Program Overview

Paralegal Diploma

Program Overview

The UFV Paralegal diploma program enables students to seize exciting opportunities in the field of law and equips them to give legal advice and appear in court. The program tops up the paralegal training started in the UFV Paralegal certificate. Flexible classes scheduled during evenings, weekends, and online provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the Canadian legal system.

Credential and Format

• Credential: Diploma
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Online with scheduled meeting times
• Duration: 2-3 years, followed by a 6-month practicum
• Days and times: Evenings and Saturdays
• Tuition: Approximately $19,600 plus semesterly fees (tuition paid per course)

Start Dates and Application Deadline

• Start dates: January, September
• Application deadline: Students can apply at any time and will be considered for the next available intake

Entrance Requirements

• Legal office experience or completion of an LAA certificate: One of the requirements for entry to the Paralegal program is 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

Students enrolled in the Paralegal diploma program will:

• Study the basic foundation and structure of the Canadian legal system
• Become familiar with litigation and legal research processes
• Develop skills in computer programs as they apply to the practice of law
• Learn fundamental knowledge about the formation of contracts, breach of contracts, and remedies for the breach of contracts
• Become familiar with the terminology, policies, and procedures applied to estate planning, wills, trusts, estate taxes, estate sales, and joint tenancy
• Study family including divorce, separation, custody, adoption, guardianship, and community property
• Study criminal law including common law, statutory crimes and punishment, crime classification, principles of liability, and basic criminal procedure concepts

Courses

• PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
• PRLG 105 - Legal Office Procedures
• PRLG 110 - Information Technology and the Legal System
• PRLG 115 - Evidence
• CMNS125 - Introduction to Workplace Communication
• 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 145 - Criminal Law and Procedures II
• PRLG 150 - Contracts I
• PRLG 155 - Corporate and Commercial Law
• PRLG 200 - Litigation I
• PRLG 205 - Insurance Law
• PRLG 210 - Torts I
• PRLG 215 - Administrative Law
• PRLG 220 - Contracts II
• PRLG 225 - Litigation and Its Alternatives
• PRLG 230 - Legal Research and Writing I
• PRLG 235 - Torts II
• PRLG 240 - Legal Research and Writing II
• PRLG 250 - Paralegal Practicum

Practicum

Students complete a 6-month practicum at the end of their program that provides a meaningful work-like experience and exposure to a professional legal setting. To qualify for practicum, students must successfully complete all courses within the program.

Evaluation

To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete each course with a grade of B, and the practicum with a credit.

Instructors

Classes are taught by experienced paralegals possessing exceptional academic and professional qualifications. This program blends substantive legal study with instruction and hands-on practice in paralegal skills.

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 Paralegal 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 students have completed all required courses and met the grade requirements, they can apply for graduation.

Transfer Credit

Many students choosing to take the Paralegal program have prior education in law. After applying to the program and submitting official documentation, UFV can review their academic history to determine whether their past educational experience is eligible for a transfer credit.

Distance Students

This program is currently offered fully online, except for the practicum. 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.

Employment Facts

The UFV Paralegal certificate program delivers employment-focused education and professional training to prepare students to work immediately as an entry-level paralegal in the province of B.C.

In British Columbia, paralegals have excellent employment prospects. 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.