Paralegal (Accelerated) (PLEA)

Starts in May, September

Campus

Newnham

Delivery

In-person

Duration

3 Semesters (13 Months)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

School

School of Public Safety

Important campus update: Starting in May 2026, the Paralegal (Accelerated) program currently offered at Seneca@York Campus will be relocated to Newnham Campus.

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in the following formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment.

Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
LGL151	Introduction to the Legal System for Paralegals	Not offered	In-person	In-person
	This subject 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 court system, the legal professions; the Canadian Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and methods of analysis.
LGL152	Contracts and Torts for Paralegals	Not offered	Hybrid	Hybrid
	This subject introduces the students to two basic areas of the law, namely contracts and torts. Contracts form the foundation of commerce in todays complex society. In this segment of the subject 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.
LGL153	Legal Entities and Relationships	Not offered	Online	Online
	In this subject, students acquire an understanding of various legal entities and relationships, including the basic concepts and terminology of property law, business law, wills and estates, and powers of attorney. However, these topics are not permissible areas of practice for independent paralegals.
LGL154	Computer Applications for Paralegals I	Not offered	In-person	In-person
	Through the preparation, management, and formatting of business and legal correspondence and other documents, LGL154 focuses on mastering intermediate and selected advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Word. This subject is designed to further develop students knowledge of word processing and legal software by means of assigned exercises, gaining insight into the duties and responsibilities required in the modern legal office environment.
LGL156	Administrative Law for Paralegals	Not offered	Hybrid	Hybrid
	This subject 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.
LGL160	Legal Drafting and Communication	Not offered	In-person	In-person
	This course introduces the principles of clear communication and emphasizes effective, concise drafting that meets the competencies required by the Law Society of Ontario.
LGL225	Immigration Law	Not offered	Online	Online
	This subject 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.
LGL250	Legal Research for Paralegals	Not offered	Hybrid	Hybrid
	This subject 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.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
LGL251	Employment Law For Paralegals	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject 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.
LGL252	Residential Landlord and Tenant Law for Paralegals	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject introduces the student 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.
PLA350	Legal Accounting	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This subject is designed to provide the basics of legal accounting, including the Law Society requirements of paralegals. Students will build on their knowledge through the study of Excel and PCLaw.
PLE351	Evidence and the Litigation Process	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	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.
PLO352	Criminal Law/Summary Conviction Procedure	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	This subject 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.
PLT353	Tribunal Practice and Procedure	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This subject introduces the students to the general practice and procedure before administrative tribunals. Students learn to identify and interpret the enabling legislation of administrative tribunals. Students review the legislation, practice and procedure of various tribunals before which a paralegal may represent a client.
PLY354	Computer Applications for Paralegals II	Online	Not offered	Online
	Through the creation of professional resumes and cover letters, and the participation in a face-to-face mock job interview, students will develop skills necessary to enhance student employability. Students will also study general marketing principles and the Law Society Ontario Rules and By-Laws to develop a marketing strategy for a fictitious paralegal firm. Students will learn how to create specialized websites, business cards, and social media profiles and use the latest presentation software to create and deliver professional presentations.

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
FPL492	Field Placement for Paralegals	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	Field Placement for Paralegals Students are required to complete field placement in a legal work setting to apply the theory and skills they have learned in the program to gain work experience. Field placement promotes the concept of learning by doing. Students must successfully complete 240 field placement hours to graduate from their program. The Law Society of Ontario requires a minimum of 240 hours of Field Placement/Practicum work experience.
PLC450	Small Claims Court - Practice and Procedure	Hybrid	Hybrid	Not offered
	This subject introduces the student to practice and procedures of the Small Claims Court. Topics covered include types of small claims court actions, the decision to sue, the investigation of claims, and the process of commencing an action, bringing it to trial and the enforcement of judgments.
PLD451	Advocacy	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This subject 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.
PLE452	Ethics and Professional Responsibility	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	Independent paralegals must be licensed by the Law Society of Upper Canada. 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 Law Society of Ontario complaints and discipline process. This subject teaches students the permitted scope of practice of licensed paralegals and examines the Paralegal Rules of Conduct. This course also provides a focus on the historical and legal context of the Indigenous peoples in Canada and how paralegals can ensure that the provision of legal services to the Indigenous community is delivered in a respectful manner.
PLN455	Alternative Dispute Resolution	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This subject deals with methods of alternative dispute resolution, that is, processes devised to resolve disputes outside the judicial system. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques include negotiation, mediation and arbitration. In this subject, the student becomes familiar with these techniques and works on the development of negotiation and mediation skills using an interest-based approach.
PLO453	Provincial Offences/ Motor Vehicle Offences	Hybrid	Hybrid	Not offered
	This subject permits students to learn and apply their knowledge 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.
PLP454	Practice Management and Business Communications	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	This subject teaches the basic requirements for establishing and operating a paralegal business. The subject also introduces the student to the knowledge and communication skills necessary for the successful management of a paralegal practice.
PLR311	Refugee Law for Paralegals	Online	Online	Not offered
	This subject 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 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship 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 processes and procedures of the divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. This subject requires students to complete one major research assignment in a group and to make an oral presentation of findings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Learn more about program learning outcomes for this program.

Archived Program & Course Information

To find details on programs or courses from prior academic years, browse our archive of program information.