Registration for Winter 2026 programs and courses is now open. Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2026. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

Overview

This program provides individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills to represent or advise clients across a range of legal needs, including Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences Court, the Ontario Court of Justice (summary conviction and certain hybrid offences), Provincial and Federal Administrative Tribunals, and select immigration matters. The program is delivered year-round in a hybrid format, with three courses per term combining in-class and online learning. Students complete 240 hours of field placement, and graduates are eligible to write the Law Society of Ontario's (LSO) Paralegal Licensing Examination.

All assessments, including online courses, are completed in-person at the Newnham Campus.

Licensed paralegals are fully qualified and trained legal professionals. In Ontario, paralegals fulfill work responsibilities in:

  • law firms
  • government offices and the public sector
  • insurance and banking including trust companies
  • tech, manufacturing, and other corporations
  • alternative dispute resolution
  • private legal practice serving one's own client base
  • e-discovery (based on the Sedona model)

Law Society of Ontario Accredited Paralegal Education

Taught by practicing lawyers and paralegals, our program is designed in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) core competencies and prepares you to write the LSO Licensing examination. 

Our courses are offered in the evenings and weekends, so you can continue to work full time while you expand your career horizons.

Whether you are changing careers or building on your skill set, the part-time Paralegal certificate program at Seneca can help you thrive in this dynamic field where the scope of practice is likely to expand and employment growth is expected to be strong.

Entry Requirements

While there are no specific entry requirements, the ability to communicate effectively is an expectation of the Paralegal. Both verbal and written communication skills are emphasized throughout the program.

Your fluency in English is critical for your success and there is a strong focus on effective communication skills, both verbal and written, throughout the program.

Application

The requirements of Seneca's part-time Paralegal certificate program are set by the Law Society of Ontario. To apply for the program, please complete the following online application form. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to the Terms of Study for this program outlined below.

To apply for the Paralegal Certificate program, submit your application form by August 25. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and if seats remain available, we'll continue reviewing applications until the program is full.

 

To apply for the Paralegal college certificate program, please complete the below application form.

Curriculum Prior to 2024

Module 1
LGL150 Legal Drafting and Communication
LGL180 Introduction to the Legal System
LGL214 Computer Applications
Module 2
LGL102 Contracts and Torts
LGL126 Administrative Law
LGL411 Legal Research
Module 3
LGL232 Employment Law
PLA301 Legal Accounting
PLE301 Evidence and the Litigation Process
Module 4
LGL226 Tribunal Practice and Procedure
LGL237 Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
PLO401 Provincial Offences / Motor Vehicle Offences
Module 5
PLO311 Criminal Summary Conviction Procedure
PLD401 Advocacy
PLE427 Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Module 6
LGL201 Alternative Dispute Resolution
PLC401 Small Claims Court Practice and Procedure
PLP403 Practice Management and Business Communication
Module 7
LGL215 Immigration Law
FPL490 Field Placement

20 Courses for the Paralegal Certificate, the credential required to write the Law Society Licensing Exam.

All mid-term and final assessments will require personal attendance at the Newnham Campus. Any physical entry on campus is and will be governed by the Seneca health and safety protocols in place at the time.

Curriculum

For students starting the Paralegal Certificate Program in Fall 2024 and onwards.

Certificate Requirements

LGL150
Legal Drafting and Communication
Availability
 

This course provides students with the ability to draft legal documents clearly and concisely.




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LGL180
Introduction to the Legal System
Availability
 

This course introduces students to important elements of the Canadian legal system. Topics include an introduction to the nature of law, the sources of law, the legal system, the Ontario Court system, the legal professions and typology of law. The course also includes an examination of Property Law, Consumer Law, Business Law, the structure of the Canadian Government, the Canadian Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and methods of analysis including the concept of jurisdiction and legal terminology.




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LGL214
Computer Applications
Availability
 

Through the preparation, management and formatting of business and legal correspondence and other documents, LGL214 focuses on mastering intermediate and selected advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Word. This course is designed to further develop students' knowledge of word processing by means of assigned exercises, assignments, test and/or exam; students gain insight into the duties and responsibilities required in the modern legal office environment.




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LGL102
Contracts and Torts
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Completion of all Module 1 Courses

This course introduces the students to two basic areas of the law, namely contracts and torts. Contracts form the foundation of commerce in today's complex society. In this segment of the course the student learns what a contract is, when it is valid, how it may end, how a party deals with breach of contract, and the role of the courts in enforcing contracts and awarding damages for their breach. In the segment dealing with torts, the student learns about various aspects of tort law, with a particular focus on negligence, liability without fault, tort damages and common statutory torts.




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LGL126
Administrative Law
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Completion of all Module 1 Courses

This course introduces students to the general principles of administrative law and the enforcement of government legislation before designated boards and agencies. Students examine relevant Ontario legislation including the Statutory Powers Procedure Act.




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LGL411
Legal Research
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Completion of all Module 1 Courses

This course provides students with an introduction to legal research and basic techniques of good legal writing. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze simple legal problems and to research basic legal questions. Students learn how to find and update primary sources of law using both paper and computerized sources. Students learn how to read, interpret and apply statutes, regulations and cases. Emphasis is placed on Ontario and federal law.




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LGL232
Employment Law
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Module One and Two Courses

This course provides students with a working knowledge of the legal aspects of employment; in particular, the areas of employment standards, occupational health and safety, and workplace safety and insurance will be examined. The course also introduces the student to the administrative practices and procedures of several administrative tribunals in this area of law in Ontario.




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PLA301
Legal Accounting
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Module One and Two Courses

This course is designed to introduce the basics of legal accounting, including the Law Society requirements of paralegals. Students build on their knowledge through the study of Excel and PCLaw.




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PLE301
Evidence and the Litigation Process
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Module One and Two Courses

Students learn the basic principles of the law of evidence and techniques for its introduction in the hearing process. They are first introduced to the general procedure by which a case reaches the criminal and civil courts and the trial process. They examine the various forms and purpose of seeking admissibility of evidence; the exceptions to the rules of general admissibility; the evidentiary rules relating to the testimony of witness and the introduction of real and demonstrative evidence.




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LGL226
Tribunal Practice and Procedure
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Three Courses

This course introduces students to the general practice and procedures before administrative tribunals. Students learn to identify and interpret the enabling legislation of administrative tribunals. Students review the legislation, practice and procedures before various tribunals before which a paralegal may represent a client.




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LGL237
Residential Landlord and Tenant Law
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Three Courses

This course introduces students to residential tenancies, and covers the Residential Tenancies Act. Students are taught the law and procedures relating to the termination of residential tenancies and other common applications that come before the Landlord and Tenant Board.




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PLO401
Provincial Offences / Motor Vehicle Offences
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Three Courses

This course permits students to apply their knowledge of the substance and procedures of the Provincial Offences Act to specific offences, with emphasis on motor vehicle offences and trials. Students develop research and analytical skills as well as a practical knowledge of trial procedures.




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PLO311
Criminal Summary Conviction Procedure
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Four Courses

This course introduces the substantive law and procedure related to offences under the Criminal Code of Canada, with the emphasis on summary conviction offences. Students review the limited role of the paralegal in the criminal court process. Students also learn the required procedures to apply for a pardon.




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PLD401
Advocacy
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Four Courses

This course teaches the student the advocacy skills required in small claims court, provincial offences court and tribunals. Students prepare and present opening statements, examinations-in-chief, cross-examinations and closing arguments in class. At the end of the term, students participate in a mock trial.




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PLE427
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Four Courses

Independent paralegals must be licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Law Society by-laws and Paralegal Rules of Conduct - both based in the Law Society Act - set out professional and ethical obligations of Paralegals. Paralegals failing to meet these obligations are subject to the Society's complaints and discipline process. This course teaches students the permitted scope of practice of licensed paralegals and examines the Paralegal Rules of Conduct.




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Field Placement (Option 1)
FPL495
Paralegal Field Placement
Availability
 




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LGL201
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Five Courses

This course deals with methods of alternative dispute resolution, that is, processes devised to resolve a dispute outside the judicial system. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques include negotiation, mediation and arbitration. In this course, students become familiar with these techniques and work on the development of negotiation and mediation skills using an interest-based approach.




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PLC401
Small Claims Court Practice and Procedure
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Five Courses

This course introduces the student to the practice and procedures of the Small Claims Court. Topics covered include basic collection procedures, the decision to sue, the investigation of claims, and the process of commencing an action, bringing it to trial and the enforcement of judgments.




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PLP403
Practice Management and Business Communication
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Five Courses

This course teaches the basic requirements for establishing and operating a paralegal business. The course also introduces the student to the knowledge and communication skills necessary for the successful management of a paralegal practice.




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LGL215
Immigration Law
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All Modules One to Six Courses

This course provides the student with a basic working knowledge of Canadian immigration law and policy. Immigration is a comprehensive field of government regulation that encompasses diverse issues ranging from social, family and economic development considerations to the international refugee problem. The student is made familiar with the main areas of immigration policy and procedure.




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PLR301
Refugee Law for Paralegals
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

All 200 level courses.

This course is a continuation of Immigration Law, LGL215. Students focus on Canadian refugee law and how it fits into general immigration law and policy as set out by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the Immigration and Refugee Board. This subject deals with issues such as the international refugee problem, persons in need of protection, the process of seeking protection and of claiming refugee status in Canada; and the tribunal process of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The course also examines hearing procedures for immigration appeals, removals and detention reviews. This course requires students to complete one major research assignment in a group and to make an oral presentation of findings.




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CAN132 OR OHS101
 
CAN132
Issues in Diversity
Availability
 

Students critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, class and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students develop a clear understanding of the groups affected and the possible strategies of community empowerment.




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OHS101
Legislation for Health and Safety
Availability
 

This course covers the various jurisdictions, how to locate specific OHS legislation, the interface between statutes, regulations, codes and standards, the obligations of employers and employees, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and Regulations, filing claims, entitlement decision making, benefits, appeals and re-employment. You must achieve a grade of 60% to pass this course.




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Field Placement (Option 2)
FPL495
Paralegal Field Placement
Availability
 




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FPL495 Field Placement (Option 1)
Option 1 permits students to begin their placement at the commencement of Module 5 in Year 2, to be completed by the end of Module 7. The placement is hybrid implying a combination of live attendance and remote tasking with the permission of the placement host and the field placement supervisor.

FPL495 Field Placement (Option 2)
Option 2 permits students to begin their placement at the commencement of Module 8 in Year 3, to be completed by the end of the module. The placement requires live, in-person attendance at the host location with no remote component permitted. In Module 8, there are no other courses except the placement.

Program Progression

The Paralegal certificate program has one intake per year – Fall (September). To apply for this program students need to complete the Online Application Form and register in the first module courses.

Students must complete all modules in the order presented and take all three courses in each module in the same term. Prerequisites will be strictly enforced. Students need to commit to taking all modules consecutively, one term after another without any interruption in study. This means one cannot take a term off and then restart the program. It is essential that students start the program with a cohort and proceed through the program with the same cohort.

Failure to follow the module progression will result in a student being withdrawn from the program and thus risk incurring academic or financial penalties.

If a student fails a course they need to consult with the Academic Program area to determine when it will be offered again.

Field Placement

The field placement time requirement, mandated by the Law Society of Ontario ["LSO"], is 240 hours. 

Students are encouraged to expose themselves to a business environment one might reasonably expect to encounter in ordinary, private legal practice. A placement comprised of 240 consecutive hours offers a beneficial continuity of experience and therefore it is strongly recommended. 

Beginning with the induction of the September 2024 cohort, the 240-hour placement may be fulfilled in two, different ways. There are two options for students:

Option 1: The placement may be commenced at the beginning of Module 5, and it may be completed at any time – day or night, weekdays or weekends, live or remote between the beginning of Module 5 and the end of Module 7, subject to approval by the Field Placement Coordinator. You may find your own placement host or Seneca FPL placement facilities will provide placement assistance.

Program Outcomes

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

  • articulate and adhere to the permitted scope of paralegal practice and the Paralegal Rules of Conduct and complete all work in compliance with the ethical and professional responsibilities of a Paralegal.
  • manage a paralegal practice and operate a small business, within the Paralegal Rules of Conduct relevant to these matters by effectively utilizing administrative and business management skills.
  • describe the fundamental elements of the Canadian government and legal system, including the Constitution Act, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the organization of the Canadian court system, and the basic principles of property, business and consumer law.
  • articulate and adhere to the basic principles of tort and contract law.
  • conduct legal research and write legal memoranda and reports.
  • adhere to the civil litigation process, within the permitted scope of paralegal practice, and apply procedural and evidentiary rules related to proceedings in the Small Claims Court.
  • describe the principles of criminal law, and adhere to the rules relating to proceedings under the Criminal Code before a summary conviction court.
  • describe the principles of the law of provincial offences, and adhere to the rules relating to proceedings under the Provincial Offences Act before the Ontario Court of Justice.
  • make effective client representation before courts and administrative tribunals within the permitted scope of paralegal practice.
  • compare and contrast various alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, select an appropriate mechanism as required, and explain to the client the potential consequences of the dispute resolution mechanism.
  • adhere to the basic principles of administrative law, and of general practice and procedure before administrative tribunals.
  • articulate and adhere to the principles of employment law, and the practice and procedure related to the administrative tribunals that deal with employment matters.
  • articulate and adhere to residential landlord and tenant law, and the practice and procedure before the Landlord and Tenant Board.
  • draft all necessary documents in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
  • apply basic accounting principles, terminology, and operations to all paralegal obligations related to trust accounts, and the Law Society's requirements for book and record keeping.
  • select and use the appropriate computer software necessary to produce correspondence, spreadsheets, memoranda and legal documents.
  • prepare an employment resume in accordance with professional legal standards.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Licensing Information

Note: Regarding Law Society of Ontario Licensing Procedures

The Law Society has an annual Paralegal Licensing Cycle in which there are three opportunities within that cycle for the Paralegal Licensing examination to be written by college graduates. The application process usually becomes available on the Law Society website in the fall of every year.

To be eligible to write the licensing examination the student must have applied to the Law Society, met all of the Law Society's requirements and have graduated from an accredited Paralegal program. It is incumbent on every student to be aware of the Law Society application criteria, deadlines for submission of documents and fees. Please refer to the Law Society of Ontario Paralegal Licensing Process for detail information.

Paralegal students are expected to submit an official request for a transcript (via Registration) to be sent to the Law Society in time to meet the Law Society's Licensing Examination date deadline.

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) website provides information on the examination dates and deadlines regarding licensing requirements

Academic Program Schedule

Paralegal Certificate Program – Academic Program Schedule

For students starting the Paralegal Certificate Program in Fall 2024 and onwards.

See important note below.

Year

Fall

Winter

Summer

1
(Modules 1 – 3)

LGL180

Introduction to the Legal System
(In-person)

 

LGL214

Legal Computer
Applications
(Online Synchronous)

 

LGL150
Legal Drafting &
Communication
(In-person)

LGL126

Administrative Law
(Online Synchronous)

 

LGL102

Contracts & Torts
(In-person)

 

LGL411

Legal Research
(In-person)

 

LGL232

Employment Law
(Online Synchronous)

 

PLA301

Legal Accounting
(In-person)

 

PLE301

Evidence & the Litigation Process
(In-person)

 

2
(Modules 4 – 6)

LGL237

Residential Tenant and
Landlord Law
(In-person)

 

LGL226

Tribunal Practice
& Procedure
(In-person)

 

PLO401

Provincial
Offences / Motor
Vehicle Offences
(Online Synchronous)

PLO311

Criminal Summary Conviction
Procedure (Online Synchronous)

 

PLD401

Advocacy
(In-person)

 

PLE427

Ethics
and Professional
Responsibility
(In-person)

 

FPL 495 (Option 1)
Field Placement
(See note)

LGL201

Alternative Dispute Resolution (In-person)

 

PLC401

Small Claims Court Practice
& Procedure
(In-person)

 

PLP403

Practice
Management &
Business Communication
(Online Synchronous)

3
(Modules 7 – 8)

LGL215

Immigration Law
(Online Synchronous)

 

PLR301

Refugee Law for Paralegals
(Online Synchronous)

 

plus, any one of:

 

CAN132

Issues in Diversity
(Online Asynchronous)

 

Or

 

OHS101

Legislation for
Health & Safety (Online Asynchronous)

FPL 495 (Option 2)
Field Placement
(See note)

 
 

The mandatory field placement course offers students TWO options. Option 1 permits students to begin their placement at the commencement of Module 5 in Year 2, to be completed by the end of Module 7 in Year 3. The placement is hybrid implying a combination of live attendance and remote tasking with the permission of the placement host and the field placement supervisor. Option 2 permits students to begin their placement at the commencement of Module 8 in Year 3, to be completed by the end of the module. The placement requires live, in-person attendance at the host location with no remote component permitted. In Module 8, there are no other courses except the placement.

PRL Certificate FAQs

1. I have graduated from the Law Clerk program will you accept any of my courses in the Paralegal program?
Answer: No, none of the courses in the Law Clerk program or the Legal Assistant program can be used towards the part-time Paralegal program.

2. When can I start in the program?
Answer: We accept new students into the program each fall semester (September).

3. How do I apply to the program?
Answer: There is only one in-take per year for the part-time Paralegal program, in the Fall semester. There are no specific entry requirements for the program at this time. The ability to communicate effectively is an expectation of the Paralegal program. Both verbal and written communication skills are emphasized throughout the program.

The application form is on the website under Core Information. All students who are interested in the program must complete and submit an application form. Applications are accepted throughout the year prior to the fall semester start. This is a popular program, so we recommend applying early.

4. What happens after I submit my online application?
Answer: You will receive an email confirming your acceptance with further information on how to register and important guidelines/expectations. Registration for the Fall semester will open in June.

5. Once I start in the program, can I take a semester off?
Answer: Once students begin in the program in September, they attend classes continuously for seven semesters with no break. There are three courses required in each module (semester). Students are expected to complete all three courses successfully before progressing to the next module.

6. I am a current student and cannot register in any courses even though registration is open. Why?
Answer: Once final grades are posted and you have completed your current three courses successfully, the system will allow you to register for the coming semester.

7. I dropped out of the program a few years ago and I want to finish it now. How do I do that?
Answer: Please contact yasmeen.syed@senecapolytechnic.ca who will review your course history. If you dropped out of the program more than two years ago, you may be asked to re-apply to the program and start from the beginning, depending on the age of your credits.

8. What is the difference between the Paralegal diploma offered in full time and the certificate offered part time?
Answer: At this time, the Faculty of Continuing Education only offers the Paralegal certificate, the diploma is offered in full-time studies. There are more courses required in the diploma, such as communication and general education courses. Both the certificate program and the diploma program are designed in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) core competencies and both prepare students to write the LSO Licensing examination.

9. Will I be allowed to write the Law Society of Ontario licensing exam if I complete the certificate?
Answer: To be eligible to write the licensing examination the student must have applied to the Law Society, met all of the Law Society's requirements and have graduated from an accredited Paralegal program. It is incumbent on every student to be aware of the Law Society application criteria, deadlines for submission of documents and fees. Please refer to the Law Society of Ontario Paralegal Licensing Process for detail information. The certificate program is accredited by the LSO.

Graduates of our part-time certificate program may apply to the LSO to write the licensing exam, as it is a Law Society of Ontario Accredited Paralegal program.

10. Am I able to fulfil my placement at least once or twice a week instead of consecutively as long as the total hours amount to 240 as required?
Upon approval, it is possible to negotiate the parameters of your placement with the employer, provided you complete a total of 240 hours. However, please note that some employers have been reluctant to accept alternative arrangements in the past. Remote placements are now permitted in certain circumstances. You may wish to find your own placement employer who might be open to accommodating your needs. If you choose to do so, you must obtain approval for the plan and the employer from the Field Placement Coordinator before commencing the placement.

11. If I find my own placement, do I still have to pay for the Field Placement course? If I have already paid, do I get a refund?
Yes, you are still required to pay for the course. Unfortunately, refunds are not possible.

12. When does the placement run?
Depending upon the option you choose, the placement runs between the beginning of the 5th module and the end of the 7th module or in an optional 8th module as a stand-alone course.

Do I get paid for placement?
No, the placement is unpaid. It is an opportunity for you to enhance your résumé, gain direct experience, and fulfill the ministry-imposed requirements for graduation.

  

Paralegal Studies FAQs

  1. Does Seneca offer flexible scheduling options for accredited paralegal studies?
    Yes! Seneca offers a flexible, student-focused approach to completing accredited paralegal studies. Whether you're balancing work, family, or other commitments, you can choose a pace of study that works for your lifestyle. Our programs are designed to support learners who prefer an intensive, immersive experience as well as those who need a more gradual learning path.
  2. What are my options for completing the Paralegal program at my preferred pace?
    Seneca offers three learning pathways so you can choose the schedule that best fits your goals, availability, and lifestyle:
    • Standard Pace Option (PLE):
      This Ontario College Diploma pathway is designed for students who want to engage in full-time study over four semesters, typically completed in two academic years, with a summer break between Year 1 and Year 2. A 240-hour field placement takes place after all coursework is completed. Ideal for students who want to balance their studies over a steady, structured timeline.
    • Accelerated Pace Option (PLEA):
      This intensive pathway condenses the same diploma-level studies into 12 consecutive months, followed by a 240-hour field placement. It?s well-suited for learners who are able to dedicate a full year to immersive, fast-tracked education.
    • Part-time Pace Option (PRL-C):
      This certificate-level program is typically completed over two years and three months, followed by a 240-hour field placement. Classes are scheduled on evenings and weekends, making it an ideal choice for students who are working, managing family responsibilities, or prefer a slower and more flexible approach to their studies.
  3. How do I apply to Seneca's Paralegal programs?
    If you're looking to complete the diploma-level Paralegal program, you'll apply through ontariocolleges.ca. If you're looking to take fewer courses each semester and prefer a less intensive pace of study, explore the Paralegal Certificate, you can apply here.
    Need help? Reach out to: theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
  4. When do the Paralegal learning paths begin?
    • Standard Pace (PLE) begins each September.
    • Accelerated Pace (PLEA) offers two start times each year: May and September.
    • Part-time Pace (PRL-C) begins each September.
  5. What is the deadline to apply?
    For Fall term programs, apply by February 1 to be considered equally with other applicants. After that date, applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  6. Are any of the Paralegal courses available online?
    Seneca's Paralegal diploma programs are delivered primarily in person, with some hybrid and fully online components. While a small number of courses may be offered fully online, most require you to attend on-campus classes at the Seneca@York campus in Toronto. Please consult the delivery breakdown on the Course Delivery page for each program.
    In the Part-time Pace option, one of the three courses per semester is typically delivered in an online, synchronous format. However, all mid-term and final assessments must be completed in person at the Newnham Campus, where all in-person classes are also held.
  7. Are there significant differences between the diploma and certificate pathways?
    Both diploma and certificate students learn the same course content, sometimes even taught by the same professors. All graduates - regardless of pathway - are eligible to write the Paralegal Licensing Exam through the Law Society of Ontario. The main differences lie in the credential awarded and the schedule structure.
  8. Can I transfer credits from other schools or programs?
    Seneca allows transfer credits from LSO-accredited paralegal programs only. We cannot accept credits from general legal studies or work experience. You can request credit for up to 25% of the total program, with a minimum grade of C required. Learn more: Transfer Credit Pre-Approval.
  9. Can I switch from an accelerated pace to a standard pace?
    Yes - early in your studies, students can move from the Accelerated (PLEA) to the Standard (PLE) path, ideally within the first semester. After this window, switching becomes more complex due to course scheduling. If you're unsure about your ability to manage a fast-paced curriculum, we recommend starting with the standard pace.
  10. When can I start my Field Placement?
    For Diploma Students (PLE & PLEA):
    Field placements begin after the final semester of coursework and consist of 240 hours of hands-on, real-world experience. The timing of your placement is flexible and depends on your course load and availability. All placements must be coordinated with and approved by the Field Placement Coordinator.
    For Certificate Students (PRL-C):
    The 240-hour field placement in the Paralegal Certificate program can be completed in one of two ways, giving students flexibility in how they fulfill this requirement.
    To learn more about these two placement options, see this link.
  11. Is the program open to international students?
    No. At this time, Seneca's Paralegal diploma programs are available only to domestic students.
  12. What are the English Language Requirements?
    For Diploma Programs:
    Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through:
    • Completion of a postsecondary credential from a country where English is the primary language, or
    • A successful result on Seneca's Pre-Admission English Test. For the
    For the Certificate Program (PRL-C):
    While there are no formal English requirements, strong verbal and written communication skills are essential and emphasized throughout the program.

Part-time Paralegal Coordinator

Randa Mouammar

Randa Mouammar began her career in criminal, human rights and immigration law before moving abroad to launch her own practice focusing on contract law for cross jurisdictional SMEs. Prior to taking on a full-time faculty role, she worked in the area of contract law and construction litigation in Ontario. Randa has a Masters in Political Science, and Law Degree from Western University. She is active in the community and was a ProBono Ontario volunteer, bringing her inclusive approach and focus on equity and access to justice to her teachings. Randa is the Program Coordinator for the Paralegal Diploma and Paralegal Certificate programs at Seneca. She spent time on Seneca's Research and Ethics Board, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Academic Integrity Committee, and is also a member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.

Program Contacts

Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
Annie.Kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0985


Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0965


For more information about this program, fill out the following form.