Students in the full-time two-year Diploma option attend classes
during the day at Capilano University's North Vancouver campus. They
complete course studies in substantive law, procedural law and legal
skills. Courses offered are preset and require students to attend classes
during the fall and spring terms (from September through April) for two
consecutive years.
Upon completion of the two-year course of studies, students must
complete a six-month practicum under the supervision of a lawyer. Students
are paid by their employer during this practicum.
At the end of a successful practicum, the student is eligible for
graduation. Faculty work closely with students and with the legal
community to assist students in obtaining successful practicum
placements.
For further information about the Diploma option, please visit the
Department of Legal Studies website at www.capilanou.ca/programs/paralegal/diploma
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BC secondary school graduation (Grade 12) or equivalent, or mature student status.
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One of the following: 2 years full-time post-secondary education (with an academic focus); 1 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.
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English Language Requirement, TOEFL / ELA / IELTS / CAEL for students whose primary language is not English: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based requirement = 560, computer-based requirement = 220, internet-based requirement = 83, or English Language Assessment (ELA) requirement = 145, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement = 6.5 overall, and no one score less than 6, or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment requirement (CAEL) = 70.
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The Paralegal Studies Department will contact the applicant for an interview once the application package is complete.
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English 100 (B- or higher) or LPI exam (level 5 or higher - please note that in the Paralegal Studies Department the EDT is not accepted in place of the LPI).
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Two letters of reference (preferably from past employers or college/university instructors) || Resume || Short handwritten essay (3 pages, double spaced) entitled, "My Reasons for Wanting to be a Paralegal" || Work experience in an office setting and a good working knowledge of computers are highly recommended but not required.
Apply for Admission/Readmission online or by downloading and completing an application form. Completed applications must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee, document evaluation fee (where required), official transcripts and other pertinent documents, and should be submitted to:
Registrar's Office Capilano University, Birch building, room 230
2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5
Phone: 604.984.4900
Fax: 604.984.1798
Admission/Application Notes
Please call 604.983.7594 or email paralegal@capilanou.ca if you have any questions
regarding the admission or application process.
(PLA) Prior Learning Assessment
The Department of Legal Studies is committed to the recognition of
prior learning. Prior learning assessment (PLA) recognizes demonstrated
learning for credits which have been acquired through life or work
experiences. For further information contact the Department
Convenor.
Transfer credits will not automatically be given for courses taken
at other institutions. Requests for transfer credit must be submitted on
the Request for Transfer Credit form and submitted
to the Registrar’s Office.
Athabasca University accepts block transfer credit from Capilano
University’s Paralegal program options. These credits may be applied to
a Bachelor of Professional Arts offered through Athabasca University.
See their website www.athabascau.ca for further
details
Diploma students must complete all courses in the curriculum and
maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average over the four terms. In
addition, any student whose grade point average falls below 2.0 will not
be permitted to continue in the program. To be eligible to go out on
practicums, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Diploma in the Paralegal Program