Job requirements Corporate Paralegal in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as a corporate paralegal in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Paralegal and related occupations (NOC 42200).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Paralegals in law firms require a bachelor's degree in law or a law college diploma and in-house training from a law firm or other legal establishment.
- Independent paralegals require knowledge of legal principles and procedures usually obtained through industry-sponsored courses and through experience, or through completion of a community college paralegal program.
- Paralegals require a licence to perform advanced legal services.
- Justices of the peace requirements can vary from a background in law and the justice system, completion of a justice registrar, justice of the peace or other court training program depending on their duties and responsibilities.
- Justices of the peace in the provinces are appointed by the lieutenant governor in council and, in the territories, by federally appointed territorial commissioners.
- Notaries public usually require a university degree in law or a related field.
- Notaries public are appointed after examination and certification of their qualifications by the governing judiciary in their province or territory. All appointments have specific limitations on the activities they can perform and for specific periods of time.
- Notaries public require a provincial licence. In British Columbia, membership in the Society of Notaries Public is also required.
- To be licensed, trademark agents are required to work in the area of trademark law, including the preparation and prosecution of trademark applications for registration, for two years and to successfully complete the examination conducted jointly by the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada and the Registrar of Trade-Marks, Canadian Intellectual Property Office or either one of the above and to be a lawyer entitled to practise in Canada.
- Trademark agents require registration with the federal Trade-Mark Office.
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Québec
Saskatchewan
Red Seal endorsement

This job may be eligible for Red Seal endorsement in some provinces and territories
When you get a Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate, it lets employers know that you meet the national qualification standards for workers in your trade. Learn more about the Red Seal endorsement.
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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