74 Weeks
Diploma In Paralegal Studies
Train for a career as a paralegal by mastering legal research, case preparation, and administrative duties. Gain hands-on experience through a 600-hour paid co-op placement.
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Empower Your Legal Career
The Diploma in Paralegal Studies at Western Community College equips students with the necessary skills to excel in the legal field. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, students learn to conduct preliminary legal research, prepare legal documents, and perform essential administrative tasks under the supervision of a lawyer. The inclusion of 600 hours of paid co-op experience ensures that graduates are job-ready and confident in their abilities.
- 600 hours of paid co-op experience for hands-on learning.
- In-depth understanding of legal facts, theories, and practical applications.
- Development of skills to assist lawyers in case preparation and administrative functions
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Career Opportunities
Excel as a Paralegal Professional
$48*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
Graduates can pursue various roles in the legal sector, including:
- Paralegal: Assist attorneys with case preparation, research, and client communication.
- Legal Assistant: Manage administrative tasks within law firms or legal departments.
- Legal Researcher: Conduct in-depth legal research to support ongoing cases.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path in providing LEGAL SUPPORT
Admission Requirements
To enroll in the Diploma in Paralegal Studies, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Grade 12 or Mature Student Status (19 years of age or more).
Language Proficiency Requirements:
To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Option 1: Secondary Education Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in the program’s language of instruction at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test.
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). | Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Ghana | Saint Lucia |
| Anguilla | Gibraltar | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Grenada | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Australia | Guam | Seychelles |
| Bahamas | Guyana | Sierra Leone |
| Barbados | Ireland | Singapore |
| Belize | Jamaica | South Africa |
| Bermuda | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Botswana | Lesotho | Trinidad and Tobago |
| British Virgin Islands | Liberia | Turks and Caicos Islands |
| Canada | Malta | Uganda |
| Cayman Islands | Mauritius | United Kingdom |
| Dominica | Montserrat | United States |
| Falkland Islands | New Zealand | United States Virgin Islands |
| Fiji | Nigeria | Zambia |
| Gambia | Saint Helena | Zimbabwe |
Apply Now
Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
Apply Now1350
Total program
hours
600
Co-OP HOurs
$45*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
| Diploma in Paralegal Studies * | Contact Hours | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GSC185 | Orientation to Study | 50 | |
| 2 | ENG106 | Interpersonal Communications Skills | 50 | |
| 3 | ICT180 | Information and Communications Technology | 50 | |
| 4 | PLA218 | Introduction to the Canadian Legal System | 100 | |
| 5 | PLA221 | Law Office Procedures | 50 | |
| 6 | PLA271 | Paralegal Writing | 50 | |
| 7 | PLA272 | Legal Document Drafting | 50 | |
| 8 | PLA273 | Legal Research Methods | 50 | |
| 9 | PLA352 | Torts | 50 | |
| 10 | LAW254 | Business and Corporate Law | 100 | |
| 11 | PLA355 | Real Property | 50 | |
| 12 | PLA389 | Legal Interviewing and Communication | 50 | |
| 13 | PLA357 | Wills, Probate and Estates | 50 | |
| 14 | PLA364 | Insurance Law | 50 | |
| 15 | PLA380 | Contract Law | 50 | |
| 16 | PLA451 | Evidence | 50 | |
| 17 | PLA452 | Issues in Litigation | 100 | |
| 18 | PLA456 | Family Law | 50 | |
| 19 | PLA466 | Criminal Law | 50 | |
| 20 | PLA467 | Intellectual Property | 50 | |
| 21 | GSC210 | Career Development Strategies | 50 | |
| 21 | DRS500 | Directed Research | 50 | |
| 22 | PLA599 | Paralegal Co-op Education | 100 | |
| Program Contact Hours: | 1350 | |||
| Co-op Hours: | 600 | |||
Our Academic Partners
We collaborate with leading Legal profession courses to ensure our curriculum is relevant and up-to-date, providing our students with valuable insights and connections.
Our PartnersFee Structure
Tuition & Financing Headline
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options