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. secondary school graduation or equivalent. Non-graduates, aged 23 or older, may be considered on an individual basis.
2. Prerequisites for CMNS 125.
3. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
4. 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).
5. Willingness to undergo a security records check for practicum purposes.
6. A 500-word written statement outlining applicants' reasons for wanting to take the program.
7. 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

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/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 all post-secondary institutions 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 employer and an up-to-date résumé.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

Please see the Continuing Education webpage for current fee information. 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 11 months per year, followed by a six-month practicum.

Location

The program is located at the Clearbrook Centre in Abbotsford.

Program outline

Certificate requirements: 75 credits

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.

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.

Readmission

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

Residency

Students must complete at least 50% of the credits required at UFV. The practicum must also be taken through UFV.

Graduation requirements

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

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.