Herzing College has been offering accelerated Paralegal and Immigration Case Manager diploma programs for several years. They’re designed to prepare students for rewarding roles in the legal field in just one year or less.

Experienced paralegal and immigration consultant Marilyn Taupan teaches both programs and has been with Herzing since 2021. Her students consistently give her stellar reviews, and she was recently recognized as Herzing College Toronto’s instructor of the year!

We spoke with Marilyn to get her thoughts on the honour and her overall career journey.

Here’s how that conversation unfolded.

Updated December 2022

Paralegals in Ontario have a special status that they don’t enjoy anywhere else in Canada. 

In this province, paralegals can actually represent clients independently (just like a lawyer does) for certain legal matters. 

They can set up a private practice, specialize in a certain area of law, and in some cases, advocate for clients in court. 

However, paralegals must operate within certain limits. They can’t do everything a lawyer can...and there are several important differences between these two career paths. 

Take a look at how the roles stack up so you can decide which one is best for you.  

Updated November 2022

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably considering becoming a paralegal or legal assistant. 

You’re wondering what the role involves and whether it’s a good fit for your personality, interests, and natural talents. 

You’re definitely on the right track. Researching the skills and qualities of good paralegals is an excellent way to explore the career.

A basic job description can only tell you so much. You need to dig deeper and uncover what drives and motivates paralegals—and what it takes to truly excel in this role. 

That’s exactly what we’re covering in this post. 

We'll break down the complete profile of a successful paralegal or legal assistant. Discover the traits you need to become a respected legal professional, and whether this career is your true calling. 

Updated January 2023

Toronto is an excellent place to start a legal career. The city is a major hub for law firms, lobby groups, community organizations, and businesses, offering a wide range of employment options for a variety of legal professionals. 

Becoming a lawyer is not your only option. Toronto is full of successful paralegals, law clerks, legal assistants, and immigration consultants. 

Which path should you choose? 

In this post, we’re breaking down the main differences between two very popular professions: paralegal and law clerk (or legal assistant). 

Understand what these roles entail and how they compare in terms of training requirements, job descriptions, where you can work, and licensing rules. 

Get a clearer idea of which legal career is right for you and exactly how to get started.