Paralegal Diploma

View the full list of entrance requirements for this program in the Academic Calendar.

View instructions on how to apply to UFV here.

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; 
  or
• Current employment in a law firm, with a minimum of two years administrative assistance experience.

If you have not yet worked in a legal office, we recommend UFV's Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) program. An LAA certificate will provide you with the base knowledge of the legal system including an introduction to terminology, legal processes, and applicable documentations in a variety of legal areas including Litigation, Family Law, Corporate Law, Wills and Estates, and Conveyancing.  As you transition to the Paralegal program, the knowledge acquired in the LAA program will be applied as you research, review, and study cases using the rules and regulations of the legal system under each subject area.

Additionally, students who first complete the LAA program often find the transition to the Paralegal program easier than students who directly enter the program. The same can be said for those searching for employment, as many law firms require paralegals to know the LAA role and to be able to support the LAA when needed.

How to submit your documents

• View instructions on how to submit your transcripts here.
  
• If you are currently employed in a law firm and do not have an LAA certificate, please submit proof of employment and a copy of your resume indicating your experience in a law firm. You can do this by emailing admissions@ufv.ca with your resume as an attachment, or by uploading your resume to the application portal.

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

For full course descriptions, see the UFV Calendar.

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, you must successfully complete all courses within the program.

Practicum schedule

Your practicum hours will reflect the schedule of the host you are paired with.

Missing your practicum

Completing your practicum is a requirement for graduation. If you are unable to attend or complete your practicum due to extenuating circumstances, please contact Continuing Education immediately.

Extenuating circumstances are defined as a situation beyond your control that prevents you from completing a course, program, or practicum. These are circumstances that are unexpected and/or uncontrollable and arise during the course of the program. Examples include:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Car accident
• Medical emergency
• Incapacitating illness
• Serious personal situation

The following does not qualify:

• Inability to achieve a passing grade
• Unawareness of deadlines
• Unfavorable weather conditions
• A short-term illness
• An unmanaged, pre-existing health condition

Please discuss any barriers that may affect your practicum assignment with Continuing Education immediately after registration.

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.

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, 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. 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., and to acquire membership with the B.C. Paralegal Association. ​

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.

Visit WorkBC to learn more about the labour market for paralegals in British Columbia.

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