Your future in law begins here. Compare Durham College programs that lead to a career in the Justice and Legal Sectors. Explore the opportunities below to find a program that best suits your desired career path in law, including our certificate, diploma and degree options. The following programs can help equip you with the requirements necessary to apply to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) to become a licensed paralegal or apply to law school or graduate studies. Visit us online to learn how you can transfer your credits towards a degree. Justice and Legal Program Highlights: Courses are taught by experienced paralegals, law clerks and lawyers who are connected to the industry and can help assist with field placements. The Social Impact Hub offers experiential learning opportunities in its Justice Hub to help prepare students to provide services for the public. Select programs offer field placements or co-op options in local courts. Students experience hands-on learning in various mock scenarios; in the past, this has included an emergency disaster scenario where students take part in the post-event legal aspect. The Paralegal Diploma and Paralegal Graduate Certificate are delivered as hybrid options where part of the programs are provided remotely online and part are in-person where students must come to campus. Program & Credential Honours Bachelor of Paralegal Honours degree Eight semesters (Four years) Take this program to: Springboard to further education such as law school or graduate school. Receive an in-depth education and a greater perspective before entering the Paralegal practice. Expand your future professional options. Start Date: September Paralegal - Diploma Four semesters (Two years) Take this program to: Become a Paralegal in the shortest amount of time. Start Dates: September January Paralegal - Graduate certificate Two semesters Take this program to: Build upon previous education to become a Paralegal in the shortest amount of time. Start Date: September Law Clerk Advanced - Advanced Diploma Six semesters (Three years) Take this program to: Develop clerical and administrative skills to work in an office supporting lawyers. Start Date: September Law Clerk Advanced (Fast-Track) - Advanced Diploma Three semesters (One year) Take this program to: Build upon the Paralegal diploma to expand on your future options in the legal field. Build upon the Paralegal diploma and transition to the administrative side of the legal field. Discover other areas of law beyond the scope of Paralegal practice, such as: real estate or family law. Start Date: May Court Support Services - Certificate Two semesters Take this program to: Develop the skills required to support the courts and the court process. Start Date: September Admission Requirements Honours Bachelor of Paralegal Paralegal - Diploma Paralegal - Graduate certificate Law Clerk Advanced - Advanced Diploma Law Clerk Advanced (Fast-Track) - Advanced Diploma Court Support Services - Certificate Ontario Secondary School Diploma OR Mature Student Status AND Six Grade 12 courses at the U or M level at a minimum average of 65 per cent including Grade 12 U English or equivalent with a final grade minimum of 60 per cent. Ontario Secondary School Diploma OR Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 (C or U) A high level of English language proficiency (comprehension and communication) is recommended. Law-related degree (criminology, legal/justice studies or public policy) or diploma (law and security administration, law clerk advanced, or police foundations) with minimum GPA 2.7. OR Non-legal related diploma or degree including minimum of three law related courses with minimum GPA of 2.7. OR Minimum three years of related industry experience detailed in a professional resume with a letter of intent may be considered. Proof of English language proficiency is required. Ontario Secondary School Diploma OR Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U) Ontario Secondary School Diploma OR Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U) AND Specific educational background is required to be considered for fast-track (credit transfer) as follows: Completion of a Paralegal program accredited by the Law Society of Ontario (since 2008) Ontario Secondary School Diploma OR Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U) Grade 11 Canadian Law and basic keyboarding skills are recommended. Career options Honours Bachelor of Paralegal Paralegal - Diploma Paralegal - Graduate certificate Law Clerk Advanced - Advanced Diploma Law Clerk Advanced (Fast-Track) - Advanced Diploma Court Support Services - Certificate Licensed Paralegal Community legal worker Prosecutor Legal assistant Law clerk Tribunal adjudicator Degree graduates are eligible to apply to law school or graduate school. Licensed Paralegal Community legal worker Prosecutor Legal assistant Law clerk Tribunal adjudicator Licensed Paralegal Community legal worker Prosecutor Legal assistant Law clerk Tribunal adjudicator Law clerk Legal assistant Corporate services assistant Litigation support professional Legal support services assistant Securities clerk E-discovery clerk Leasing clerk Contracts and risk management clerk Law clerk Legal assistant Corporate services assistant Litigation support professional Legal support services assistant Securities clerk E-discovery clerk Leasing clerk Contracts and risk management clerk Court clerk Court registrar Court reporter Court services officer Court and client services representative Private court reporter Courts administrator Judicial secretary Legal secretary Specialized court worker For the most up-to-date information please visit the program pages on our website at www.durhamcollege.ca/programs.