43 replies to this topic

[KER_2012]

If you're having trouble finding information about it, that's probably not a good sign.

If you want to go the virtual education route, take a look at TRU Open Learning.

[whereverjustice]

Learn4good is not a university. If you read the page you linked carefully, you'll see that they are referring you to "Canadian Virtual University", which is basically a list of programs offered by Canadian universities online. The BA in Law and Justice is actually offered by Laurentian University. Laurentian is a (thoroughly) legitimate university. Here is the program website.

[Hegdis]

Scott, what is it you think you'll be able to do with a BA in "Law & Justice"? I honestly have no idea what use that degree would be, unless you then went on to law school. Does it train you to be a paralegal? Or is it watered-down Criminal Law 101? Do you know?

I do not know what the job market is like for people who say they have a BA from an online university. I suspect it is quite different than for people who have gone the more traditional route and attended a physical accredited university that is widely recognized as legit. (Not to say there aren't legit online universities; I just have no idea how you separate the good from the bad - maybe some one else can suggest a good method.)


I suggest you figure out what you want to end up doing, then call the employers you'd like to eventually have, and ask them what kind of degree or training they look for in potential hires. That way you aren't left guessing.


And I'm curious - What is it you want to actually end up doing? "Law" is vague. Do you want to be a lawyer? A paralegal? A legal assistant? A cop? A corrections officer? A victim services worker? A mediator? An arbitrator? ... answer this question first, and you'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble, and it will be easier for people here to give you constructive feedback.


(edit: Thanks whereverjustice, that's good to know.)

Edited by Hegdis, 14 February 2012 - 03:03 PM.

[muffins]

Scott75, on 14 February 2012 - 02:39 PM, said:

I found a link to a Canadian online university called Learn4good; it has a bachelor of arts in Law and Justice; anyone heard of this web site? I've tried to find reviews of it that weren't on the site, but really haven't found anything yet.

Do not give money to a place called Learn4Goodz

[Crim Bob-Omb]

OP - I would try my hand at the LSAT. No point throwing away 5 years (upgrading/undergrad.) just to find out that you couldn't get in either way.

[Scott75]

orion88, on 14 February 2012 - 02:50 PM, said:

Bachelor's in arts in law and justice has nothing to do with a LLB or JD, it's akin to getting a bachelor's in political science, history, geography etc. with the difference of course being an emphasis on law and justice...UBC has a similar bachelor's in arts law degree which they recently created...

I see. I'm thinking a paralegal course might be more in line with what I'm looking for then.

[Scott75]

KER_2012, on 14 February 2012 - 02:54 PM, said:

If you're having trouble finding information about it, that's probably not a good sign.

If you want to go the virtual education route, take a look at TRU Open Learning.

Thanks. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have either a paralegal course or any course starting with Law (courses are categorized alphabetically).

[Scott75]

whereverjustice, on 14 February 2012 - 03:00 PM, said:

Learn4good is not a university. If you read the page you linked carefully, you'll see that they are referring you to "Canadian Virtual University", which is basically a list of programs offered by Canadian universities online. The BA in Law and Justice is actually offered by Laurentian University. Laurentian is a (thoroughly) legitimate university. Here is the program website.

Thanks.

[Scott75]

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

Scott, what is it you think you'll be able to do with a BA in "Law & Justice"? I honestly have no idea what use that degree would be, unless you then went on to law school. Does it train you to be a paralegal? Or is it watered-down Criminal Law 101? Do you know?

No, that's why I brought it up here, heh

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

I do not know what the job market is like for people who say they have a BA from an online university. I suspect it is quite different than for people who have gone the more traditional route and attended a physical accredited university that is widely recognized as legit. (Not to say there aren't legit online universities; I just have no idea how you separate the good from the bad - maybe some one else can suggest a good method.)

Well, I have yet to find a canadian one that offers something like a paralegal course, so going to a physical university or college may well be my best bet.

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

I suggest you figure out what you want to end up doing, then call the employers you'd like to eventually have, and ask them what kind of degree or training they look for in potential hires. That way you aren't left guessing.

Ultimately, I want to work independently. I have heard that a paralegal can do this.

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

And I'm curious - What is it you want to actually end up doing? "Law" is vague. Do you want to be a lawyer? A paralegal?

Probably one of those 2.

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

A legal assistant?

Probably not.

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

A cop? A corrections officer?

No.

Hegdis, on 14 February 2012 - 03:01 PM, said:

A victim services worker? A mediator? An arbitrator?

Probably none of these, though I admit that I have tried to mediate conflicts between people, both offline and online.

[Scott75]

I found this page on the Law Society of Upper Canada:

Paralegal Education Program Accreditation


I assume that any of those programs would a good start to become a paralegal. However, I'm wondering if some are better starts then others. For starters, what's the difference between a diploma and a certificate? And are both better then courses that offer neither? Is a degree (Humber college offers one in paralegal studies) better or worse then these choices?

Edited by Scott75, 16 February 2012 - 12:37 AM.

[KER_2012]

Those programs are definitely what you want, but I can't speak to which option would be better. It might be helpful for you to talk to a paralegal.

[esther414]

Scott75, on 16 February 2012 - 12:33 AM, said:

I found this page on the Law Society of Upper Canada:

Paralegal Education Program Accreditation


I assume that any of those programs would a good start to become a paralegal. However, I'm wondering if some are better starts then others. For starters, what's the difference between a diploma and a certificate? And are both better then courses that offer neither? Is a degree (Humber college offers one in paralegal studies) better or worse then these choices?

I'm not sure if you'll be able to access this link without logging in, but it has plenty of useful information if you can. It's actually what most local highschools where I'm from use to get the kids looking into careers. But it is helpful for assessing what the appropriate steps would be for a career.

Quote

Many colleges and universities offer diploma programs designed for paralegals. These programs generally take 2 years to complete, and often include internships to help students get on-the-job experience. Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies are also offered by a few schools, but such programs are rare.

In addition, some schools offer certificate programs for paralegals. These programs are usually 1 to 2 years in length, and can often be taken part-time or through distance education. Prior legal experience may be required for admittance to these programs...

To become a licensed paralegal in this province, you must graduate from an accredited paralegal program and pass an exam.

Take a look at the different diplomas and certificates offered from various schools, look into what you'll need (and even those things that might be "nice to have") find out what the admissions requirements ar eand then determine how to get there.

[muffins]

Quote

Ultimately, I want to work independently. I have heard that a paralegal can do this.

Some paralegals beurcome experts in specific areas, such as WSIB (work place health and safety) and operate within (small) law firms as pseudo lawyers. They have their own offices, clients and draft documents. They do not have the specific rights and responsibilities of lawyers, but they seem to build an independent and successful career in the legal world.

I think the paralegal route is right for you. There are tonnes of jobs out there for paralegals. Becoming a lawyer is almost an entire decade of your time and money.

[staffer]

Scott75, on 16 February 2012 - 12:33 AM, said:

I found this page on the Law Society of Upper Canada:

Paralegal Education Program Accreditation


I assume that any of those programs would a good start to become a paralegal. However, I'm wondering if some are better starts then others. For starters, what's the difference between a diploma and a certificate? And are both better then courses that offer neither? Is a degree (Humber college offers one in paralegal studies) better or worse then these choices?

A diploma is usually given out for completion of a 1-2 year college program. A probably includes elective study, a bit more holistic approach, and 3-4 years.

I think there's probably an advantage to taking courses at a public college (such as Humber, Durham, Fanshaw, Seneca, George Brown, or Sheridan) rather than a private career school (like Everest or triOS). Note that some of them are sneeky with names - Algonquin College is a well respected public college in Ottawa, Algonquin Career Academy is a for-profit institution similar to Devry or Everest.