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 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.
- 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
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.