Herzing instructor Paula Callaghan has long been a key figure in the Ontario paralegal industry.

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 January 2023

You may be aware that paralegals have a special status in Ontario.

Unlike their peers in other areas of Canada, paralegals in Ontario can earn a licence and represent clients independently. They have a high degree of autonomy and a broad scope of practice.

But there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about paralegal training, duties, and career options. Before you head down this path, you need to make sure you understand the facts about the profession.

In this post, we explain the reality behind seven of the biggest myths about paralegals.

Read on to get a true picture of the role and see if it’s right for you.

Updated January 2023

If you're thinking about becoming a paralegal, you probably have two key questions: what is the job market like and how much money can you expect to earn?

Unlike most regions of Canada, Ontario allows paralegals to become licensed and independently represent clients in certain legal matters.

That opens up a broad range of career opportunities, including starting your own practice.

But before you head down this path, you should know if paralegals are in demand and how much they typically make.

That's what this post is all about. We provide the latest paralegal job outlook and salary information for Ontario.

We also describe different career paths that paralegal program graduates can take in this province.

Here are the facts you need to make an informed decision about your future.

Updated January 2023

The first thing to know about paralegals is that the job description varies depending on where you live—and whether you are licensed.  

In Ontario, paralegals can pass a licensing exam that allows them to represent clients independently (like a lawyer) for certain legal matters. Ontario is one of the few regions in Canada where paralegals have this option.

A licensed paralegal in Ontario can start their own private legal practice. They can represent clients in small claims court, traffic court, and tribunals, and for certain criminal matters. 

In other parts of Canada, paralegals do not have the option to obtain a licence and operate independently. Instead, their role is to support lawyers—as legal assistants or law clerks. 

Ontario paralegals have a choice. They can decide to get licensed and represent clients independently. Or they can become legal assistants (which does not require a licence).  It all depends on your career goals. 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the job descriptions of licensed paralegals and legal assistants, and the training required to get started in this field. 

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. 

Photo: Sadique Alexander graduated from the Paralegal Program at Herzing College Toronto in March 2019

There's no doubt about it: Paralegal has become a massively popular career path in Ontario. There are many colleges offering diplomas, and many job options to choose from.

You can join a law firm, start your own practice, choose an area of law that really inspires you...and best of all, help people in need of affordable legal services. But is becoming a paralegal right for you?

If you've been thinking about paralegal training, but aren't sure about taking the next step, your best bet is to talk with someone who's recently completed the program.

Paralegal students at Herzing College Toronto participating in a mock trial

Updated January 2023

In our experience, paralegal training attracts a very specific kind of student. These people are analytical, hard-working, articulate, socially conscious, and driven to help others.

They have a strong sense of ethics and are genuinely fascinated by how our legal system works. We're talking about a special kind of person who believes in justice and wants to make legal services more available and affordable to Ontario residents.

Because that's exactly what paralegals do. So, what should you know about this training and career path before you take the leap and enrol in a program?

Updated January 2023

Paralegals in Ontario are non-lawyer agents who are licensed to provide certain legal services to members of the public. Paralegals can handle quite a broad range of legal matters, making this career path particularly challenging and rewarding.

According to market research conducted by the Canadian government, demand for paralegal services has increased significantly in recent years, driven by good economic growth and constant changes in legislation and related regulations.