Paralegal programs in the GTA or online

[ghettogal]

I would like to become a paralegal but not sure how I can go about doing that? I searched online and there's quite a few options. There's certificates, diplomas, degrees with colleges like Humber, Seneca and Sheridan. I've also come across some online colleges and other colleges such as Everest that I'm not familiar with. The question is which of these colleges offers the best program and how and where should I start? Should I go for a certificate then work into a diploma while getting work experience or stick it out for the 2 or 4 yr programs then start work. Are courses at a college more credible than the ones I do online? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Whitedart]

I would like to become a paralegal but not sure how I can go about doing that? I searched online and there's quite a few options. There's certificates, diplomas, degrees with colleges like Humber, Seneca and Sheridan. I've also come across some online colleges and other colleges such as Everest that I'm not familiar with. The question is which of these colleges offers the best program and how and where should I start? Should I go for a certificate then work into a diploma while getting work experience or stick it out for the 2 or 4 yr programs then start work. Are courses at a college more credible than the ones I do online? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Being in Ontario, I would start here at the Law Society. There is a Q&A link toward the bottom of the page:
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/paralegals/

This page includes accredited college programs:
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/paralegals/a/paralegal-education-program-accreditation/

[~sboardgurl~]

My cousin goes to Humber. He's doing a 4 year degree program in Paralegal studies. It's a one of a kind program, and it gives you tons of hands on experience. Here's the link to learn more information about the program. http://postsecondary.humber.ca/22011.htm

Hope that helps!=)

[onexeyed]

I'd avoid "career colleges" all together like Everest for anything. Their certificates or diplomas don't take you anywhere and employers won't take you seriously.

[ghettogal]

Thanks everyone.

I looked at the website Whitedart sent and I believe I should go for accredited college programs. So now, my choices are between Humber, Seneca, Sheridan and Algonquin. Does anyone have personal experience w/ those colleges that they would like to share? And how much of a difference is there in this field if I were to do a 2 yr diploma program vs. the 4 yr degree program?

[unleashed]

Hey, My friend recently graduated from the 4 year paralegal degree from Humber and said it was a great program. He has also found a job in a law/Insurance firm where you deal with people who have gotten in accidents, etc. He's liking it so far, hope that helps.

[takethat200210]

Hi, also just bear in mind that the annual paralgeal licensing fee is quite expensive (your hourly rate almost certainly has to be lower than those of lawyers) and you will need insurance coverage prior to getting licenced.

[Whitedart]

Hi, also just bear in mind that the annual paralgeal licensing fee is quite expensive (your hourly rate almost certainly has to be lower than those of lawyers) and you will need insurance coverage prior to getting licenced.

But there are also a number of paralegal jobs that are exempted in Ontario:
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/paralegals/a/exemptions/

[takethat200210]

But there are also a number of paralegal jobs that are exempted in Ontario:
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/paralegals/a/exemptions/

I was of course only speaking in general sense. The original poster said she wants to become a paralegal. I was only giving her something to keep in mind should she choose this route. But if she's looking to represent clients at small claims courts or at traffic courts, then she will need a licence.

[ghettogal]

Algonquin Career Academy called me back today and told me they were on par with the other colleges and said that they were a "private" college. Has anyone have experience w/ them? It's is more expensive, about 10gs to complete the course but it is completed w/i one year and they help find work placement for you. There's a 4 wk field training then after that (and up to 1 yr after you grad) they'll help you look for a job. They are accredited by the Law Society of Ontario so they have to be up there w/ the other schools right? And it's been awhile since I've been in school and they teach a course at a time, 8-1 mon-fri so they're more condensed, and might be easier for me to pick up. Has anyone heard of them? Anyone been w/ them or knew someone that has?

Also, I realize that you have to be licensed but I hope I would make enough to cover the cost. And I'm hoping I would find a firm that would pay for it too LOL

[sillysimms]

I personally don't know anything about Algonquin Career Academy, but for me personally I wouldn't attend a private career college. The actual school will tell you they are on par with public colleges but you have to find out from an unbiased source. I don't know anything about the one you are asking about, but I do know from friends that have gone to others, that the certificate or diploma you get isn't as well regarded as those from public colleges. Yes, the program is faster, but one of my friends ended up having to go to a public college afterwards as the private career college wasn't well regarded by employers. She had a big debt to pay off from the private college and couldn't get a job. The cost is also substantially higher and I'd rather invest my money in a better regarded public college even if it took longer.

Now, Algonquin Career Academy may be an exception, I don't know. Just be sure to do your research (I know that's what you're doing here!) Good luck!