Paralegal Training Program

This course will focus on the use of a computer in a legal office.  It will include instruction in advanced word processing using Microsoft® Word, the practical application of the concepts and features of a spreadsheet package using Microsoft® Excel, and the study of the principles and features of a presentation graphics package using Microsoft® PowerPoint.

This course introduces the Paralegal to the judicial system and its structure. An in depth analyses of the system in action will be explored along with the nature of law, its role in society and its development. Other issues include but are not limited to include, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the common law and equity, and different sources of law.

This course is a complete communications program that enables students to improve their writing skills and to become familiar with the various forms of communication required of the legal professional. The course will focus on improving students verbal and writing skills, using examples drawn from the legal field. It emphasizes spelling, grammar, listening, and speaking skills, and provides extensive guidance on writing and formatting memos and letters.

This course in an overview of the concepts of good legal research and the techniques involved in doing a search for statutory law, common law and case law affecting the way we interpret the law today. Techniques that will be explored include online searches in Quicklaw and eCarswell Lawsource and include trips to the law library.

Students will be guided through the concepts of an act of parliament, how it begins, how it is prepared, and how a law comes into force. Analysis of statutes and bylaws will be explored. Sections, subsections, paragraphs, parts and divisions and how it must be read as a whole are discussed.

Students are introduced to the concepts of civil liability resulting from breach of duties arising at common law as distinguished from contractual or criminal liability. Students learn how to identify the three elements necessary to prove tort liability:  duty of care, breach of duty and resulting injury. Further, students are given an overview of the common law of contracts, the concepts of offer and acceptance, consideration, conditions, material breach and damages.  Students learn how to prepare a simple contract, and how to avoid issues of capacity, undue influence and conflict of interest.

Consumer protection legislation and the nature of a contract of sale for the sale of goods are explored here. Lecture topics include, but are not limited to, contractual duties of sellers and buyers, historical development of consumer protection, remedies of buyers and sellers and consumer protection related to business practices.

The Law of Evidence is a multifaceted and quickly changing area of law. The intent of this course is to engage the student’s thought processes and provide a firm base in this important area of law.  Students will be familiar with the rules governing the admissibility of evidence; understand the functions of the law and competing interests; and understand the role of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Students will be guided through the concepts of alternative dispute resolution and will be able to compare and contrast this with the adversarial system in matters of civil disputes. Resolving conflicts through negotiation, collaboration with lawyers, mediated solutions and arbitration are discussed.

Students will be involved in presenting persuasive legal arguments. The identification of the legal issue at hand is discussed as well as how to research, identify and locate meaningful legislation. Being able to communicate in both oral and written formats is stressed.  Advocacy skills including witness preparation, opening statements, cross-examination techniques and final arguments are reviewed. Students complete the course with participation in a mock trial.

Students study the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act and the application of the law to various common landlord and tenant conflicts. Process service, form filling and filing, time limitations and tribunal etiquette are key features of this course. Students do an in-depth study of the procedures for evicting a tenant for non-payment of rent and other violations.

The majority of all civil actions in Ontario are heard in the Small Claims Court. Representation in this court often accounts for a major portion of a paralegal’s work load.   Students learn how to represent a client in the collection of an unpaid account, or in commencing a tort action. Students learn to represent a plaintiff from the beginning to end of an action. This course also provides a study of the rights of creditors and debtors, as well as the procedures available for the recovery of debt on behalf of clients.

Student will study general principles unique to administrative law, including the relationship of administrative tribunals to government, the courts, and laws of evidence, natural justice and judicial review. Statutes and Rules of Procedure for various leading Tribunals are reviewed. Students will demonstrate an understanding of relevant primary legislation (e.g., Judicial Review Procedure Act, Statutory Powers Procedures Act, Human Rights Legislation, etc.) Appeals, judicial review and standards of review will also be explored.

This course will discuss the general practices and procedures before administrative tribunals. Students will be able to identify and interpret enabling legislation of particular tribunals. Students will have a thorough understanding of the tribunal hearing process, the sequence of proceedings in a tribunal hearing, and will understand the nature of evidence introduced at a tribunal hearing. The different boards, commissions and tribunals such as Social Benefits Tribunal, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Assessment Review Board, and Ontario Municipal Board will be discussed.

This course is an overview of issues relating to the employment relationship. Topics include duties of employers and employees, dismissal and wrongful dismissal, employer liability and termination of the contract of employment. Labour laws are also canvassed. The role of the Ontario Ministry of Labour will also be examined.

Students are introduced to the rules and practical aspects of defending clients charged under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Graduates learn how to prepare for hearings and to present cases on behalf of clients. A Field Trip to the court familiarizes students with this critical venue. In conjunction with the HTA, students will understand the various provisions of the Provincial Offences Act. Proceedings by way of Certificate of Offence, Summons, and parking infractions are included in the lecture periods. Trials, sentencing, charter motions, and appeals will also be discussed in detail.

Upon studying this course, the future paralegal will demonstrate the elements necessary to understand different types of crime and relevant legislation (e.g. Criminal Code). The role of the police, the crown, and the defendant in criminal proceedings will be discussed. Other issues that will be examined in detail include, but are not limited to: summary conviction proceedings and available defences; disclosure obligations; diversion options; understanding plea bargains; criminal summary conviction trial procedure; and an understanding of sentencing and appeals.

This course is a discussion of ethics and associated ethical problems from the viewpoint of the practicing paralegal.  A focus on business ethics and the legal dilemmas encountered will prepare the students for the situations they might encounter in the legal field.

The students will study and practice with a computerized billing program and other applications commonly used in law offices.  PCLAW is highlighted in this course.  Students will learn the opening of a file, tracking of a file, docketing and setting up of accounts.

This course is an overview of issues relating to the setup and operation of an Independent Paralegal Business. Topics include the writing of a Business Plan, obtaining financing, office management and advertising. Client relations such interviewing skills are also discussed. Leasehold options, including locating with a law office, are also examined.

This mandatory course helps students prepare for employment, conduct a successful campaign to find employment, and be successful in their career.  Topics covered; preparation of a resume, covering letter, thank you letter, interviewing techniques and communication skills to use in job search.

The internship component of the program is the practical application of a student’s knowledge and skills in an industry environment. The internship requires attendance working in the industry setting. The duration of the internship is 120 hours, during which the student must satisfactorily complete a minimum amount of work experience.