If you're considering a college diploma in the legal sector, you’re probably debating between a Paralegal Diploma or a Law Clerk Diploma. While both are great options, how do you choose the one that best fits your goals?
To help you decide, this guide compares the differences in job prospects, salary, career growth, education time and licensing.
Paralegal Diploma vs. Law Clerk Diploma: Quick comparison in Ontario
What are the main differences between a Paralegal Diploma and a Law Clerk Diploma in Ontario? Here is a quick summary of the key differences:
- Licensing: Paralegals in Ontario require licensing from the Law Society of Ontario (LSO), whereas Law Clerks do not.
- Client representation: Paralegals in Ontario can represent clients in Small Claims Court and various tribunals. Law Clerks cannot represent clients in these settings.
- Independent practice: Paralegals in Ontario can open their own legal practices within their scope of practice. Law Clerks typically work within law firms or legal departments and cannot open their own independent practices.
- Scope of work: Paralegals focus on advocacy, providing legal advice in specific areas, and representing clients in defined legal settings. Law Clerk Diploma graduates primarily focus on legal research, document preparation and administrative support for lawyers.
- Typical salary range: Paralegals in Ontario generally have a higher potential salary range ($45,000–$80,000+) compared to Law Clerks ($38,000–$60,000).
- Career growth: Paralegal careers in Ontario often offer higher growth potential through independent practice and specialization. Law Clerk careers tend to have more moderate growth within established legal environments.
This chart offers a visual guide of the differences between the two diploma programs:
| Feature | Paralegal (Mohawk College) | Law Clerk (Other Ontario colleges) |
| Program length | 2 years (4 semesters) | 1–2 years (varies by college) |
| Licensing required? | Yes – LSO Paralegal Licensing Exam in Ontario | No |
| Can represent clients? | Yes, in courts and tribunals (within scope) | No |
| Can open own practice? | Yes | No |
| Typical salary range | $45,000–$80,000+ | $38,000–$60,000 |
| Work hours | Typically 35–44 hours per week, some overtime | Typically, 35–40 hours per week |
| Job outlook | Very good, growing demand in tribunals, small claims | Good, steady demand in law firms |
| Career growth | High (independent practice, specialization) | Moderate (senior roles, limited space) |
What do graduates do?
Paralegal Diploma Graduates
- Represent clients in Small Claims Court and tribunals
- Handle landlord-tenant and traffic matters
- Provide legal advice in approved areas
- Open their own practices
Law Clerk Diploma Graduates
- Draft legal documents
- Conduct legal research
- Manage case files
- Support lawyers in firm or corporate settings
Understanding the difference: Law Clerk Diploma vs. the role of a law clerk in Ontario
In Canada, the title “Law Clerk” is used to describe two very different roles. If you graduate with a Law Clerk Diploma, such as those offered at Ontario colleges, you are trained to work in legal support roles. These jobs involve supporting lawyers with administrative work.
The position of “Law Clerk” often refers to “Judicial Law Clerks”. These positions require a law degree and typically function more like an apprenticeship for new lawyers.
If you are pursuing a college diploma, you would enter the legal support track.
These two job titles have very different salaries and job descriptions so it’s important to understand the difference when researching your future.
Salary and career growth for Paralegal and Law Clerk grads in Ontario
| Hourly range in Ontario | Paralegal (Mohawk College) | Law Clerk (other colleges) |
| Low ($/hour) | $19.23 | $17.20 |
| Median ($/hour) | $33.25 | $24.04 |
| High ($/hour) | $48.08 | $42.86 |
Paralegal salaries in Ontario typically start around $45,000, with experienced professionals earning $70,000–$80,000+, especially if they run their own practice or specialize in a specific area of law in Ontario. Becoming a licensed paralegal in Ontario can lead to long-term careers with independence and flexibility.
Law Clerk graduates in legal support roles typically earn $38,000–$60,000 depending on their field and experience. Advancement tends to occur within firms, and the role is more administrative and supportive in nature.
Program length and workload
The Paralegal Diploma at Mohawk College is a two-year, accredited program with a field placement and preparation for the Law Society of Ontario licensing exam.
Law Clerk diplomas are typically shorter (1–2 years) and focus on legal office skills. They do not lead to licensing.
Admission requirements
| Admission Criteria | Paralegal (Mohawk College) | Law Clerk (elsewhere) |
| High School Diploma | Required | Required |
| Grade 12 English | Min. 65% (C or U level) | ~60% (varies) |
| Competitive Entry | Yes | Usually No |
| Character Requirement | Yes (LSO licensing) | No |
| Recommended Background | Legal/civics/social science | None required |
How to choose between a Paralegal Diploma and a Law Clerk Diploma
Choose Paralegal if you:
- Want to speak in court and advocate for clients
- Like independence and the idea of opening your own practice
- Are prepared to write a licensing exam
- Want to build a long-term, flexible legal career
Choose Law Clerk if you:
- Prefer working behind the scenes
- Want a quicker route into the legal workforce
- Enjoy research, documentation and support roles
- Aren’t interested in public speaking or advocacy
Final decision
Both programs offer valuable legal career opportunities. Deciding may depend on whether you want to work in a support role or in a court advocating for clients. There are no wrong answers!
Law Clerk Diploma
Although not offered at Mohawk College, many other Ontario colleges offer this program. Your best resource is the Ontariocolleges.ca website. Search “law clerk” to find a college that offers it near you.
Paralegal Diploma
If you’re considering a career as a licensed paralegal in Ontario, Mohawk College offers a lot of benefits to start. Located in Hamilton, our students benefit from being close to active courts, legal clinics and tribunals. Students get real exposure to the very environments where paralegals work.
Our program stands out for its hands-on program of studies, which includes mock hearings and real-world legal simulations that build courtroom confidence early. You’ll also find small class sizes, experienced faculty and personalized academic support. It’s a close-knit learning environment where students can thrive.
Combined with a required field placement and strong legal career services, our students gain the skills and the connections to succeed in Ontario’s legal landscape.
Thinking about applying? Learn more about the Paralegal program on our website.
Published January 6, 2026
