Paralegal Diploma

Program Overview

The Paralegal diploma offered by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is designed to enhance legal training and prepare students for various opportunities within the field of law. This program allows graduates to provide legal advice and appear in court, effectively bridging the gap between educational pursuits and practical application in the legal sphere.

Flexible classes are available during evenings, weekends, and online, delivering a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian legal system. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a range of roles in law firms, government offices, compliance departments, legal aid clinics, banks, and more.

Credential

• 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, with tuition paid per course.
• Start Dates: January, September
• Application Deadline: Open; students can apply anytime for the next available intake.

Tuition fees are subject to change without notice, and textbooks are not included in the tuition.

Entrance Requirements

To enroll in the Paralegal diploma program, candidates must meet at least one of the following requirements:

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

It is highly recommended that students without prior legal office experience consider completing UFV's LAA program as it provides essential foundational knowledge applicable in the Paralegal program.

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 legal-related computer programs.
• Learn about contract formation, breach, and remedies.
• Understand estate planning terminologies and procedures.
• Explore family law topics including divorce, custody, and adoption.
• Examine concepts in criminal law including various crimes and procedures.

Courses

The program comprises the following courses:

• PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
• PRLG 105 - Legal Office Procedures
• PRLG 110 - Information Technology and the Legal System
• PRLG 115 - Evidence
• CMNS 125 - 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

For comprehensive course descriptions, refer to the UFV Calendar.

Practicum

At the culmination of the program, students will complete a 6-month practicum, providing practical experience in a professional legal environment. To qualify for the practicum, students must successfully complete all courses required in the program.

Evaluation

Graduation eligibility requires students to successfully complete each course with a grade of B or higher, as well as completing the practicum with a credit.

Instructors

Courses are delivered by experienced paralegals with exceptional academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Tuition and Fees

The Paralegal diploma program is subject to program-specific fees, calculated based on credit. Students will also incur semesterly fees.

Laddering into the Paralegal Diploma

Students who have completed the Paralegal certificate program can transition into the diploma program, requiring only an additional 15 courses to earn the diploma.

Distance Learning

While the program is fully online except for the practicum, it is primarily structured around British Columbia law, making it most suitable for those aspiring to work in BC post-graduation.

International Students

This program is not currently open to international students.

Employment Prospects

Graduates of the UFV Paralegal diploma program are equipped for immediate employment in entry-level paralegal positions in British Columbia. Employment opportunities exist in various sectors, including law firms, government entities, compliance departments, and more. Many graduates also choose to pursue self-employment or related professional designations, such as notary public or trademark agent.

Upon completion of the program and attainment of the requisite qualifications, graduates can proceed to apply for graduation.

Degree Overview:

Objective:

The Paralegal Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to provide legal advice and appear in court. It builds upon the foundation laid by the Paralegal Certificate program, offering in-depth knowledge of the Canadian legal system and hands-on training in paralegal skills.

Program Description:

• This program is offered part-time, with classes scheduled during evenings, weekends, and online.
• It requires completion of 23 courses, followed by a 6-month practicum.
• The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete, with an additional 6 months for the practicum.
• Tuition is approximately $19,600 plus semesterly fees, paid per course.
Start dates are in January and September.

Outline:

Program Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• The fundamental structure and foundation of the Canadian legal system.
• Litigation and legal research processes.
• Computer programs used in the legal practice.
• Contract formation, breach, and remedies.
• Estate planning, wills, trusts, estate taxes, and joint tenancy.
• Family law, including divorce, separation, custody, adoption, guardianship, and community property.
• Criminal law, including common law, statutory crimes, punishment, crime classification, principles of liability, and basic criminal procedure concepts.

Course Schedule:

• The program consists of 23 courses, including:
• PRLG 100 - Introduction to Law
• PRLG 115 - Evidence
• CMNS125 - Introduction to Workplace Communication
• PRLG 120 - Family Law
• 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

Individual Module Descriptions:

• Each course focuses on a specific area of law and provides students with the opportunity to develop relevant skills and knowledge.
Course descriptions can be found in the UFV Calendar.

Assessment:

Evaluation:

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

Teaching:

Instructors:

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

Teaching Methods:

• The program blends theoretical study with hands-on practice, allowing students to develop practical paralegal skills.

Careers:

Employment Opportunities:

• Paralegals have excellent employment prospects in British Columbia.
They can work in various settings, including:
• 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
• Companies supporting the legal profession
• Many paralegals choose to be self-employed and work for lawyers on a contract basis.

Other:

Practicum:

• Students complete a 6-month practicum at the end of the program, providing them with valuable work experience in a professional legal setting.
• Practicum hours are based on the host's schedule.
• Students must successfully complete all program courses to qualify for the practicum.
• Students unable to attend or complete the practicum due to extenuating circumstances should contact Continuing Education immediately.

Program Laddering:

• Students who complete the Paralegal Certificate program can ladder into the Paralegal Diploma program.
They only need to complete 15 out of the 23 diploma courses after finishing the certificate program.

Transfer Credits:

• Students with prior education in law may be eligible for transfer credits.
UFV will review their academic history to determine eligibility.

Distance Learning:

• The program is currently offered fully online, except for the practicum.
However, it is designed for students who plan to work in BC after graduation as it focuses on BC law.

International Students:

• The program is not currently open to international students.

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