Paralegal (Diploma)

Overview

What to expect

What you will learn

• Explain overall court and other dispute resolution procedures, from preparing court and dispute resolution documents through to resolution of the dispute.
• Explain principles and concepts of legal tasks performed.
• Draft court and commercial documentation and complete basic law procedures for litigation, corporate/business, real estate, family, and estate.
• Conduct legal research including fact gathering and issue identification.
• Locate, reference, and apply case law and legislative materials.
• Apply appropriate legal procedures in a variety of legal settings.
• Demonstrate proficient use of specialized legal terminology.
• Perform paralegal-level work in a law office or other legal setting.
• Adhere to principles of legal ethics in a work environment.
• Practice analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and team working skills in a legal setting.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Paralegal Diploma Program can be completed in 3 years, maximum duration for completion is 6 years.

Students may choose to exit the program and receive a Certificate credential upon completion of the following courses (total 27 credits):

• All core courses (12 credits)
• Four courses from following practice areas (8 credits):  
  • Litigation
  • Real Estate Conveyancing
  • Corporate
  • Family and Estates
• Two elective courses (4 credits)
• Paralegal Practicum 1 (3 credits)

To achieve the Paralegal Diploma, students must successfully complete the following courses (total 60 credits):

• All certificate courses (27 credits)
• All additional practice area courses (24 credits)  
• Three elective courses (6 credits)
• Paralegal Practicum 2 (3 credits)

Students who have achieved a Paralegal Certificate or Diploma may complete one or more Awards of Achievement by completing all four courses in the area:

• Litigation
• Real Estate Conveyancing
• Corporate
• Family and Estates

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

• English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
• Completion of one of the following:  
  • VCC’s Legal Administrative Assistant program, or equivalent,  
  • VCC’s Office Administration Certificate – Legal Office Skills, or equivalent,  
  • Minimum of one-year legal administrative assistant or paralegal experience as demonstrated by:
    • a resume, and
    • VCC Paralegal Employer Reference Checklist,  
  • Minimum of one-year of office administration experience as demonstrated by:
    • a resume or reference letter, and
    • completion of all the VCC Legal Office Skills courses: 
      • OACP 1113, or equivalent,  
      • OACP 1114, or equivalent,  
      • OACP 1115, or equivalent,  
      • OACP 1116, or equivalent,  
      • OACP 1117, or equivalent.  

Recommended Characteristics

• Respect and acceptance of the rigidly hierarchical system of authority on which the legal profession is based
• Strong legal administrative assistant skills
• Proficient computer skills, including intermediate to advanced MS Word, Excel, file management and Internet search capabilities
• Detail-oriented
• Proficient writing skills
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritize work
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Interest in working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment

Program Availability

Courses

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

How to Apply

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca