Program Overview

Paralegal Certificate

Program Overview

The Paralegal Certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed for individuals who are already working as legal administrative assistants and are looking for career advancement or new challenges in the field of law. The program is offered part-time and can be completed in one to three years.

Application Type

• Undergrad

Credential

• Certificate

Format

• Part-time

Delivery

• Online with scheduled meeting times

Duration

• 1–3 years

Days and Times

• Evenings and Saturdays

Tuition

• Approximately $6,300 plus semesterly fees (tuition paid per course)

Start Dates

• January, September

Application Deadline

• Students can apply at any time and will be considered for the next available intake

Employment Facts

• 100% of graduates from UFV's Paralegal Certificate program enter the workforce
• Graduates achieve a median hourly wage of $33
• 81% of UFV Paralegal grads are employed in positions directly related to their field of study
• 81% of graduates report that the knowledge and skills acquired during their education were highly useful in performing their responsibilities

Entrance Requirements

• Legal office experience or completion of an LAA certificate
• One of the following:
  • Successful completion at the post-secondary level, and within the past two years, of a Legal Administrative Assistant certificate program that includes a practicum
  • Current employment in a law firm, with a minimum of two years administrative assistance experience

Program Outline

Skills and Knowledge

• Define, discuss, and apply the ethical standards of modern paralegal practice
• Name, define, and differentiate Canadian sources of law
• Apply basic British Columbia legal procedures
• Discuss and articulate essential legal concepts in torts, contracts, and corporate/business and family applications
• Draft, copy, and distribute various documents and legal correspondence using modern technologies
• Conduct basic research including identifying legislation and citing case law

Courses

• Core Courses (required):
  • PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
  • PRLG 150 - Contracts I
  • PRLG 210 - Torts I
  • PRLG 230 - Legal Research and Writing I
• Electives: 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 whose grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0 may be required to withdraw from the program
• Students who fail to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B average) will not be eligible for graduation

Instructors

• Classes are taught by experienced paralegals possessing exceptional academic and professional qualifications

Tuition and Fees

• This program is subject to Program-Specific Fees
• The Paralegal program fees are calculated by credit
• Students in this program also pay semesterly fees

Laddering into the Paralegal Diploma

• The certificate program ladders into the Paralegal diploma program
• After completing the 8-course certificate, students have only 15 out of 23 courses remaining in order to earn the diploma

Graduation

• When you've completed all required courses and met the grade requirements, you can apply for graduation
• Please note there is a graduation application fee

Transfer Credit

• Many students choosing to take the Paralegal program have prior education in law
• After you apply to the program and submit your application and official documentation, UFV can review your academic history to determine whether your past educational experience is eligible for a transfer credit

Distance Students

• This program is currently offered fully online
• However, distance students should be advised that this program teaches BC law, so it is the best fit for students who plan to work in BC after graduation

International Students

• This program is not currently open to international students
• Please see the list of programs available to international students at UFV

Employment Facts

• The UFV Paralegal certificate program delivers employment-focused education and professional training to prepare you to work immediately as an entry-level paralegal in the province of B.C.
• Paralegals can work in law firms, government offices, compliance departments in public or private corporations, legal aid clinics, banks, search houses, marketing agencies, recruitment agencies, consulting firms, educational institutions, research firms, or in companies that support the legal profession
• Many paralegals opt to be self-employed and work for lawyers on a contract basis
• Some paralegals choose to become a notary public or a trademark agent, as these related professions are complementary

Textbooks

• To find your textbooks, use the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool
• Select "PRLG - Paralegal" as your area of study

Computer Requirements

• You will need a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable internet access and up-to-date software in order to access your online classes
• View UFV's technical requirements for online courses here

Additional Supplies

• Basic school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, will be an additional cost