Investing in the Future of Legal Support Professionals

When Elizabeth Kollias graduated from Capilano University with a Paralegal Diploma, she could not have predicted that she would lead the province’s paralegal association and give back to her alma mater.

“Our association values education and upholding standards, which is one of the reasons we have such a long-standing relationship with CapU,” said Elizabeth Kollias, president of the BC Paralegal Association. “We are seeing consistently that its graduates contribute to the legal community in a meaningful way.”

For more than three decades, the association has invested in CapU and its students through contributions to our library endowment, as well as the Victoria Legal Support Staff Association Legacy Award and the BC Paralegal Association Endowment Bursary.

Setting up success

For F.P., a recipient of the award and Paralegal Diploma student, the financial support felt like being welcomed to the profession.

“Knowing that professionals in the field are investing in students like me feels like I’m already part of a wider, supportive legal community. I am very grateful to be a part of a community that is so willing to give back,” she said.

Supporting students to achieve success in their education is one way to help enthusiastic and driven individuals enter the profession.

“Education is an investment in the future, and having scholarships and bursaries available ensures that the people who are passionate can have the opportunity to succeed irrespective of any financial barriers they may have,” Elizabeth said.

“Students need opportunities to thrive. They play a vital role in upholding the quality and professionalism of paralegals in British Columbia.”

Practice expansion

The association and its board are working with the Ministry of the Attorney General to reform the Legal Professions Act – a move that would bring paralegals, notaries and lawyers under a single regulator and introduce a new designation: regulated paralegal.

This role would allow qualified professionals to offer independent legal advice, increasing access to legal support for British Columbians, Elizabeth said.

“CapU is known for rigorous training and a curriculum that always adapts to changes in the legal industry, as well as offering a practical experience component,” she said. “Not only am I an alumna of CapU, but I have also worked with alumni and mentored CapU graduates. They are highly regarded in the legal industry.”

Bursaries, scholarships and awards help students meet those high academic standards.

“It allowed me to dedicate the time and energy needed to excel in my program, ultimately helping me earn a place on the Dean’s List,” said F.P. “I had taken some time off school after completing my undergraduate degree to travel and work, so stepping back into school and the legal field was both exciting and daunting.”

“The community at CapU, along with the support I received, made the transition smoother and lessened some of the burden.”

Elizabeth received similar support during her undergraduate degree – an impact she still feels today and shapes the priorities of the BC Paralegal Association.

“I was fortunate enough to have the support of scholarships and bursaries. It alleviated some of the financial burdens and influenced my leadership to give back to students,” she says. “Supporting their academic goals will help them achieve their professional goals.”