Qualifications for paralegal in Vancouver BC? Online paralegal courses?

Question

I have basic paralegal on the job training in the US and was wondering what the qualifications are for paralegals in British Columbia? Is there a course you are required to take, meaning a certification or degree? If so, any suggestions for an accredited online or home study I could do here in the US to prepare for the job search once I move to BC?

Answer 1

What a coincidence! I live in BC and was busy Googling Para-Legal Courses when I saw your question. First of all, you should define what you mean by para-legal...legal admin or para-legal (more specialized). I have just enrolled in a Legal Admin Certification online offered through the BC Learning Portal and Capilano College (North Vancouver) http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/future/calen...  . You can do all the courses online and the requirements are that you complete everything within three years of registering. Access to the Para-Legal Programme which is offered at the Capilano College campus (classroom attendance required) requires previous legal office experience. My suggestion is that you contact Diane Blaney at the Legal Admin Cert Programme (her contact information is available on that link I posted) so that she can better advise you. Logically, I would think you would have to do the Legal Admin Cert because it is all based in Canadian law and the Canadian legal system. Good luck!