Many professionals with established careers in Brazil want to immigrate to Canada. This is very common, however, many professions are regulated and people need to “study again”, that is, go through a period of tests, internship, among other phases, to be able to obtain their license to work. An example of this is the area of law, which in Canada follows a different line than in Brazil and anyone who wants to be a lawyer here needs to go through several stages and tests, a large investment both in terms of time and money.
Generally, professionals who wish to continue as lawyers in Canada obtain permanent residency first, then begin the process to obtain their license (something that can take 2 to 4 years). Some people do not want to study again and invest in it, but want to continue in the area, so there are some functions that can be performed, including: paralegal or legal assistant, for example.
It is important to highlight that to be a paralegal here, in some provinces The course in this modality is required and the license is also required, but we will talk about that later.
What does a paralegal do? In Canada?
According to the "Canadian Association of Paralegals“, paralegals are defined as: professionals who are qualified in education, training and experience to engage in essential legal work, including managerial or administrative functions, working independently but under the ultimate direction of an attorney.
You will not be a lawyer, but you may assist one or a group of legal professionals. You can work in private offices, public bodies or companies.
According to the Jobbank.ca website, “Thes paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as permitted by government legislation or provide paralegal services under contract to law firms or other establishments. Notaries (notaries) administer oaths, provide depositions, sign legal documents and perform other activities within the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property issues. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by records research companies, and by legal departments in the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are often self-employed. Notaries public are employed by the government and in the public and private sectors or may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments in the public and private sectors, brand development and research companies or may be self-employed.”
Also according to Job Bank, this group performs some or all of the following functions:
Paralegals
- Assist attorneys by interviewing clients, witnesses, and other related parties, gathering documentary evidence, preparing trial summaries, and organizing trials;
- Assist lawyers in preparing for mediation and resolving legal disputes;
- Under the supervision of an attorney, prepare wills, real estate transactions and other legal documents, court reports and affidavits;
- Research records, court files and other legal documents;
- Draft legal correspondence and perform general administrative and clerical duties.
Independent paralegals
- Represent clients in small claims courts and other first instance proceedings, in courts and before administrative bodies;
- Advise clients and take legal action on landlord and tenant matters, traffic violations, name changes and other issues within their jurisdictions.
Notaries (Notaries public)
- Administer oaths and make declarations and testimonies;
- Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents;
- May draft contracts, prepare promissory notes, and draft wills, mortgages, and other legal documents;
- It can arrange probates and administer the estates of deceased people.
Trademark agents
- Advise clients on intellectual property issues and represent them before the Trademark Registry on matters including the processing of trademark registration applications;
- Advise on the possibility of trademark registration, trademark licensing requirements, transfer of intellectual property and protection of existing trademark rights;
- Represent clients in proceedings before the Trade Marks Opposition Board and in related processes;
- May represent clients internationally in consultation with foreign associates and lawyers.
COURSES IN THE AREA OF PARALEGAL
They provide students with the training necessary to become licensed paralegals in accordance with the requirements of the law. Students gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the areas of law in which licensed paralegals may practice.
On most courses (usually 2-year diplomas) students develop specialist practical skills in the areas of advocacy, legal research, specific courts and administrative tribunals.
Who is the course for?
For everyone who wants to enter the legal field, working in some legal practices, but without working as a lawyer. Preferably after you have already obtained your permanent residence in Canada.
Advocacy is a regulated profession in Canada, so if you are a lawyer and want to work here, it means that even if you have a degree in law in Brazil and have taken your OAB exam, you will need to go through diploma validation, a long and high-investment process . Many do not want to go through this entire process, but want to continue in the field. So the paralegal course is one of the paths that can lead you to a career in the legal field, in a support role.
Research the profession in the province where you want to live, as there are different rules and laws for working in this area.
The best region to work in this profession is Ontario, but In this province, a paralegal diploma in Canada is required to be able to work.
(It doesn't mean that other provinces aren't good too, but Ontario has the best courses and more opportunities).
You must be licensed by Law Society of Ontario to work as a paralegal in Ontario, as well as with the responsible body in other provinces as well.
In British Columbia, for example, it is not necessary to have a paralegal diploma to be able to work, all you need is experience as a lawyer in Brazil, a valid work visa and excellent language skills.
HOW MUCH DOES A COURSE COST?
An avarage of CAD $17,000.00/year.
There are usually 2 years of course.
IELTS (English) LEVEL REQUIRED: 6.0 to 6.5, (depends on the course and institution).
Some possible careers/positions for paralegals in Canada:
- Legal Staffing
- Securities Paralegal
- Paralegal Litigation
- Paralegal Assistant
- Recruiter
- Professional Development and Training Manager
- Pro Bono Program Coordinator
- Project Manager for legal support vendor
- Legislative Affairs Director for a county government agency
- Business Development/Sales for legal support vendor
- Professional Blogger/Marketer to the legal field
- Mediator
- Litigation Support Analyst
- Executive position at a venture capital company
- Foreclosure Specialist
- Contract Administrator
- Compliance Specialist
- Investigator or Process Server
- Conflicts Specialist for a law firm
- commercial law clerk
- Real estate law clerk
- Public notary
- Title searcher
- Corporate paralegal
- Family law paralegal
- Independent paralegal
- Legal researcher
- Paralegal
- Trademark agent
- Land titles examiner
Average salary for a paralegal in Canada:
CAD 28.02/hour. It can reach CAD 47.69.
How can BFF CANADA help you?
- EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANCY AND PLANNING (not always a training course Paralegal is recommended for everyone)
- ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION IN THE COURSE
- STUDY PERMIT (VISA)
- OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOUR ARRIVAL
Why is educational consultancy the first step?
Because if you want to immigrate in the future and have a professional career in Canada, you need to do good planning and this involves many things. The course is just one of them. IMPORTANT: How will you be making a application For study and non-immigration visas, your plan must be coherent and the reason for choosing the course is very important. To have your study permit approved and you can come to Canada, you need to convince the visa officer that you will return to Brazil and will have opportunities generated by the course you took here. So, if you are already a lawyer in Brazil, you may not be able to defend why you are coming to take a law course. Paralegal in Canada, since the laws here do not apply in Brazil (plus you already have a bachelor's degree). Therefore, to be here and work in your career later, we need to put together a very good and strategic study plan for you. And we are experts in this.
Choosing the course and enrolling is not everything, that's why we work with personalized educational consultancy, where we will cover important things for YOUR plan to stay in Canada after studies, such as:
- Ideal course type: diploma or certificate program? Which is best for your case?
- The course you will take will make a upgrade in your academic career? Will it enable you to take the next step towards PR?
- Language: is your level of English sufficient for the course? Will I have to do a pathway? IELTS test?
- Family: will you come alone or with family? What does all this involve and what are the best paths for everyone?
- Budget: How much do you need? College fees, general expenses, what the government requires, etc.
- Immigration: 98% of our clients want to immigrate in the future, so choosing a course can greatly contribute to their dream of staying. Issues such as course time and PGWP eligibility are very important.
- How to write a good letter of intent (necessary for Canadian immigration to analyze your application process) study permit) in order to defend the reason for choosing your course and have a better chance of having your student visa approved.
Book your educational appointment now through from this link and take your first step towards your dream of living in Canada and working in your field. 🙂
Study in Canada. Change your life.