About Us
Our History
Established in 1995, the Paralegal Training Institute (PTI) has established itself as a leading institution for paralegal education and professional training in Jamaica. For over three decades, we have been committed to providing quality, practical, and accessible education that prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue opportunities in the legal and business environments.
Since our founding, the Institute has trained more than 3,000 individuals through our Certificate, Diploma, and Associate Degree programmes in Paralegal Studies. Building on our longstanding commitment to professional development, PTI has expanded and upgraded its flagship programmes to include Associate Degree qualifications, providing students with opportunities for continued academic and professional advancement.
At PTI, we believe that effective paralegal education extends beyond the classroom. Our programmes are designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, enabling students to develop skills that can be applied in real-world settings. Students are exposed to practical areas of paralegal work, including the preparation and drafting of contracts, wills, affidavits, and claim forms for personal injury matters, among other legal documents and procedures.
In addition to our core programmes, the Institute provides specialised training tailored to meet the needs of corporate, banking, and other organisations, supporting the development of knowledge, skills, and workplace competence.
Our reputation has been built on a commitment to quality education, practical training, professional development, and student success. Through our programmes and specialised training initiatives, the Paralegal Training Institute continues to equip individuals with the skills and confidence to contribute effectively within the legal, business, and professional communities.
For over 30 years, PTI has been empowering individuals through education, practical training, and professional development.
Who is a paralegal?
A paralegal is an assistant to an attorney. Wherever there is an attorney, there is usually an assistant. Paralegals perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Legal research
- Drafting legal documents (contracts, wills, affidavits, claim forms)
- Interviewing clients
- Liaising with court offices and other organisations
- Preparing legal opinions
- Organising the law office
With a reputation for excellence across its programmes, the Institute offers both Certificate and Diploma courses in Paralegal Studies, along with specialised training tailored to specific institutions and public education seminars on a range of topics. Graduates are prepared for employment in law offices, government agencies and ministries, corporations, banks, real estate agencies, insurance companies, trade organisations, and the courts.
Mission, Vision & Goals
Mission Statement
The mission of the Institute is the provision of advanced, quality training and education in law and business, enabling our graduates to transition effortlessly into the working environment and helping to build public awareness of the laws of the authority.
Vision Statement
The Paralegal Training Institute is committed to the development of communities, organisations, industry, individuals, and staff through education and training that enables them to fulfil their dreams, aspirations, and potential. The Institute aims to become the benchmark for quality in the delivery of education and training services among medium-sized higher-education institutions.
Goals
- Adopt the principles of the learning organisation at the Paralegal Training Institute.
- Facilitate lifelong learning for the continued personal and professional growth of students, staff, and the community.
- Build a reputation based on high standards and an effective system of quality assurance.
- Develop a competent and flexible organisational framework capable of responding to the changing environment and particular needs of the community.
- Devise and implement policies, systems, and procedures that optimise the use of information technology and other resources.
Governance
The Advisory Board and both committees are comprised of individuals from a variety of fields, including the legal profession, court administrators, the judiciary, private and public sector organisations, as well as international and local educators. The work of the Development and Evaluation committees involves the expansion and appraisal of the programme for content and relevance, as well as evaluating the lecturers and examinations. The permanent members are usually assisted by individuals within the particular sector for which the relevant courses apply.
Accreditation
The Paralegal Training Institute is not accredited with the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) at this time. However, it is registered with the UCJ and with the Ministry of Education.
[Accreditation badges/logos to be added once supplied]
Meet the Staff
Charmaine A.N. Patterson, LLB, MRP
Chairman and Founder
An attorney for over a decade, Ms. Patterson is a member of the Jamaican Bar Association who has worked at the Kingston Legal Aid Clinic and across several government ministries, including as Senior Legal Officer heading a Ministry’s Legal Department. She has developed particular expertise in Commercial Law and Information & Communications Technology law, and was instrumental in the development of Jamaica’s Consumer Protection Act 2004, Electronic Transactions Act 2006, and the Petroleum (Quality Control) Amendment Act.
Ms. Patterson founded the Paralegal Training Institute and has led its operations from a single employee to a staff of over a dozen.
Valerie Lee
Financial Officer
Mrs. Lee has been with the Paralegal Training Institute since its inception. Her prior career of over thirty years was in London, England, where she worked in the Word Processing Department of a law firm preparing legal documents, and also gained experience as an administrator and telegraphist.
Latifah Smith
Director of Student Affairs
Ms. Smith is an accomplished business professional with a strong background in communications, student services, and programme coordination, recognised for her interpersonal and communication skills in fostering positive relationships among students, staff, and stakeholders. As Director of Student Affairs, she provides guidance and direction in the planning and development of student-support programmes, updates the Board of Management on institutional goals, and coordinates programme activities.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Diploma from Excelsior High School, and brings approximately six years of professional experience in the communications sector.
Maria Gordon
Assistant Administrator
Maria works under the Director of Student Affairs and plays a key role in the smooth running of administrative operations at the Institute — assisting prospective and enrolled students with programme information and the application process, preparing responses to routine inquiries, processing registration forms, and handling general clerical and data-management tasks.
Maria has 3 years of experience in customer service, where she developed strong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage diverse administrative tasks efficiently.