Explore This Program
Program Overview
Robertson’s new Paralegal Professional program will prepare you for a dynamic career within the legal field through a strong foundation in the Canadian legal system and focused theoretical courses in specific areas of the law and legal procedures.
Paralegal Professionals are individuals who work in a law office, corporation or other legal setting who provides substantive legal support for lawyers and their legal teams. Their broad knowledge in Canadian law and legal procedures make them invaluable to the teams that they support.
This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA).
Throughout your studies, you will gain knowledge of Canadian law, with focus on specific areas including Commercial and Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Property Law, and Contract Law. As well, you will also explore areas relevant to the scope of paralegal practice including the Litigation Process, Legal Analysis and Legal Drafting.
Program Delivery
Online Learning
- Study on your own schedule with the option to attend live lectures throughout the week to connect with your instructor.
- Remote learning doesn't mean you're doing it on your own! You will always have the support of your instructors and education team through video calls, discussion boards and more.
- Brightspace helps you stay on track and hold you accountable while giving you flexibility.
Visit our Online Learning to learn more about this delivery format.
This program is delivered online for students residing in Alberta only.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Standard Admission
- Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident residing in Alberta
- A minimum of one year of experience working in a legal assistant role and successful completion of a legal assistant diploma program as verified by transcript
- Successful interview with Student Admissions Advisor
If English is not a student’s primary language, proof of English proficiency is demonstrated by achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7,7,7,7 or equivalent as per Robertson’s English Language Policy.
Mature Admission
- Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident residing in Alberta
- A minimum of two years experience working in a legal assistant role
- At least 19 years of age and one year out of high school
- Successful completion of the Robertson academic entrance assessment
- Interview with a Robertson Student Admissions Advisor
If English is not a student’s primary language, proof of English proficiency is demonstrated by achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7,7,7,7 or equivalent as per Robertson’s English Language Policy.
Contact AdmissionsEndorsements
Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Paralegal Professional program will find employment in legal firms, legal departments within corporations, real estate agencies, leasing offices, insurance companies, government departments and municipal, provincial and federal courts. Paralegals may also be self-employed.
Job prospects for Paralegal and related occupations (NOC 4211) in Alberta remain strong for the period of 2021 – 2023 period. Continue your research:
- Regional employment outlook for Paralegal and Related Occupations (NOC 4211) (Source: Jobbank.gc.ca)
Earnings for the Alberta region
Lifetime Career Services
Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.
Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.
Learn more about Lifetime Career Services.
Next Start Dates
Online on your own time with 3 real-time optional sessions per week with your instructor. Real-time sessions are recorded so you have the option to watch them at a later time.
New start dates are being released all the time. Contact us for more dates.
Topics of Study
Advocacy (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to the advocacy skills required in Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences Court, and Tribunals. Students will develop the skills to interview clients and develop theories of a case.
Commercial Law (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to more advanced principles of commercial law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, describe the principles of commercial law, and further their understanding of how to apply knowledge of commercial law to different situations.
Contract Law (40 Hours)
This course will introduce students to contract law through the study of case law and statutes, focusing on the elements of a valid and enforceable contract. It also includes an introduction to the types of damages available for breach of contract.
Corporate Law (40 Hours)
This course introduces students to more advanced principles of corporate law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, recognize the principles of corporate law, and further their understanding of how to apply knowledge of corporate law to different situations.
Criminal Law (20 Hours)
In this course, students will explore advanced concepts in criminal law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, describe the principles of criminal law, and demonstrate how to apply knowledge of criminal law to different situations.
Employment Law (20 Hours)
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of employment law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, interpret the principles of employment law, and demonstrate how to apply knowledge of employment law to different situations.
Evidence (40 Hours)
In this course, students will further their understanding of the concept of evidence. Students will describe statutory and common law rules of evidence, along with the types of evidence that can be presented in courts and tribunals. They will explain the concept of admissibility and relate the different rules of evidence used in different courts and tribunals.
Family Law (20 Hours)
In this course, students will deepen their understanding of the principles of family law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, describe the principles of family law, and demonstrate how to apply knowledge of family law to different situations.
Immigration Law (20 Hours)
This course provides students with an opportunity to further their understanding of Canadian immigration law and policy. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, discuss the principles of immigration law, and demonstrate how to apply knowledge of immigration law to different situations.
Legal Analysis (20 Hours)
In this course, students will further their understanding of the Canadian legal system and how it operates. Students will describe the Canadian legal system, including the fundamental principles of the Canadian Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They will articulate how laws are developed and how the court system operates. Students will also be introduced to basic legal analysis through the study of case law, legislation and narrative secondary authorities. They will learn to identify legal issues and rules, and how to apply the law to specific fact situations.
Legal Drafting (40 Hours)
In this course, students will further develop their writing skills and processes used within the paralegal profession. Students will draft effective documents and correspondence such as memorandums, briefs, legal arguments, and legal forms.
Litigation Process (40 Hours)
In this course, students will further their understanding of the litigation process. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the litigation process, relevant terms, and damages available through litigation by responding to various, authentic scenarios.
Residential Real Estate Law (20 Hours)
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of residential law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, discuss the principles of residential law, and formulate how to apply knowledge of residential law to different situations.
Property Law (20 Hours)
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of property law. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, summarize the principles of property law, and develop how to apply knowledge of property law to different situations.
Provincial Court (60 Hours)
This course introduces students to the practice and procedures of Provincial Court. Students will describe and explain the Provincial Court process, terminology, processes, and actions. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, discuss the principles of provincial law (civil, criminal, youth and family) and develop the ability to apply knowledge of provincial law to different situations.
Technology And Documentation (40 Hours)
In this course, students will enhance their computer applications and technology skills within the profession. Students will develop the skills to use technology to produce documents, spreadsheets, reports, and other materials relevant to the profession. They will critique common technology applications such as Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint and demonstrate competence with industry software and information systems. Â
Wills, Estates, And Power Of Attorney And Personal Directives (20 Hours)
This course introduces students to wills, estates, and power of attorney. Students will explore relevant acts and legislation, describe the principles of estate law, and formulate how to apply knowledge of wills, estates, and power of attorney to different situations.
Practicum (160 Hours)
The Practicum experience is composed of an integrated work and learning experience. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience in a professional setting. This course is designed to help students integrate academic learning with the realities of the work environment.
How It Works
Getting Started
Our flexible start dates give you plenty of opportunities to plan for school and live your life around it.
Taking the Course
All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, an online platform designed to give you everything you need to succeed in remote learning.
Entering the Workforce
Our programs set you up to adapt to industry changes and thrive in our modern digital workforce.
Visit the How It Works page to learn more about our online student experience. To learn more about how Brightspace gives you everything you need to succeed in your online courses, click here.
Work Experience Practicum
The practicum experience for the Paralegal Professional program is an integrated work and learning experience. Students are expected to complete a minimum of 160 hours (4 weeks) of practical experience in a law firm. The course is designed to help students integrate academic learning with the realities of the work environment.
Your practicum is a full-time, unpaid commitment that must begin and end within the dates outlined in your program schedule and enrolment contract. You will work directly with the Practicum Team to jointly-procure a training-related placement. Your active participation in the search for your practicum placement will provide you with career develop opportunities by helping you build you industry network and improve your professional communication skills.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is offered at multiple Robertson College campus locations. Select a campus below to view campus specific information, like schedule information and enrolment dates.