Paralegal (Certificate)
Overview
Learn the fundamental theories, terminology, research methods, and professional procedures required for a career in the legal system.| Tuition | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 3-6 years |
| Hours | N/A |
| Delivery | N/A |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Utilize legal terminology competently
- Identify Canadian sources of law and basic British Columbia legal procedures
- Outline substantive legal concepts in torts, contracts, and corporate/business structures
- Draft legal memos and legal correspondence with clients and colleagues
- Perform general paralegal tasks such as conducting research and assisting with law firm management
- Research legislation and case law for basic legal concepts
- Work in specialized areas of practice such as litigation, corporate law, real estate/conveyancing, or family and estate law
- Observe the ethical standards of paralegal practice
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The Paralegal Certificate is comprised of 42.3 credits. Students must take all core courses (23 credits), all four courses in one practice area (14 credits), and two electives (5.3 credits-averaged). Most students require approximately two years of part-time study to complete the requirements for a Paralegal Certificate. Students must complete the Paralegal Certificate within five years.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
1. Knowledge of the English language, demonstrated by completion of ONE of the following:- Grade 12 graduation from a Canadian high school, or equivalent, including academic English 12 with at least C+ (64%), or equivalent; OR
- Completion of an academic English or writing course from a Canadian college or university, or equivalent, with at least C+ (64%); OR
- Completion of VCC High School Equivalence English courses with a "B" grade or higher; OR
- English assessment success, including ONE of the following:
- LET (Langara English Test) with an overall score of 4; OR
- LPI (Language Proficiency Index) with an essay level 4, essay score of at least 22 and a minimum 5 in English usage; OR
- VCC Adult Basic English Reading and Writing Assessment with a minimum score of 60 in Reading, 52 in Writing, and a Writing Sample at 0991 placement level; OR
- VCC English Language Assessment with a minimum score of 145 overall, including a minimum score of 16 out of 30 in the essay portion; OR
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with 6.5 overall; OR
- TOEFL (Test of English Foreign Language) with 220 minimum overall, a minimum of 5.0 on Essay. If Internet-based, the Reading, Writing, and Listening component must total at least 60.
- At least one year of legal work experience in British Columbia, OR
- Completion of the Legal Administrative Assistant program at VCC or an equivalent institution, OR
- Completion of Office Administration Certificate – Legal Office Skills, OR
- Completion of basic legal course work, such as the Legal Office Skills courses of the Office Administration Certificate Program, PLUS at least one year of office administration experience in or out of British Columbia
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Respect for the rigidly hierarchical system of authority on which the legal profession is based
- Highly competent legal secretarial skills
- Typing speed of at least 50 wpm
- Excellent computer skills, including intermediate to advanced MS Word, Excel, file management, and Internet search capabilities
- Detail oriented
- Excellent writing skills
- Exceptional work ethic
- Ability to follow instructions and prioritize work
- Ability to meet deadlines
Program Availability
Not currently available.
Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| LEGL 1202 | Canadian Legal Process | 4 |
| LEGL 1204 | Torts | 4 |
| LEGL 1205 | Legal Communications | 3 |
| LEGL 1207 | Legal Research | 4 |
| LEGL 1208 | Paralegal Practicum | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1209 | Contracts | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1210 | Agency and Business Structures | 1 |
| Practice Area Courses | ||
| Litigation: | ||
| LEGL 1301 | Litigation for Paralegals 1 | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1302 | Litigation for Paralegals 2 | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1303 | Creditor’s Remedies | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1304 | Personal Injury Practice | 3.5 |
| Real Estate/Conveyancing: | ||
| LEGL 1309 | Property Law | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1310 | Property Transactions | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1311 | Lending and Security | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1312 | Commercial Conveyancing | 3.5 |
| Corporate: | ||
| LEGL 1305 | Corp Law – Basic Procedures | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1307 | Corp Law – Intermediate Proc | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1308 | Corp Law – Adv Procedures | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1317 | Corp Law- Complex Transactions | 3.5 |
| Family Law/Estates: | ||
| LEGL 1313 | Family Law 1 | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1314 | Family Law 2 | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1315 | Wills and Estate Planning | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1316 | Estate Administration | 3.5 |
| Electives | ||
| Please note that elective options are subject to change. | ||
| LEGL 1306 | Securities – Corporate | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1410 | Securities 2 | 1 |
| LEGL 1403 | Court of Appeal Practice | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1409 | Bankruptcy and Foreclosures | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1401 | Evidence | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1405 | Intellectual Property | 3.5 |
| LEGL 1470 | Criminal Law Procedures | 1.5 |
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
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
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
Do you have any questions?