They may also administer oaths, take affidavits and depositions, and witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents. Trademark agents research and prepare trademark applications. Independent paralegals provide certain legal services as allowed by provincial legislation. They may represent clients in small claims court. Education, Training and Experience People in this occupation must have a high school diploma.
Most recent entrants have a community college diploma or an undergraduate university degree.
Legal assistants and paralegals must complete a bachelor's degree in law or a college diploma in a legal assistant or law clerk program or in-house training. They also require a provincial licence. In British Columbia, they must be members of the Society of Notaries Public. Trademark agents must complete two years' in-house training and an examination conducted by the Patent and Trade Mark Institute of Canada. They must also register with the federal Trade-Marks Office.