Dalton Burger, a professor in Durham College’s (DC) Paralegal program recently took part in the annual York Region Secondary School Mock Trial Competition held at the Newmarket Courthouse in Newmarket, Ontario. The competition welcomed students from 24 area high schools who have received mentoring from local lawyers and paralegals to conduct mock trials before various judges of the Ontario Court of Justice.

The event was created to help students develop their interest in the legal field while exposing them to a fully integrated, hands-on experience. The trials began on February 24 and will continue for a week with the finals being held on Monday, March 3. The winners of the York Region event receive the celebrated Mock Trial Competition Cup and bragging rights for the next year.

Burger was on hand to assist students with the competition as well as provide information about post-secondary opportunities and pathways.

“Each year I am proud to see what these students accomplish in their mock trials,” said Burger. “The Paralegal program at DC is a perfect match for many of these students who showcase a passion for law and are interested in directly representing clients before various courts and tribunals.”

DC’s Paralegal program is accredited by The Law Society of Upper Canada (Law Society), the regulatory body governing professional paralegals in the province.  The program prepares students for the Law Society’s paralegal licensing examination, enabling them to provide legal services within authorized areas of law practice and represent clients before Small Claims Court, Criminal Court (summary convictions), Provincial Offences Court and government tribunals.