Continuing Education

Paralegal certificate

The Paralegal certificate program delivers employment-focused education and professional training to prepare students to work immediately as entry-level paralegals. Topics covered include family law, corporate and commercial law, criminal law, property law, insurance law, and litigation. Graduates will be fully qualified to work as entry-level paralegals in the province of B.C., and to acquire membership in the B.C. Paralegal Association.

All courses in the certificate can be applied towards completion of the Paralegal diploma program.

To gain employment in the industry, graduates may be expected to have a minimum keyboarding speed of 60 words per minute.

Entrance requirements

1. 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.
2. One of the following:
   • B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
   • 19 years or older on the first day of classes.
3. One of the following:

• Successful completion at the post-secondary level, within the past two years, of a Legal Administrative Assistant certificate program that includes a practicum.
• Two years’ legal administrative experience and current employment in a law firm. Applicants must submit a resume and letter from their employer confirming their position.

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.
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 Costssection) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants are considered once all required documentation has been received and their application is complete. As space in the program may be limited, admission will be offered in the order of application completion date.

Fees and additional costs

See Program-specific tuition and fees and the Fees and Other Costs section.

All tuition fees that total more than $100 in a calendar year are tax deductible.

Program duration

The Paralegal certificate is a 24-credit, part-time program that can be completed in one to three years.

Location

The Paralegal certificate may be offered in a hybrid, in-person, or online format. See Timetables for course delivery format.

Program outline

Core courses: 12 credits

Elective courses: 12 credits

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in courses numbered 100 or higher must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from 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).

Course repetition

Students may choose to repeat courses to enhance skills and learning or to improve their grade and/or their grade point average. To maximize student success and enhance access to courses for all students, UFV sets a limit on the number of times students may attempt a given course. Students may not register for a course more than twice without permission of the department head or designate for the discipline.

Readmission

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

Residency

Students must complete at least 75% of the credits required at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B).

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete all courses within three years.

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 4626, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.