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.

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.
4. Applicants must be willing to undertake a Criminal Records Check prior to placement in the practicum, if required by the host.

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 Costs section) 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 diploma program includes 75 credits that can be taken in a part-time or full-time capacity and must be completed within 5 years.

Location

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

Program outline

Program requirements: 75 credits

Practicum regulations

Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B) to be eligible for the practicum.

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 50% of the credits required at UFV. The practicum must also be completed at UFV.

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (B) and receive credit (CR) for the practicum.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Students must complete all courses within five 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 6324, or continuingeducation@ufv.ca.