Paralegal Certificate

Overview

The Paralegal Certificate offered by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed for individuals currently working as legal administrative assistants who seek career advancement or new challenges within the legal field. This program offers flexible scheduling with classes available on evenings, weekends, and online.

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Online with scheduled meeting times
• Duration: 1–3 years
• Days and Times: Evenings and Saturdays
• Tuition: Approximately $6300 plus semesterly fees (tuition paid per course)
• Start Dates: January, September
• Application Deadline: Students can apply at any time for the next available intake.

Employment Facts

Graduates of UFV's Paralegal Certificate program demonstrate high employment success, with 100% of graduates entering the workforce. The median hourly wage for graduates is approximately $33, and 81% of graduates are employed in positions directly related to their field of study.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for the Paralegal program, applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:

• Successful completion of a Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) certificate program at the post-secondary level within the past two years, including a practicum;
  or
• Current employment in a law firm with a minimum of two years of administrative assistance experience.

Program Outline

Students enrolled in the Paralegal Certificate program will acquire the following skills and knowledge:

• Define, discuss, and apply the ethical standards of modern paralegal practice.
• Differentiate Canadian sources of law.
• Apply basic British Columbia legal procedures.
• Articulate essential legal concepts in torts, contracts, corporate/business, and family law applications.
• Draft various legal documents and correspondence with modern technologies.
• Conduct basic research, including identifying legislation and citing case law.

Core Courses (required)

• PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
• PRLG 150 - Contracts I
• PRLG 210 - Torts I
• PRLG 230 - Legal Research and Writing I

Elective Courses (select 4)

• PRLG 120 - Family Law
• PRLG 125 - Criminal Law and Procedures I
• PRLG 130 - Intellectual Property Law
• PRLG 135 - Wills and the Probate Administration Process
• PRLG 140 - Property Law
• PRLG 155 - Corporate and Commercial Law
• PRLG 200 - Litigation I
• PRLG 205 - Insurance Law

Course Schedule

Winter

• PRLG 100 | Intro to Law
• PRLG 230 | Legal Research and Writing I
• PRLG 150 | Contracts I
• PRLG 120 | Family Law
• PRLG 200 | Litigation I
• PRLG 205 | Insurance Law

Summer

• PRLG 125 | Criminal Law and Procedures I
• PRLG 130 | Intellectual Property Law
• PRLG 135 | Wills and the Probate Administration Process

Fall

• PRLG 100 | Intro to Law
• PRLG 230 | Legal Research and Writing I
• PRLG 210 | Torts I
• PRLG 140 | Property Law
• PRLG 155 | Corporate and Commercial Law

Evaluation

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B average) to be eligible for graduation. Those whose GPA falls below 2.0 may be required to withdraw from the program.

Graduating from the Program

Upon completion of all required courses and meeting grade requirements, students can apply for graduation. There is a graduation application fee.

Laddering into the Paralegal Diploma

Completing the Paralegal Certificate allows students to transition into the Paralegal Diploma program, requiring only 15 out of 23 courses remaining after finishing the certificate.

Distance Learning Considerations

This program is fully offered online; however, it is primarily based on British Columbia law, making it most suitable for students intending to work in BC.

International Students

This program is not currently available for international students.

Additional Requirements

Students are required to have a personal computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software for online classes. Basic school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, will incur additional costs. Textbooks are not included in the tuition fees and can be acquired through the UFV Bookstore.

Career Prospects

Paralegals in British Columbia have excellent employment opportunities across various sectors, including law firms, government offices, corporate compliance departments, legal aid clinics, and more. Many paralegals may also choose to work independently or pursue related professions such as notary public or trademark agent.

The program takes approximately 1-3 years to complete on a part-time basis, with classes offered in the evenings, weekends, and online. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for membership with the BC Paralegal Association.

Outline:

The Paralegal Certificate program consists of 8 courses:

Core Courses:

• PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
• PRLG 150 - Contracts I
• PRLG 210 - Torts I
• PRLG 230 - Legal Research and Writing I

Elective Courses (choose 4):

• PRLG 120 - Family Law
• PRLG 130 - Intellectual Property Law
• PRLG 135 - Wills and the Probate Administration Process
• PRLG 140 - Property Law
• PRLG 155 - Corporate and Commercial Law
• PRLG 200 - Litigation I
• PRLG 205 - Insurance Law

Course Schedule:

• Winter: PRLG 100, PRLG 230, PRLG 150, PRLG 120, PRLG 200, PRLG 205
• Summer: PRLG 125, PRLG 130, PRLG 135
• Fall: PRLG 100, PRLG 230, PRLG 210, PRLG 140, PRLG 155

Assessment:

Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation, and falling below 2.00 may lead to program withdrawal.

Teaching:

The curriculum balances theoretical legal knowledge with practical paralegal skills training.

Careers:

They may also choose to work as independent contractors for lawyers or pursue related professions like notary public or trademark agent.

Other:

The program is open to individuals with prior legal experience (e.g., LAA certificate or 2+ years in a law firm) or those who complete the LAA certificate program offered by UFV.

Students can apply at any time and start the program in January or September. The program is currently offered online, making it suitable for students planning to work in B.C. after graduation.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver