Overview
Learn the fundamental theories, terminology, research methods, and professional procedures required for a career in the legal system.
What you will learn
- Legal terminology
- Ethical standards
- Canadian sources of law
- British Columbia legal procedures
- Legal concepts in torts, contracts, and corporate/business structures
- Legal memos and correspondence
- Research of legislation and case law
- Law firm management
- Specialization in litigation, corporate law, real estate/conveyancing, or family and estate law
What to expect
- Two years of part-time study
- Lectures and discussion
- Group work and hands-on practice
- Optional online coursework
- Projects, presentations, participation
- Assignments and quizzes
- Final exams
Admission requirements
1. Knowledge of the English language, demonstrated by completion of ONE of the following:
- Grade 12 graduation from a Canadian high school, or equivalent, including academic English 12 with at least C+ (64%), or equivalent; OR
- Completion of an academic English or writing course from a Canadian college or university, or equivalent, with at least C+ (64%); OR
- Completion of VCC High School Equivalence English courses with a "B" grade or higher; OR
- English assessment success, including ONE of the following:
- LET (Langara English Test) with an overall score of 4; OR
- LPI (Language Proficiency Index) with an essay level 4, essay score of at least 22 and a minimum 5 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 0991 placement level; OR
- VCC English Language Assessment with a minimum score of 145 overall, including a minimum score of 16 out of 30 in the essay portion; OR
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with 6.5 overall; OR
- TOEFL (Test of English Foreign Language) with 220 minimum overall, a minimum of 5.0 on Essay. If Internet-based, the Reading, Writing, and Listening component must total at least 60.
Proof of the above prerequisites (i.e. official transcript or official test results) must be attached to the student’s application.
2. Confirmation of legal experience, in the form of a letter from employer or official transcript, including:
- At least one year of legal work experience in British Columbia, OR
- Completion of the Legal Administrative Assistant program at VCC or an equivalent institution, OR
- Completion of Office Administration Certificate – Legal Office Skills, OR
- Completion of basic legal course work, such as the Legal Office Skills courses of the Office Administration Certificate Program, PLUS at least one year of office administration experience in or out of British Columbia
Non-program students may enroll in courses at the Program Coordinator’s discretion.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free in academic upgrading, university transfer or English as a Second Language (ESL) Courses.
Recommended Characteristics
- Respect for the rigidly hierarchical system of authority on which the legal profession is based
- Highly competent legal secretarial skills
- Typing speed of at least 50 wpm
- Excellent computer skills, including intermediate to advanced MS Word, Excel, file management, and Internet search capabilities
- Detail oriented
- Excellent writing skills
- Exceptional work ethic
- Ability to follow instructions and prioritize work
- Ability to meet deadlines
Fees and other costs
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $36 | |
| Tuition | $4,063 | |
| College initiative | $68 | |
| Campus resource | $163 | |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $4,375 |
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* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.