Herzing Blog

It was an experience with a thief that sparked Marsha Swaby’s interest in an immigration career.

Once, while she was on a trip outside of Canada, Marsha had her personal documents stolen. Her ID and other important papers were gone, and she had to find her way through the bureaucratic process of getting them back.

That’s when she decided she wanted to help others facing similar problems.

Marsha signed up for Herzing’s Immigration Case Manager program, completed her internship, and landed a job as a legal services associate even before she graduated.

We spoke to Marsha to get her thoughts on the program and how it has shaped her career path.

Here’s what she had to say.

Updated January 2024

If you’re leaning toward a legal career but aren’t interested in spending years in university and law school, a legal assistant role could be ideal.

Legal assistants provide indispensable support within law firms and legal departments. They take care of a wide range of tasks that keep the office running smoothly, from maintaining client files and scheduling meetings to conducting research and preparing legal documents.

So what does it take to launch a career in this field? How do you become a legal assistant in Canada?

Keep reading to learn about five simple steps that can help you get started.

Updated January 2024

Looking for a quick route to an immigration career? An immigration assistant course may be just what you need.

An immigration assistant course will prepare you to become a key part of a team that helps newcomers navigate the complex process of securing visas and settling in Canada.

Immigration assistants are in charge of the administrative details that keep a client’s case moving forward.

They perform legal research, complete forms, draft submissions, manage deadlines, and communicate with clients and immigration authorities.

Sound like a path you’d like to pursue?

Before you jump into a training program, you need to be clear about basic details like what’s covered in class and what career options you’ll have after graduation.

Is an immigration assistant course right for you? Here are five things to think about as you decide.

Photo: Bonnie Tyler, immigration case manager at Doherty Fultz Immigration in Toronto, Ontario

Immigration case managers play an important role in securing visas and helping people navigate the process of studying abroad or settling in Canada.

They support licensed immigration consultants and lawyers by taking care of a wide range of administrative tasks, from interviewing clients and preparing documents to managing deadlines and communicating with government authorities.

Are you considering a career as an immigration case manager? Wondering what it's really like to work in this field?

To find out, we interviewed Bonnie Tyler, a Toronto-based immigration case manager with more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

Keep reading to get her thoughts on what being an immigration case manager is all about, and what skills and traits are key to success.

Updated January 2024

Eager to work in the legal field without spending years in university? A legal assistant career may be the ideal alternative.

Legal assistants provide the kind of essential support every lawyer needs. They handle a wide range of tasks, from conducting research and preparing documents to scheduling meetings and communicating with clients.

But like any job, working as a legal assistant has both advantages and drawbacks. So you should see the whole picture before making any decisions.

In this post, we describe the major pros and cons of a legal assistant career. Find out what to expect in this role and see if it makes sense for you.

Updated January 2024

If you’re interested in law, good with people, detail-oriented and organized, legal assistant could be an ideal career path.

It’s an excellent time to become a legal assistant. Steady employment growth and waves of retirements are creating jobs in this field in every province. 

You don’t need a university degree, and college legal assistant programs are relatively quick. 

So, how do you get started? What’s involved in becoming a legal assistant?  And most importantly, how do you know if this career is right for you? 

Instructor Cassandra Fultz (RCIC) in her office at Doherty Fultz Immigration in Toronto, Ontario

Demand for immigration case managers has been growing rapidly across Canada. We are welcoming record numbers of immigrants each year, which has increased the need for immigration lawyers, consultants, and case managers.

What part does an immigration case manager play? What special skills do they have and where are they employed?

Updated January 2024

Consider this your road map to becoming a legal assistant. We put this checklist together for anyone who is considering this career, and wants a clear picture of what to expect, right from day one. 

Find out what legal assistants do, where they work, how much money they make, and what training you need to enter this field. See the exact skills you’ll learn in class, what natural characteristics you’ll need to succeed, and the most common pros and cons of life in a legal office. 

Updated January 2024

Legal assistant training is an incredibly popular diploma program. There's no doubt that the rise of courtroom dramas (like Scandal, How To Get Away With Murder, and The Good Wife) play a huge part in this trend.

Updated January 2024

What draws students to legal assistant training instead of say, a business administration program? Why choose this career over other positions that also focus on office management?