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Diploma in Paralegal Studies

Western Community College > Programs > Legal Studies > Diploma in Paralegal Studies

Program Overview

Paralegals assist lawyers in preparing cases. They also carry out administrative functions, and may on occasion undertake preliminary legal research work, under the supervision of a lawyer. This program will help students discover the challenges offered by a career as a paralegal. It will also provide them with more than just legal facts and theories. Included in the program is 600 hours of paid co-op experience. Students will have the opportunity to study substantive, procedural, and paralegal skills courses and apply theory into practice.

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Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Western Community College’s Diploma in Paralegal Studies provides students with an affordable, high quality education into this exciting profession.

Job Opportunities

This program prepares graduates for careers as:

  • Paralegals
  • Legal Administrative Assistants

Wages

Earn up to $48.00* as a Paralegal
All wages are taken from the Canada Job Bank

Program Admission Requirements

Possess grade 12 education or its equivalent (i.e. secondary school graduation) or mature student status (19 years of age or over), OR

  • Possess previous post-secondary education (diploma or degree), and
  • Satisfy the English language proficiency requirements by either:
    • Proof of a minimum of three years of formal secondary school education in English language and a good command of the English Language (both orally and in writing),
    • IELTS score of 6.0
    • TOEFL 550 score
    • Any other English language assessment test with equivalent score
    • College’s admission test with a minimum score of 60%

Those not meeting the standardized test (IELTS or TOEFL) cut-off mark may be required to take the three-month ESL offered by the College.

Pathway to British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

Students completing the Diploma in Paralegal Studies at Western Community College who achieve the required academic standing and meet the required admissions criteria will be eligible for admission into the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to enter the second year of the Advanced Diploma in Business Management and get 1 year Post Graduate Work Permit*.

Request Information

Program Pathway

(1 year) Diploma in Paralegal Studies at Western Community College

Transfer to 2nd Year

(1 year) at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Advanced Diploma in Business Management (option to continue on with BBA)

1 year

Post Graduate Work Permit/td>

Program Duration

1950 hours/74 weeks

Course Outline

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

Fee Structure

# PARTICULARS FEE REMARKS
1 Tuition Fee $15600 Domestic Students
2 Application Fee $250
3 Text Books $750
4 Course Materials $250
Total $16850
1 Tuition Fee $22425 International Students
2 Application Fee $1000
3 Text Books $750
4 Course Materials $250
Total $24425

This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Financial Assistance

Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.

  • BC Student Loan
  • In-house Financing
  • Student Line of Credit
  • Scholarships

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

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Why Study at Western Community College

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • 100% Practicum Placement
  • Weekday, weekend, and evening classes optionally available
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule
  • Free CLB preparation classes * Conditions Apply
  • Graduate employment rate: 97%

Admissions Contact Information

Mon – Sunday 9:00A.M. – 5:00P.M.

Surrey, BC

Unit 201 8318 120 St
Surrey, BC V3W 3N4

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Unit 900 13761 96 Ave,
Surrey, BC V3V 0E8

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Abbotsford, BC

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Abbotsford, BC V2T 5W8

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