Continuing Education

Paralegal diploma

In this program, students will study the basic foundations and structure of the Canadian legal system and become familiar with litigation and legal research processes. In addition, students will develop skills in computer programs as they apply to the practice of law. Students will also acquire fundamental knowledge about the formation of contracts, breach of contracts, and remedies for the breach of contracts and will become familiar with the terminology, policies, and procedures applied to estate planning, wills, trusts, estate taxes, estate sales, and joint tenancy.

Family and criminal law are other principal subjects that will be covered in this program. Family law specializes in divorce, separation, custody, adoption, guardianship, and community property. Criminal law covers statutory crimes and punishment, crime classification, determining guilt, and basic criminal procedure concepts.

UFV also offers a Paralegal certificate program.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. high school graduation or equivalent. Non-graduates, aged 23 or older, may be considered on an individual basis.

2. Prerequisites for CMNS 125.

3. 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
• Two years’ legal administrative experience and current employment in a law firm, and proof of 60 wpm typing speed (attach copy of certificate).

4. Willingness to undergo a security records check for practicum purposes.

5. A 500-word written statement outlining reasons for wanting to take the program.

6. Satisfactory interview with instructor(s). Applicants should be prepared to discuss their career goals and knowledge of the field and are expected to demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and life skills.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• 500-word written statement as outlined in the entrance requirements.
• Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from every post-secondary institution you have attended showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• A letter from your employer and an up-to-date resume.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted based on the date of complete applicant status. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

Please visit the Continuing Education web page for current fee details. See the Fees and Other Costs section for additional information. This program will not normally be eligible for financial aid.

Program duration

This two-year diploma program will be offered two days a week (early evenings) plus a Saturday for eleven months per year, followed by a six-month practicum, for a total of 75 credits.

Program outline

Certificate requirements: 75 credits

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Students who fail to maintain a B in each course will not be eligible for a practicum.

Re-admission

Students who wish to return must do so within three years. Re-admission will be subject to program availability.

Residency

A minimum of 50% of the required credits must be taken at UFV. The practicum must also be taken through UFV.

Graduation requirements

Students must successfully complete each course with a B, and practicum with a credit, to be eligible for graduation.

Transfer credit

Graduates of the Paralegal diploma program will be granted nine credits (including credit for CRIM 230) towards the Criminal Justice program. Please contact the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice for more information.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

For more information

Contact Continuing Education at 604-851-6324, or 604-504-7441 local 6324, or toll-free (within Canada) 1-888-504-7441 local 6324, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.