New Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) degree program offered at Capilano University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Contact: Program chair, John Fairlie, at 604.986.1911, local 2297

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—Capilano University has become the first university in Canada to offer a unique Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) degree program.

The degree was recently approved by the provincial government and will complement the university’s current Paralegal certificate (online and onsite versions) and Paralegal diploma programs.

“This was a long time in the planning,” program chair, John Fairlie, said of the full-time four-year program. “It is the only Paralegal degree program in Western Canada and it’s something that we’re very proud of.”

Capilano University was the first post-secondary institution in British Columbia to offer paralegal training, developing its certificate and diploma options in 1976. Humber College in Ontario offers the only other Canadian paralegal degree.

“Capilano’s degree program will open further doors to students who want to continue their studies in the discipline and who want to work in a fast-paced legal setting,” Fairlie said. “Graduates can expect to find employment in law firms, government offices, and corporate and non-profit legal departments.”

The new degree is primarily designed as a full-time program and will have a six-month work practicum component. It will appeal to those students who want to go directly into Paralegal studies from high school, as well as to students and graduates of the university’s diploma or certificate programs who are looking to acquire a degree.

“To enter our two-year diploma program, students need to have some post-secondary education and preferably some work experience before they’re accepted,” Fairlie explained. “However, students will be able to apply directly from high school to enter the four-year degree program.”

Courses from the Paralegal certificates and diploma programs will be transferable into the degree program, and some graduates may consider continuing on to complete their master’s degree.

Fifteen to 20 degree students per year will be accepted into the program, which starts in September 2010. Applications are being accepted immediately.

For more information, call the Department of Paralegal Studies at Capilano University at 604.983.7594, e-mail paralegal@capilanou.ca, or visit the website at www.capilanou.ca/programs/paralegal

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