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Program Highlights

Our Paralegal Diploma graduates work in law firms, corporations and government agencies under the supervision of a lawyer performing interesting and rewarding substantive and procedural legal work.

This program can be completed in two years if taken full-time and is designed for students who have already completed a minimum of two years of post-secondary education or equivalent learning experience. 

In the program, you will learn substantive law, procedural law and legal skills courses and students are required to complete a six-month paid practicum at the end of their studies.

Beginning in Fall 2021, students can enroll in the Paralegal Diploma program as a part-time student, taking evening courses and completing the program coursework in four years.

  • Demonstrate the ability to examine various legal problems by identifying appropriate areas of the law and sources to consult in commencing the process of legal analysis.
  • Demonstrate competence in researching legislation, case law and other secondary legal materials.
  • Summarize legal research findings in appropriate legal formats with clear and compelling analysis and conclusions.
  • Demonstrate competence in effective communication in legally relevant contexts such as presentations of case summaries, interviewing clients, and group presentations.
  • Prepare, draft and produce legal documents, including pleadings and other court documents, wills, corporate documents, or real estate documents.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and ability to identify legal issues in a broad range of areas through an exposure to a variety of legal subjects.

Admission Requirements

English language requirements

English is the language of instruction at CapU. All applicants are required to demonstrate competence in the English language prior to admission.

If English is not your first language or you’ve received your education in a language other than English, you must meet our English Language Requirements.

Basic requirements

  • High school graduation
  • English 100 level or higher course (B- or higher) or
    • CMNS 159 (B+ or higher) or
    • LPI exam (level 5 or higher) or
    • CAEL (70 or higher)
  • One of the following:
    • Two years full-time post-secondary education (with an academic focus) or
    • One year full-time post-secondary education (with an academic focus) plus relevant life/work experience or
    • Relevant life/work learning experience at the discretion of the department

Program-specific requirements

  • Resume
  • Short handwritten essay
  • Two letters of reference

Additional information

  • Short handwritten essay (three pages, double-spaced) entitled, “Why I Want to Become a Paralegal”
  • Two letters of reference (preferably from past employers or college/university instructors)
  • The School of Legal Studies will review applications once the application package is complete. The applicant may be called for an interview if they meet the admission requirements.
  • Although not required, work experience in an office setting and a good working knowledge of computers are highly recommended
  • Please note: In the School of Legal Studies the EDT is not accepted in place of the LPI or CAEL

Program Requirements

First Term

Total credits: 18.00

Required:
LAW 101Introduction to Law3.00 credits
LAW 110Legal Analysis3.00 credits
LAW 115Legal Document Processing3.00 credits
LAW 200Torts I3.00 credits
LAW 210Legal Research3.00 credits
LAW 220Litigation Procedures I3.00 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 15.00

Required:
LAW 130Criminal Law3.00 credits
LAW 140Family Law and Procedures3.00 credits
LAW 201Torts II3.00 credits
LAW 230Evidence3.00 credits
LAW 240Estates and Procedures3.00 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 16.50

Required:
LAW 300Contracts I3.00 credits
LAW 310Legal Drafting3.00 credits
LAW 315Legal Interviewing3.00 credits
LAW 400Insurance Law I3.00 credits
LAW 440Real Property3.00 credits
LAW 442Conveyancing Procedures1.50 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 19.50

Required:
LAW 301Contracts II3.00 credits
LAW 340Company Law3.00 credits
LAW 342Corporate Procedures1.50 credits
LAW 420Litigation Procedures II3.00 credits
LAW 425Law Office Procedures1.50 credits
LAW 450Intellectual Property3.00 credits
LAW 498Practicum4.50 credits

 

Total program credits: 69.00

Program Notes

Continuation Requirement: Any student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0 (C) will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Graduation Requirement: Students must complete all courses in the curriculum and achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher in order to graduate.

Contact

Have questions about this program?

School of Legal Studies


604 983 7594
604 990 7808 (fax)
legalstudies@capilanou.ca

Student Information Services


604 984 4900
604 984 1798 (fax)
Library Building, room LB152
registration@capilanou.ca