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Paralegal Certificate


Experience VCC Join us at Experience VCC on October 24 for an evening of free workshops, entertainment, and prizes.

This program helps experienced paralegals and legal administrative assistants expand their professional opportunities. By increasing their knowledge and capabilities, graduates will be able to manage greater responsibility, work more independently, and advance their careers.

For acceptance to the Paralegal Program, please submit your application and required documents (please see admission requirements for details) to the Program Coordinator. Acceptance of applications is ongoing.

Non-program students may register in courses at the Program Coordinator’s discretion.

Students must have a practicum secured prior to registering. Practicum may be completed at student’s current place of employment and all practicums must be supervised by a practicing BC lawyer. Students who register for LEGL 1208 Paralegal Practicum without having secured a practicum will be asked to withdraw from the course, without refund.

Program Status:

Accepting applications



Start Length Credentials Campus Part- or Full-time
Ongoing 1 to 3 years Certificate Downtown Part-time

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Paralegal Certificate

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International students must first contact International Education at study@vcc.ca or 604-443-8600 to determine eligibility for this program.

Online Mail In Person
No online application at this time. Download and complete the (PDF) application/registration form and mail it to VCC Registrar's Office Visit the CS Registration Desk at our Downtown campus, 2nd floor, 250 West Pender Street, Vancouver [business hours]

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Program Description

Paralegal Certificate

Program Description

After completing the Paralegal Certificate, graduates will be able to:

  • 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

Courses involve lectures, discussion, group work, and hands-on practice. Some courses offer the choice of online or face-to-face formats.

 

Evaluation of the courses is determined by the instructor and may include projects, participation, presentations, assignments, and /or quizzes. All courses include a final exam. The minimum passing grade for each course is C- minus, and students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in order to receive a Paralegal Certificate.

 

Students require 42.3 credits to obtain the Paralegal Certificate. Students must take all core courses (23 credits), all four courses in one practice area (14 credits), and two electives (5.3 credits-averaged).

REQUIRED COURSE(S)

  • LEGL 1202 Canadian Legal Process
  • LEGL 1204 Torts
  • LEGL 1205 Legal Communications
  • LEGL 1207 Legal Research
  • LEGL 1208 Practicum
  • LEGL 1209 Contracts
  • LEGL 1210 Agency and Business Structures

PRACTICE AREA COURSES

Litigation

  • LEGL 1301 Litigation for Paralegals 1
  • LEGL 1302 Litigation for Paralegals 2
  • LEGL 1303 Creditors Remedies
  • LEGL 1304 Personal Injury Practice

Real Estate/Conveyancing

  • LEGL 1309 Property Law
  • LEGL 1310 Property Transactions
  • LEGL 1311 Lending and Security
  • LEGL 1312 Commercial Conveyancing

Corporate

  • LEGL 1305 Corporate Law Basic Procedures
  • LEGL 1307 Corporate Law Intermediate
  • LEGL 1308 Corporate Law Advanced
  • LEGL 1317 Corporate Law Complex Transactions

Family Law/Estates

  • LEGL 1313 Family Law 1
  • LEGL 1314 Family Law 2
  • LEGL 1315 Wills and Estates Planning
  • LEGL 1316 Estate Administration

ELECTIVES

  • LEGL 1306 Securities: Corporate
  • LEGL 1410 Securities 2
  • LEGL 1403 Court of Appeal Practice
  • LEGL 1409 Bankruptcy and Foreclosures
  • LEGL 1401 Evidence
  • LEGL 1405 Intellectual Property
  • LEGL 1470 Criminal Law Procedures

Some courses in this program require textbooks. Please call or visit the Downtown Bookstore for more information.
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Admission Requirements

Paralegal Certificate

Admission Requirements

General

VCC welcomes applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

International students

Please note that not all Continuing Studies programs are available to international students. To determine your eligibility, please contact VCC’s International Education Office at: study@vcc.ca or 604.443.8600.


As Vancouver Community College is a post-secondary institution committed to educating adult learners, applicants should be 18 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school.


Program Specific

Missing prerequisites? VCC offers courses in Adult Upgrading and English as an Additional Language to help you meet your goals.
    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 071 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.

Proof of the above prerequisites (i.e. official transcript or official test results) must be attached to the student’s application.

    1. Confirmation of legal experience, in the form of a letter from employer or official transcript, including:
    2. At least one year of legal work experience in British Columbia, OR
    3. Completion of the Legal Administrative Assistant program at VCC or an equivalent institution, OR
    4. Completion of Office Administration Certificate – Legal Office Skills, OR
    5. 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

Non-program students may enrol in courses at the Program Coordinator’s discretion.

 

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
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Course Schedule

Paralegal Certificate

Courses Schedule

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Fees and Other costs

Paralegal Certificate


Application Fee $35


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Info Sessions

Paralegal Certificate

Info Sessions

VCC’s paralegal certificate and paralegal diploma programs are designed for paralegals and legal administrative assistants who want to increase their knowledge and professional opportunities in this growing field.

Join us at VCC’s Downtown campus, 200-block Dunsmuir at Hamilton, two blocks west of the Stadium SkyTrain station.





View all Info Sessions/Tours >>

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Contact Us/Request Info

Paralegal Certificate

Contact Us/Request Info

Questions?

Before you send us an email, please ensure you have reviewed

As well, if you meet any of the following criteria, please follow the links for more information:

Contact us:

Program Coordinator: Janet Chee, VCC paralegal, 604.871.7000, ext. 8649
Program Assistant: Harwinder Sekhon, VCC paralegal, 604.871.7000, ext. 8711

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Program Highlights

Paralegal Certificate

Program Highlights

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Course Schedule

Paralegal Certificate

Courses Schedule

 

This program is application based. Before you register in any of the courses listed below, please ensure you have applied and been accepted to the program. Apply to the program now.


Currently Scheduled in Continuing Studies Sep-Dec2018 (201893)

(LEGL 1202) Canadian Legal Process 4.0 credits    $280.71



Outlines the history of Canadian law and the Canadian court system, and provides a foundation for further studies in the paralegal program. Students examine basic legal principles, sources of law, and the structure of the court system while gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of members of the legal profession. Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework. Please note that a textbook may be required for this course. Please check the bookstore website at https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/ for textbook information and hours of operation.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30300 ONLINE TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
11-Sep-2018
to 30-Oct-2018
 		Franklin, Alan
  30288 DTN Rm. 512
 RM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
25-Oct-2018
to 13-Dec-2018
 		von Antal, Marco


(LEGL 1204) Torts 4.0 credits    $280.71



Overview of tort law in Canada. Discusses civil wrongs that occur when one individual's conduct interferes with other persons or their property. Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework. Please note that a textbook may be required for this course. Please check the bookstore website at https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/ for textbook information and hours of operation.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30292 ONLINE TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
04-Sep-2018
to 23-Oct-2018
 		von Antal, Marco


(LEGL 1205) Legal Communications 3.0 credits    $279.00



Explores the key principles that enable students to communicate confidently and successfully. Topics include business writing, verbal communication skills, and ethics of the paralegal profession. Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30572 ONLINE M-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday TBATo be assigned
TBATo be assigned
13-Nov-2018
to 13-Dec-2018
 		Chee, Janet


(LEGL 1207) Legal Research 4.0 credits    $291.74



Overview of research and citation techniques, including strategies for online and manual research as well as legal memoranda. Prerequisites: Legal Communications (LEGL 1205), legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework. Please note that a textbook may be required for this course. Please check the bookstore website at https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/ for textbook information and hours of operation.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30301 DTN Rm. 619
 TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
18-Sep-2018
to 06-Nov-2018
 		Colwell, Michael


(LEGL 1208) Paralegal Practicum 3.5 credits    $146.49



Students synthesize the experiences gained from practicum placements and existing positions at legal offices, and showcase their accomplishments by designing a professional portfolio for use in job interviews. Prerequisites: Formal admission to the paralegal program and completion of most core courses.

Students must have a practicum secured prior to registering for Paralegal Practicum LEGL 1208. Practicum may be completed at student’s current place of employment and all practicums must be supervised by a practicing BC lawyer. Students who register for Paralegal Practicum LEGL 1208 without having secured a practicum will be asked to withdraw from the course, without refund.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30295 ONLINE FM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
07-Sep-2018
to 30-Nov-2018
 		Chee, Janet


(LEGL 1209) Contracts 3.5 credits    $338.26



A substantive law course covering the law of contracts. Students study the function of contracts in today’s business world, following the life of a contract “from cradle to grave”. Topics include the concept and nature of contractual relationships, how contracts are entered into, circumstances affecting contract validity, and how a contractual relationship may end (and the potential consequences). Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework. Please note that a textbook may be required for this course. Please check the bookstore website at https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/ for textbook information and hours of operation.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30294 DTN Rm. 424
 TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
06-Nov-2018
to 18-Dec-2018
 		Eng, Don


(LEGL 1210) Agency and Business Structures 1.0 credits    $344.84



A study of agency relationships and liabilities, formation of partnerships, general concepts underlying incorporations, corporate structure, and duties of directors and officers. Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience, formal admission to the paralegal program, or previous legal coursework. Please note that a textbook may be required for this course. Please check the bookstore website at https://downtown.store.vcc.ca/ for textbook information and hours of operation.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30296 DTN Rm. 828
 TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
18-Sep-2018
to 30-Oct-2018
 		Eng, Don


(LEGL 1301) Litigation for Paralegals 1 3.5 credits    $304.72



Overview of court processes, systems, and functions such as commencing legal proceedings, defending actions, setting a matter for trial, production of documents, discoveries, and general interlocutory applications. Prerequisites: Torts (LEGL 1204), or master chapters 4-5 in the current edition of Business Law in Canada, by R.E. Yates, T. Bereznicki-Kozil, and T. Clarke.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30287 DTN Rm. 629
 RM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
06-Sep-2018
to 25-Oct-2018
 		Dieno, Brittany


(LEGL 1302) Litigation for Paralegals 2 3.5 credits    $293.19



Examines interlocutory applications, family law, evidence, experts, orders and costs, and preparation of interlocutory application materials for various forms of relief. Topics include Fast Track Litigation and Rule 68 Expedited Litigation. Prerequisites: Litigation for Paralegals 1 (LEGL 1301).

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CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30303 ONLINE RM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
25-Oct-2018
to 06-Dec-2018
 		Valliere, Penny
  30284 DTN Rm. 518
 WM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
31-Oct-2018
to 12-Dec-2018
 		Kollias, Elizabeth


(LEGL 1305) Corporate Law - Basic Procedures 3.5 credits    $242.21



An examination of corporate law including choice of business organization and jurisdiction, incorporating and organizing a British Columbia company under the Business Corporations Act, corporate maintenance (annual reports and records books), and transactions (appointing directors, allotting and transferring shares). Prerequisites: Agency and Business Structures (LEGL 1210). Corporate (OACP 1115) strongly recommended for students without corporate experience.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30289 ONLINE RM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
13-Sep-2018
to 25-Oct-2018
 		Franklin, Alan


(LEGL 1307) Corporate Law - Intermediate Procedures 3.5 credits    $251.70



Overview of corporate procedures and documentation for name changes, special rights and restrictions (drafting alternatives), changes to Notices of Articles, and extra-provincial registrations under the Business Corporations Act. Prerequisites: Corporate Law - Basic Procedures (LEGL 1305).

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30290 DTN Rm. TBATo Be Assigned
 TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
23-Oct-2018
to 04-Dec-2018
 		Lehmann, Brent
  30290 DTN Rm. 629
 TM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
23-Oct-2018
to 04-Dec-2018
 		Lehmann, Brent
  30291 ONLINE RM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
01-Nov-2018
to 13-Dec-2018
 		Franklin, Alan


(LEGL 1310) Property Transactions 3.5 credits    $251.70



Designed for legal support staff with a desire to be skilled conveyancers. Explores the Land Title Act, property transactions and mortgage financing, and the "how" and "why" of the steps in a conveyance. Prerequisites: Property Law (LEGL 1309). Conveyancing (OACP 1117) strongly recommended for students without conveyancing experience.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30286 DTN Rm. 414
 WM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
1800 - 2100
24-Oct-2018
to 05-Dec-2018
 		Chee, Janet


(LEGL 1315) Wills and Estate Planning 3.5 credits    $285.91



Covers the structure and requirements of a valid will. Topics include living wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. Prerequisites: Legal administrative work experience or formal admission to the paralegal program.

More Information

CRN Campus - Room Day(s) Time Date Instructor
  30298 ONLINE WM-Monday, T-Tuesday,
W-Wednesday, R-Thursday,
F-Friday, S-Saturday,
U-Sunday
TBATo be assigned
17-Oct-2018
to 28-Nov-2018
 		Franklin, Alan


Upcoming schedules for Continuing Studies Jan-Mar2019 Continuing Studies Apr-Aug2019 Continuing Studies Sep-Dec2019 term(s) are in process.
Please check back regularly.

Agency and Business Structures (LEGL 1210)
course schedule schedule 		1.0 credits $344.84
Bankruptcy and Foreclosures (LEGL 1409)
course schedule schedule 		2.0 credits N/A
Canadian Legal Process (LEGL 1202)
course schedule schedule 		4.0 credits $291.74
Commercial Conveyancing (LEGL 1312)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Contracts (LEGL 1209)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $338.26
Corporate Law - Advanced Procedures (LEGL 1308)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Corporate Law - Basic Procedures (LEGL 1305)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $242.21
Corporate Law - Complex Transactions (LEGL 1317)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Corporate Law - Intermediate Procedures (LEGL 1307)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $251.70
Court of Appeal Practice (LEGL 1403)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Creditor's Remedies (LEGL 1303)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Criminal Law Procedures (LEGL 1470)
course schedule schedule 		1.5 credits N/A
Estate Administration (LEGL 1316)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Evidence (LEGL 1401)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Family Law 1 (LEGL 1313)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Family Law 2 (LEGL 1314)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Intellectual Property (LEGL 1405)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Legal Communications (LEGL 1205)
course schedule schedule 		3.0 credits $279.00
Legal Research (LEGL 1207)
course schedule schedule 		4.0 credits $291.74
Lending and Security (LEGL 1311)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Litigation for Paralegals 1 (LEGL 1301)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $304.72
Litigation for Paralegals 2 (LEGL 1302)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $304.72
Paralegal Practicum (LEGL 1208)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $146.49
Personal Injury Practice (LEGL 1304)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Property Law (LEGL 1309)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Property Transactions (LEGL 1310)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $251.70
Securities - Corporate (LEGL 1306)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits N/A
Securities 2 (LEGL 1410)
course schedule schedule 		1.0 credits N/A
Torts (LEGL 1204)
course schedule schedule 		4.0 credits $280.71
Wills and Estate Planning (LEGL 1315)
course schedule schedule 		3.5 credits $285.91


Fees for Continuing Studies programs and courses are approximate and subject to change without notice. Fees include GST (if applicable) as well as College Initiative and Resource Fees, which vary depending on the individual course. Student Union Fees and UPass Fees will be assessed at time of registration where applicable, and are not included in the fees displayed online. Students are responsible for any increase in fees if advanced payments are made.



Refund Policy and Refund Procedure
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