Paralegal Certificate and Diploma Program - Vancouver Community CollegeCriminal Justice Education in CanadaCrime and Fire Programs -- Community College Programs
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Paralegal Certificate and Diploma Program - Vancouver Community College The Paralegal Certificate and Diploma programs offered at Vancouver Community College (VCC) are primarily 'designed for experienced Paralegals and Legal Administrative Assistants to increase their knowledge and professional opportunities' who want to broaden their knowledge and skills and/or enhance their employability potential 'in the various fields of law.' All courses for both programs are only offered on a part-time basis, during the weekends, 'in the evenings or online, to accommodate students employed full time in the legal field.' Furthermore, all 'classes are taught by lawyers or Senior Paralegals, who have years of hands-on experience in the legal field.' Upon completion of either or both programs, graduates will 'understand essential legal concepts relevant for the role of a Paralegal; and' be able to 'apply their legal knowledge to the "hands-on" preparation of legal documents.' The Certificate program, which will be completed in 2-years through part-time studies, will provide participants with 'a foundation of legal principles, which students build on by' specializing in 'one of four Practice Areas,' including Corporate Law, Family Law, Litigation, and Real Estate. In addition, students in the Certificate program must complete 2 elective classes and a work practicum. The student will complete the latter via his/her position as a paralegal or assistant legal administrator, incorporating what he/she has learned in the classroom to his/her working life. The Diploma program is designed to build upon students' existing skills and knowledge in the legal field acquired both through work experience and education, and is particularly aimed at 'graduates of the certificate program who wish to continue their professional growth.' The Diploma, like the Certificate, program can be completed through 2 years of part-time studies during which learners will 'complete course work' and gain proficiency in all 4 areas of the aforementioned legal practice areas. 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, law firms, and legal departments of corporations, among others. Students should be aware that, because of the nature of the work performed, many employers may 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 which, once earned, can enable graduates to apply to law schools and pursue a career as a lawyer. Interested individuals may take Paralegal courses without being formally admitted to any of the Programs itself provided these individuals have 'legal secretary work experience' and meet the pre-requisites of the courses one wants to take. Students who take courses without through this option will receive credit for those classes towards the Program if the learner decides to apply for formal admission to the Certificate or Diploma. To be formally admitted 'to the Paralegal Certificate Program' applicants must meet the Program's English and legal/analytical skills requirements. The English skills requirement may be met through either successful completion of a secondary school diploma 'from a Canadian high school, or equivalent, including academic English 12 with at least C+ (64%), or equivalent; OR...of an English or writing course from a Canadian College or University, or equivalent, with at least C+ (64%), or equivalent; OR...of VCC High School Equivalence English courses with a "B" grade or higher.' Applicants whose first language is English but who do not have any of the aforementioned credentials can demonstrate their respective English skills through either the Langara English Test (LET), written within last 2 years, with an overall score of 4 or UBC Language Proficiency (LPI) Exam, written within last 2 years, 'with an Essay Level of 4, essay score of at least 22; and a 5 minimum in English Usage' or 'VCC Adult Basic English Reading and Writing Assessment with a minimum score of 60 in Reading, 52 in Writing, and a Writing Sample at 071 placement level.' Applicants for whom English is not their first language and do not meet the aforementioned academic requirements may demonstrate their English abilities through either a 'VCC English Language Assessment (written within the last 12 months) with a minimum score of 145 overall, including a minimum score of 16 out of 20 in the essay portion; OR IELTS (International English Language Testing System written within the last 12 months)' achieving an Academic score of 6.5 overall, 'OR TOEFL (Test of English Foreign Language written within the last 12 months)' earning a computer-based score of a least 220, 'with a minimum of 5.0 on' the Essay or an Internet-based score of at least 60 in 'the Reading, Writing and Listening component' Prospective students must submit proof of possessing the aforementioned requirements by attaching the 'official transcript or official test results') to the official application for admission. To meet the legal / analytical skill requirement, applicants must 'demonstrate their understanding of legal / analytical concepts' through either having 'at least one year experience as a legal support staff person, legal administrative assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal; OR successful completion of the VCC Legal Administrative Assistant ("LAA") Program (no transcript required with application)...OR successful completion of another approved Legal Administrative Assistant Program (official transcript required) and at least 1 year of office experience in the last 10 years, including exposure to word processing; OR successful completion of a law degree from Canada, the United States, England, or any other Common Law jurisdiction (official transcript required).' Applicants may also demonstrate competency in legal/analytical concepts by possessing a 4-year Bachelor's 'degree from a Canadian College or University or equivalent, plus at least 1 year of office experience in the last 10 years' and successful completion of 'the 6-week evening Legal Package (OACP 1113-1117) provided through the Office Administration Certificate Program. Successful completion of the Legal Office Skills Test OACP 1120, included at no charge, will suffice with the degree to meet the Legal requirement.'
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