Paralegals typically function as legal assistants to lawyers; however, in Barrie and across Ontario, paralegals also have the power and the expertise to practise some aspects of the law themselves. CTS Canadian Career College offers a 51 week Paralegal training program that is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC). After completing their diploma and passing the LSUC licencing test, paralegals are empowered to:
- Represent clients in small claims court
- Appear before the Ontario Court of Justice under the Provincial Offences Act
- Argue cases where the maximum possible conviction is less than six months in prison
- Appear before tribunals including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario
- Advise clients
- Draft documents to be used in a proceeding
Career Paths for Paralegals
In addition to performing valuable supportive work for lawyers, paralegals often work independently and deal directly with clients. These professionals find employment in a variety of environments in both the public and private sectors, including:
- Government ministries
- Trade unions
- Private companies
- Large corporations
- Professional associations
- Law offices
New regulations allowing paralegals to perform a wider range of legal tasks are increasing demand for their services in Ontario as an alternative to more expensive legal representation. Paralegals earn an average annual salary of $49,472 in Canada.
Courses offered in Barrie for Paralegals
CTS Canadian Career College offers a 51 week program with a 120 hour placement accredited by the LSUC. It prepares graduates to pass the LSUC licensing exam, which enables them to practise as independent paralegals in Ontario. Danika White-Galluzzo (paralegal diploma) is the Barrie campus program coordinator.
Courses Include:
| Ethics & Professional Responsibility |
Employment Law |
| Practice Management-Operating a Small Business |
Residential Tenancies Act |
| Introduction to Law |
Legal Communication |
| Canadian Tort Law |
Law Office Accounting |
| Legal Research |
Introduction to Windows |
| Evidence & the Litigation Process |
Outlook |
| Advocacy |
Microsoft Internet Explorer |
| Alternative Dispute Resolution |
Word |
| Small Claims Court – Rules |
Excel |
| Debtor/Creditor Law |
Power Point |
| Criminal Law – Summary Offences |
Field Placement |
| Provincial Offences |
Educational Success |
| Highway Traffic Act |
Business Communications |
| Administrative Law |
Interview Skills & Office Administration |
| Tribunal Practice and Procedure |
Job Search |
