducting legal research, preparing affidavits of documents, and drafting court motions and pleadings. Professional Accreditation, Endorsement and Recognition The program is endorsed by the Paralegal Society of Ontario, the Prosecutors’ Association of Ontario, and the Ontario Association of Professional Searchers of Record. The Law Society of Upper Canada has reviewed and assessed Humber’s Bachelor of Applied Arts – Paralegal Studies degree and has determined that it meets the standards and competencies for paralegal education program accreditation. Work Placement Work placements offer on-the-job experience where you will use and sharpen skills you’ve learned in class and apply them to real-world situations. The paid work term is from May to August after semester six and lasts 14 weeks. You will work with your placement advisor to find a placement that fits your career goals. A career development course in semester five will help you gain job search skills, develop an effective resumé and hone your interview skills. In addition, students are encouraged to take career management workshops to learn about the most recent developments from industry professionals. We also provide placement support, such as working with the legal community to identify paid work placement employment opportunities.