This article is an answer to the call to comment on the Family Legal Services Provider Licence Consultation. I have been in the family law industry for five years, and have useful information on the best ways to approach improving access to family law services.

For anyone considering paralegal programs in Ontario, this article should be interesting.

I understand the LSO is considering allowing an Ontario paralegal to do lots of family law work.

At its core, access to justice involves two groups of people. The person who needs legal services (“the client”) and the person providing legal services (“the lawyer.”)

Right now around 60% of people going through the family law system in Ontario do not have a lawyer. 

How long is the paralegal program in Ontario?

Ontario’s paralegal programs vary in duration, depending on the institution and course structure. Typically, they range from one to three years.

The one-year programs are certification courses for those with a degree or diploma in a related field or relevant experience. They are structured to impart practical skills necessary to become a licensed paralegal in Ontario, such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in small claims court. These courses often require students to undergo internships or practicums to gain hands-on experience.

Two-year programs are diploma courses for those without a degree or diploma in a related field. These courses provide comprehensive legal studies education, including Canadian law, legal writing, ethics, and professional responsibility. Similar to the one-year programs, students in two-year programs often complete internships or practicums.

Find the Best Paralegal Program in Ontario

Three-year advanced diploma programs are designed for individuals who want to pursue a more in-depth education in legal studies. These programs often include advanced legal writing, legal advocacy, and specialized areas of law such as family law, criminal law, and corporate law. Students in three-year programs often complete internships or practicums.

Graduates of all programs must pass the Paralegal Licensing Examination and meet other licensing requirements set by the Law Society of Ontario to become licensed paralegals in the province. It is essential to research and compares different paralegal programs in Ontario to find the best fit for one’s needs and career goals.

How do I become a paralegal in Ontario?

If you want to become a paralegal in Ontario, you’ll need to follow a few critical steps. First, you’ll need to obtain the necessary education by earning a diploma or degree from a paralegal program accredited by the Law Society of Ontario. The length of the program you choose will depend on your prior education and work experience.

Once you have completed an accredited program, you can apply to become a licensed paralegal through the Law Society of Ontario. You must submit an application, pay a fee, and provide supporting documentation such as transcripts, proof of completion of an accredited program, and references.

After submitting your application, you’ll need to pass the Paralegal Licensing Examination (PLE). This exam is a multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of various areas of law, ethics, and professional responsibility. Passing the PLE is mandatory to become a licensed paralegal in Ontario.

Fulfill all licensing requirements

In addition to passing the PLE, you’ll need to meet other licensing requirements set by the Law Society of Ontario, such as good character, insurance coverage, and continuing education. Once you’ve fulfilled all licensing requirements, you can begin practicing as a licensed paralegal in Ontario.

The process of becoming a licensed paralegal in Ontario can take one to three years, depending on the length of the paralegal program you choose. It’s crucial to research and compares different paralegal programs to find the best fit for your needs and career goals.

As of 2023, there are 9,300 licensed paralegals in Ontario. According to the Law Society of Ontario, the employment growth rate for paralegals in Canada is projected to be 8.4% over the next five years, with over 4,400 job openings expected during that time. The median salary for paralegals in Ontario is $56,000, with potential earnings of over $84,000 with experience.

Becoming A Paralegal In Ontario

To become a paralegal in Ontario, you must complete an Accredited Paralegal Education Program. I picked the first approved program on the LSO list, which was the Academy of Learning in Toronto. The program takes 49 Weeks, and the tuition is around $12,100.

To make the math smooth, let’s say after completing the 49 weeks of Paralegal training, someone takes three weeks off. Therefore, if they could have earned pre-tax $60,000 during this year, plus the tuition, it would have an opportunity cost of $72,100.

Does It Make Sense To Go To Law School?

The cost to become a lawyer is around $550,000, and the cost to become a paralegal is around $72,100.

Why would anyone want to become a lawyer? 

One could say that becoming a lawyer is certainly more prestigious than being a paralegal. But does it make financial sense?

If it was true that lawyers were earning much more than paralegals, then it may still be worth it to go to law school.

The Problem

Paralegals are taking more market share away from lawyers. The Family Law Active Plan outlines that the solution to access justice is to make things harder for lawyers.

In essence, the Law Society and the Ministry of the Attorney General may approve a license for paralegals to offer family law services. The paralegals could deal with financial disclosures, motions, uncontested divorces, and “possibly other areas.”

Financial disclosure and uncontested divorces make up a significant market share for divorce lawyers. Motions and “possibly other areas” contribute to keeping the lights on at family law firms.

I have nothing against paralegals. I know many paralegals that are more knowledgeable than lawyers. What I do take offence to is the belief of the LSO that the reason for the access to justice problem is that there are not enough family law experts in Ontario.

There are plenty of lawyers that are capable of providing legal advice and services. The problem is that clients and lawyers are not connecting properly.

Famous Paralegals in Ontario

David McRobert: A well-known environmental lawyer and licensed paralegal, David McRobert has fought for environmental and social justice for over 30 years. He was the first licensed paralegal to receive the Ontario Bar Association’s Distinguished Paralegal Award in 2019.

Sylvia E. Davis: Sylvia E. Davis was a pioneering black paralegal and community activist who advocated for the rights of marginalized people. She co-founded the Black Action Defence Committee in 1988, which played a significant role in pushing for police reforms in Toronto.

Anita Szigeti: A mental health and disability rights lawyer and licensed paralegal, Anita Szigeti is a prominent advocate for people with mental illness and disabilities. She has been recognized for her advocacy work by the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Bar Association.

Margaret Waddell: A licensed paralegal and social justice advocate, Margaret Waddell has worked for over 30 years to promote human rights and equality. She was the first licensed paralegal to receive the Law Society Medal, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the legal profession in Ontario.

Author: Alistair Vigier is the CEO of ClearWay Law