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Bachelor of Paralegal Studies

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Program Code: PL411
Credential: Honours Degree
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 8 semesters
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Humber is proud to have the highest graduate employment and employer satisfaction rate of the GTA colleges based on Colleges Ontario’s key performance indicators for college graduates in 2022-2023.

Program Overview

Humber’s Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program is a four-year Honours Degree program which has received accreditation by the Law Society of Ontario as an accredited paralegal education program. This program combines legal theory with practical applications in courses covering ethics and professional responsibility, negotiation and mediation, evidence, advocacy, tort law, contract law, insurance law, and employment law. Students are provided with the legal foundation needed to consider a career as a licensed paralegal.  

We believe that properly representing a client includes understanding the client’s background and motivation. As a result, our program has eight electives which provide students with the opportunity to study social science, humanities and science. 

Courses


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Work-Integrated Learning  

offers on-the-job training where you will use and sharpen the skills you’ve learned in class and apply them to real-world situations.

The field experience is from May to August after Semester 6 and lasts 14 weeks/420 hours. You will work with your placement advisor to find a placement that fits your career goals. We provide placement support, such as working with the legal community, to identify field-experience opportunities.

Humber Advantages

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Program Highlights

As an Honours Bachelor of Paralegal Studies degree program, there is no better place to focus on paralegal education than at the Longo Faculty of Business at Humber. Professors in the program possess a graduate degree, as well as having extensive practical experience in the legal field. Bernie Aron, Program Coordinator of the Paralegal Studies degree program recently received a John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for his exceptional focus on teaching and learning excellence.

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Watch the video to find out more about the program from faculty, students and graduates. 

Student Testimonial

Our Program Co-ordinator and School staff such as the placement center are really helpful when it comes to helping students be successful. They encourage students to apply in all different places. I would have never considered Tax Law as a field I would be interested in, however I applied for it and now I genuinely really like this area of law. I owe my success this past four months to the placement center and my program co-coordinator for always pushing students to be better, and try new things in their career paths.” 

– Eimy Barrios

Advisory Committee

females sitting around a table

The advisory committee is made graduates and industry professionals who are responsible for helping shape the curriculum to ensure the short and long term success of our students and graduates.

Degrees that Give You Time to Decide

Degrees based on a common platform with pathways to areas of specializations, give students the time to decide on a career path while gaining insights into the fundamentals of business.

Humber Degree Scholarships

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to graduating high school students based on academic achievement. See this following chart for details. Some of the scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain an average of 80 per cent or more.

95%+ $4,000 renewable
90 - 94.9% $3,500 renewable
85 - 89.9% $3,000 renewable
80 - 84.9% $2,000 renewable
75 - 79.9%  $1,500 one time

Diploma to Degree Transfer Student Scholarship

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to students entering any Humber degree program who have completed a two or three-year diploma from a publicly-funded college. Students who have achieved a program GPA of 80% or better will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $2,500 in recognition of their academic achievement at the diploma level. Diplomas do not have to be related to the degree program of choice and are not tied to the eligibility for advanced standing or transfer credit. No application is required.

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Go Abroad

Degree students may qualify for a Semester Abroad in countries such as Japan, Finland, New Zealand, or Summer Abroad and Placement Abroad opportunities.

Expert Faculty

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You'll learn from professors who have real-world experience and are active in the industry. Our professors are committed to providing you with practical, hands-on training to help you achieve the career you want.

View Credentials

Bernard Aron

LLM (Law) – York University
BA (History) – McMaster University

Carolyn MacLean

LLM (Law) – York University

Jasteena Dhillon

LLM (Public International Law) – Leiden University
JD (Common Law) – University of Windsor
BA – University of Toronto
Professor

John Allen

PhD (Law) - York University
LLM (Law) - York University
LLB (Law) - Queen’s University
BASc (Agriculture) - University of Guelph
BA (History) - Queen’s University

Karen Schucher

PhD (Law) – York University
LLM (Canadian Human Rights Legal Theory and Enforcement) – York University
LLB (Law) – York University
MA (Philosophy) – University of Toronto
BA (English and Philosophy) – University of Toronto
Professor

Kirk Rintoul

LLM (Law) – London School of Economics
JD (Law) – Osgoode Hall Law School
BA (History and Political Science) – University of Toronto
Professor

Paul Dollak

LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) – York University
JD – Dalhousie University
BA (History) – University of Toronto
Professor

Richard Quon

LLM (Criminal Law and Procedure) – York University
LLB (Common Law and Civil Law) – McGill University
BASc (Political Science) – University of Lethbridge
Professor

Rick Libman

PhD (Law) – York University
LLM (Law) – York University
LLB (Law) – University of Windsor
BA – York University
Professor

Sherry Darvish

MTax (Taxation) – University of Waterloo
JD – York University
BSc – University of Toronto
Professor

Shirley Wales

LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution) – York University
LLB (Law) – University of Toronto
BA (Economics and Political Science) – York University
Professor

 


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Your Career

Your career as a paralegal can take you in many exciting directions, from representing clients in the Ontario Small Claims Court and Provincial Offences Court to being a paralegal in a major law firm or government department.

Paralegals interview clients and witnesses, prepare legal documents and affidavits, conduct legal research, and often track down key information for a legal case. They identify case precedents and play a key role in assisting lawyers to prepare for examinations for discovery, settlement hearings and trials. In fact, they are a key part of the legal process.

Paralegals work in law firms, as part of the legal departments of corporate firms, in government and in community organizations. You may also become a provincial offences prosecutor, a Small Claims Court legal representative, legal researcher, court monitor, paralegal firm manager or you may choose to start your own paralegal practice.

Paralegals also provide important advocacy services to clients appearing before specialized tribunals such as the Landlord and Tenant Board, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

As a paralegal, you’ll cover a wide range of legal matters, from wrongful dismissal to no-fault automobile insurance benefits to immigration and refugee board proceedings.

Our program can help you develop the competencies and skills you need to create the paralegal career you want. Our students have had the opportunity to do field experiences with the Department of Justice Canada and Legal Aid Ontario while our graduates have been hired by major law firms in Toronto such as Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, and Gowling WLG.

Professional Accreditations & Recognition

Law Society of Ontario

The program is recognized by the Law Society of Ontario as an Accredited Paralegal Education Program. Graduates of the program may apply for licensing as a paralegal in Ontario. The license is issued by the Law Society of Ontario.

Additional requirements may apply.

Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open
Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students in Canada who apply for May 2024 start could be eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship*. Apply now

Start dates between Sept 2024 - Aug 2025
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2024 Course-Based Lakeshore Open

Humber is a publicly-funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber or Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International Students Out of Canada can Apply through Humber International

Upcoming Recruitment Events

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Can't make it to campus? Visit Experience Humber Virtually  

Ask questions in live virtual Q&A chats with Ask Humber  

Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

About the Humber COIs  

Bachelor of Applied Arts - Paralegal Studies

Bernie Sanders

Watch the video to learn about the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal Studies degree program.


News Feed

Paralegal Alumna Achieves Academic Success at Osgoode Hall Law School

Paralegal Alumna Achieves Academic Success at Osgoode Hall Law School

Mon, March 11, 2024

Paralegal alumna, Amira Syed, achieved another milestone by graduating from the Professional LLM program at Osgoode Hall Law School.

Read More
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Empowers Legal Students at Guest Speaker Event

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Empowers Legal Students at Guest Speaker Event

Fri, February 16, 2024

The Work-Integrated Learning Centre, in collaboration with the Humber Legal Association, hosted a panel presentation by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

Read More
Paralegal Alumna Accepted into Dalhousie Law School

Paralegal Alumna Accepted into Dalhousie Law School

Thu, January 18, 2024

Paralegal Studies graduate, Olesya Chiloch, was the first graduate to be accepted for admission to the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University.

Read More
Transformative Discourse: Paralegal Studies and Access to Justice

Transformative Discourse: Paralegal Studies and Access to Justice

Thu, January 04, 2024

The Journal of Paralegal Access to Justice edited by Jasteena Dhillon and Bernard Aron explores barriers to justice and advocates for paralegal roles.

Read More

No news at this time.

Ministry Consent

Humber College has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting April 29, 2019.  Humber College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Bernard Aron, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 3336
bernard.aron@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4U or equivalent) minimum 65 per cent
      • Five Grade 12 U or M courses in addition to those listed above
      • Overall minimum grade point average (GPA) 65 per cent

    or

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

N/A

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,440.86
  • international: $20,464.90

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

For information regarding fees for work terms, refer to Fees.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Degree Scholarships

Humber awards degree scholarships automatically to graduating high school students based on academic achievement. See this following chart for details. Some of the scholarships are renewable each year if you maintain an average of 80 per cent or more.

95%+ $4,000 renewable
90 - 94.9% $3,500 renewable
85 - 89.9% $3,000 renewable
80 - 84.9% $2,000 renewable
75 - 79.9% $1,500 one time

Degree Transfer Scholarships ($1,500 - $2,500)

Humber automatically awards degree transfer scholarships to students entering any Humber degree program who have completed a one-year Ontario college certificate* or a two- or three-year diploma with a GPA of 80 per cent or more from a publicly-funded college. Students who have achieved a program GPA of 80 per cent or more will be awarded a one-time scholarship of $1,500 for a certificate program or $2,500 for a diploma program in recognition of their academic achievement. Certificates and diplomas do not have to be related to the degree program of choice and are not tied to the eligibility for advanced standing or transfer credit. No application is required

80%+ Certificate | $1,500

One Time 80%+ Diploma | $2,500

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
View Transfer Out Opportunities From This Program  
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