June 26, 2013 | Ontario

Train for an in-demand legal career in less than a year

Toronto, ON – June 26, 2013 – In response to the growing need for well-trained paralegals, CDI College is now offering a Paralegal diploma program at its campus in Toronto. The program will provide students with the fundamental education needed to enter the legal field in 51 weeks.

According to Employment Ontario, the province’s employment and training network, prospects for paralegals and legal assistants are good. Long regarded as essential elements of any legal team, paralegals may now act independently, representing clients as agents in small claims matters such as landlord/tenant issues, matters before most federal and provincial agencies, pardons, name changes, tribunals and other civil matters. The new Paralegal program at CDI College will prepare students to take on this work and more.

The curriculum in the Paralegal program combines a theoretical approach with practical application. Along with an overview of the Canadian legal system and Ontario law, students study numerous areas of law including, administrative law, torts, contracts, residential landlord and tenant law, employment law, immigration, insurance claims and more. They also learn about advocacy, legal research and writing, ethics, alternative dispute resolution, legal computer applications and surveillance techniques. Paralegal accounting, practice management and operating a paralegal business are covered, as well.

Students gain experience in a field placement in a law firm, corporate legal department or similar legal environment under the supervision of experienced legal professionals. The practicum experience will meet the Law Society of Upper Canada’s requirements to qualify to write the Paralegal Certification exam.

Graduates will be prepared for employment in law firms, financial institutions, government agencies, large corporations, courts and more. Paralegals in Ontario may also be self-employed.