Paralegal/Legal Assistant (Certificate and Diploma programs) - Capilano CollegeCriminal Justice Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Paralegal/Legal Assistant (Certificate and Diploma programs) - Capilano College The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate and Diploma programs at Capilano College are 'designed to provide substantive and skills-based education' for those interested in a career or career advancement in the paralegal profession. The Programs emphasize paralegal skills like the ability to apply 'manual and computerized legal research methodology,' analyze, review, 'and make recommendations concerning case file details,' be diplomatic and tactful, be self motivated and confident, draft various documents (such as contracts and pleadings), 'maintain confidentiality at all times, 'operate 'independently with minimal supervision,' and undertake, 'organize and prioritize a substantial workload.' The Programs will also develop and enhance learners' 'knowledge of court procedures and relevant Acts and Rules' and communication and interpersonal abilities. To ensure that the content of the Programs is current and relevant to the needs of employers in the field, the College 'maintains close contact with the legal community, and several faculty members are practicing lawyers,' and 'an external Advisory Committee' offers 'information on recent developments in the legal community' as well as 'advice on topics ranging from curriculum changes to graduate placements.' The Advisory Committee members 'includes representatives from the Law Society of British Columbia, the Canadian Bar Association, private law firms, a government agency, crown corporations and the Association of Law Office Administrators.' The Paralegal Certificate is a part-time program, which can be completed in 2 years through either evening courses or distance education, is primarily 'designed for students with two years legal secretarial experience who are presently working in a law office or legal department.' The Program involves studies in 'substantive law and legal skills' supplemented with 'procedural law skills,' the latter of which will be gained via the learner's on-the-job work. To be able ' to graduate, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in the Paralegal Part-time Certificate courses,' and participants whose GPA falls under 2.0 at anytime during the course of their studies 'will not be permitted to continue in the program.' To be eligible for admission into the Certificate program, applicants must have at least 2 years of 'legal secretarial experience and currently working in a law firm,' have a British Columbia Secondary School Diploma, or equivalent, and submit all 'official transcripts from any post-secondary educational institutions attended, a letter from' their 'current employer' and 'an up-to-date resume,' along with a completed official application form. Applicants who not have a high school diploma may apply via 'Mature Student status.' Furthermore, prospective students must achieve 'a minimum B- grade in English 100, or must obtain a minimum Level 5 on the' Language Proficiency Index (LPI). The English Diagnostic Test (EDT) may not be used as a replacement for the LPI. Applicants 'whose primary language is not English' must prove, such as by taking an English language proficiency examination like the CAEL, IELTS, ELA, or TOEFL, that they possess sufficient English language abilities for college-level studies. Individuals who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission but are interested in paralegal studies 'may wish to consider Capilano College's Legal Administrative Assistant Online program' and research ways of 'laddering into the Paralegal Certificate.' The Paralegal Diploma is a 2-year, 4-term, full-time, on-campus program in which students will 'complete course study in substantive law, procedural law and legal skills.' Students will be required to attend day classes at Capilano College's North Vancouver campus 'during the fall and spring terms (from September through April) for two consecutive years.' Once all required courses are successful completed, 'students must complete a six-month,' paid 'practicum under the supervision of a lawyer. Although the College's faculty will provide assistance to find work experience placements within the legal community, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to obtain 'a practicum position.' Upon successful completion of the practicum, students will be 'eligible for graduation.' Students should note that they must ' maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average over the four terms' of study, and 'any student whose grade point average falls below 2.0 will not be permitted to continue in the program.' Furthermore, to qualify for 'practicums, students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.' The admission requirements for the Diploma program are the same as with the Paralegal Certificate except that the former requires applicants to also have at least 'a minimum of two years post-secondary university transfer education or equivalent prior learning experience,' submit 2 reference letters 'preferably from past employers or College/University Instructors,' a 'resume and a short handwritten essay (3 pages, double spaced) entitled "My Reasons For Wanting To Be A Paralegal,"' and attend an interview. Although not necessary for admission, the College recommends that prospective students acquire 'work experience in an office setting' and 'good working knowledge of computers.' Graduates of either Program may pursue employment, career advancement, or further education in various aspects of the legal field or related areas. Career-wise, as paralegals graduates will be prepared for positions in places like government agencies (like the Armed Forces, Crown Counsel or Department of Justice), law firms, and legal departments of corporations, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, among others. Diploma graduates have been particularly successful over the past decade with upwards of 90 percent securing 'employment within six months of graduation.' Students should be aware that, because of the nature of the work performed, many employers might be reluctant to hire individuals with a criminal record. Graduates can also further their education in the paralegal field or other areas of the criminal justice system at various institutes, colleges, and universities across Canada often with advanced standing. For example, graduates may work towards attaining a degree that, once earned, can enable graduates to apply to law schools and pursue a career as a lawyer.
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