Fanshawe’s Paralegal graduates lead Ontario with highest licensing exam pass rates

Fanshawe College’s Paralegal graduate certificate program is celebrating a remarkable achievement: its graduates have consistently earned the highest first-attempt pass rates on the Law Society of Ontario’s (LSO) paralegal licensing examination (PAR) from 2020 through 2024. 

The program, which prepares students for licensing through rigorous coursework and a 240-hour field placement, has outperformed every other accredited paralegal education provider in Ontario—including colleges, universities, polytechnics and private institutions—according to publicly released LSO data. 

Fanshawe’s first-attempt pass rates have steadily climbed over the years: 

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The most recent results place Fanshawe well ahead of the next highest institution, with a nearly 15-point lead. 

"I am so proud of our Paralegal Program and our paralegal graduates, who have the highest first-attempt pass rate for the P1 licensing examination," explains Lia Davila, program coordinator of the Paralegal program and professor in Fanshawe’s Law programs. "This is a testament to our incredible faculty and shows that when you put student success first, you get incredible results!" 

The LSO’s paralegal licensing exam is a rigorous, 160-question, open-book assessment designed to evaluate entry-level competencies in substantive and procedural law, ethics, and professional responsibility. Fanshawe’s accredited program ensures students are well-prepared through a combination of legal theory, practical training, and real-world experience. 

"With these outstanding results, outperforming other higher education offerings, Fanshawe’s Paralegal graduate certificate program continues to demonstrate its commitment to excellence," says Brianne Dos Santos, associate dean of the School of Public Safety, Law, and Administration. "We are so proud of our graduates, who consistently prove they are ready to confidently enter the legal profession and serve their communities with integrity and skill." 

To view the full licensing exam results, visit the Law Society of Ontario’s website.