Back to Navigation
How do I become a Paralegal in Ontario?
Information for paralegal students
You must be licensed by the
Law Society of Ontario to work as a paralegal in Ontario. To become licensed, you must:
-
Meet academic and field placement requirements
-
Apply to the licensing process
The
licensing process consists of a licensing examination, a good character requirement and an application for a P1 license. All parts of the licensing process must be completed within three (3) licensing years. The licensing process year runs from June 1st of one year to May 31 of the following year. The deadline to apply is usually at the start of December of the previous year for anyone completing requirements in the next licensing year.
-
Pass the examination
The paralegal licensing examination is self-study and open book examination comprised of multiple-choice questions. Examinations are offered in the Summer, Fall and Winter.
See the fees schedule for the cost to write the examination.
See the
Guide to Licensing Examinations for tips on preparing for the examination.
Tutoring for the examination is available to candidates who are unsuccessful.
-
Be deemed to be of good character
To be licensed as a paralegal in Ontario, the
Law Society Act requires that an applicant be of “good character.” The
good character requirement is intended to protect the public and maintain high ethical standards in the profession by ensuring that persons who are licensed as paralegals show respect for the rule of law and the administration of justice and conduct themselves with honesty, integrity and candour.
-
Pay all required fees and submit all required forms
-
Apply for a P1 (paralegal) licence
Once you have passed your examination, paid your fees and have no good character issues, you are eligible to apply for your P1 (paralegal) licence. The P1 licence entitles you to provide legal services in Ontario, subject to the rules and regulations set out and enforced by the Law Society.
See the fees schedule for the licensing fee.
Other Law Society resources
Harassment and discrimination have no place in the legal professions. The Discrimination and Harassment Program runs independently from the Law Society and provides assistance to anyone who may have experienced discrimination or harassment by a lawyer, paralegal, or licensing candidate within Ontario.
The Member Assistance Program (MAP) is a confidential service fully independent of the Law Society. Lawyers, paralegals, law students, other legal professionals and their families covered by the MAP are provided with confidential access to a number of services. Members can get professional help with issues related to addictions, mental or physical health, work-life balance, career, family and more.
Download the How to Become a Paralegal in Ontario fact sheet.
Terms or Concepts Explained