Paralegal Courses at CDI College
Program Name:
Paralegal
| Employment and Customer Service Skills |
| Course Number |
B1075 |
| Credits |
25.0 |
In the employment skills component, effective resume preparation, cover letter formats, content and phraseology will be studied and practiced. In the customer service skills component, the importance of the customer and of customer service are examined through case studies and role-playing. Students will learn relevant theories of human behaviour and how they may be applied to improve customer relations |
| Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) |
| Course Number |
I1070 |
| Credits |
100.0 |
Students are introduced to the basic hardware components of computers and move rapidly into an exploration of Windows Explorer, file and folder management. Students also build core competence in using the key applications: Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This module also provides a general background on the Internet, browsers, search engines, service providers, email and file transfer protocol. Students are prepared to sit the official IC3 examinations for industry standard certification examination onsite |
| Litigation Procedures I |
| Course Number |
LAW1030 |
| Credits |
75.0 |
The focus of this course is on civil litigation. Students learn the steps for opening and maintaining a litigation file and the British Columbia court litigation stages and procedures. Familiarization is built with different types of damages and claims as well as the procedures for proving a claim. Students gain experience preparing all relevant documents (for pre-trial and trial proceedings). Proceeding to trial is also covered, along with the procedure for actions (in Provincial Court and Civil Division). Mediation and settlement are introduced |
| Real Estate Law and Conveyancing I |
| Course Number |
LAW2010 |
| Credits |
75.0 |
This course focuses on the substantive law of real estate. Students are introduced to basic convenyancing procedures. The registration system in British Columbia is covered, along with other forms and documents related to transfer/deed, charge/mortgage, and discharge of charge/mortgage. The structure of a real estate sale is illustrated. Students also learn the requirements when acting for the vendor or acting for the purchaser. Students also gain knowledge about closing a real estate transaction |
| Intellectual Property |
| Course Number |
LAW4010 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
This course provides an overview of common law, legislation and international treatises and conventions impacting intellectual property (focusing on copyright, patents, and trademarks). Students are also introduced to the concepts, practice underlying the management and enforcement of intellectual property rights |
| Criminal Law and Evidence I |
| Course Number |
LAW2030 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
In this introductory course, students learn about the nature, purpose, scope, sources and basic principles of criminal law. The Criminal Code of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are discussed. Students review the basic elements of a criminal offence and the practical procedures utilized throughout a client’s arrest, trial, sentencing and appeal. Jurisdictional issues are presented, along with the process for jury election. There will also be a discussion of evidence |
| Wills and Estates Planning I |
| Course Number |
LAW2040 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
In this foundation course, students learn about wills and estates planning, estate succession, testacy, intestacy, requirements of a valid will and execution procedures. There is an introduction to the roles of the Executor and Trustee. Students learn about the Notice to Beneficiaries, Living Wills, Power of Attorney and Representations Agreements. Assets, inheritance and estate inventory are also presented |
| Torts |
| Course Number |
LAW3010 |
| Credits |
100.0 |
This course is an overview of the laws of negligence and various types of torts including false imprisonment, assault, battery, defamation, nuisance, recovery of pure economic loss |
| Contracts |
| Course Number |
LAW3020 |
| Credits |
100.0 |
Students learn about the formation of partnerships and general concepts underlying incorporations. The fundamental principles of contract law and various types of contracts are overviewed including an offer, acceptance, certainty, intention, consideration, privity, capacity, public policy, frustration, breach, misrepresentation, mistake and remedies |
| Legal Research and Interviewing |
| Course Number |
LAW3040 |
| Credits |
75.0 |
Research and analytical skills are developed in this course. Students gain an understanding of research design, data gathering, analysis and reporting. The studies of primary and secondary research materials are covered, along with how to correctly cite sources, case law, statutes, regulations and legislation. Students will prepare a legal research memorandum, read case briefs and legal documents, use encyclopedias, annotated reports, law reviews and case comments. Internet research is also covered extensively, along with how to locate decisions and statutes. Students learn about various types of interviews and increase their expertise in conducting interviews. Students also learn about how laws and statutes are made (first reading, second reading), hone their legal reasoning and legal problem solving skills |
| Litigation Procedures II |
| Course Number |
LAW3050 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
In this course, a continuation of Litigation Procedures I, students learn about the enforcement of judgments, the use of precedents in litigation and further their understanding and knowledge of alternative dispute resolution. Students deepen their understanding of the law- making process, the use of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and procedures in Small Claims Court and Supreme Court of British Columbia. This course also prepares students to draft motion of notice and affidavit |
| Corporate and Commercial Law II |
| Course Number |
LAW3060 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
This course advances student understanding and knowledge of the differences between reporting and non-reporting companies. Students analyze agency relationships, liabilities and methods of securing financial transactions and acquiring assets. Different types of financial arrangements, the nature of security, credit devices, priorities and assignments are covered. There is also a review and consolidation of the structure of businesses, their creation and the requirements for their transfer. The procedures involved in various commercial transactions from the opening of a file to the closing are presented. Students become familiar with typical documentation dealing with a variety of commercial transactions: commercial leasing, commercial financing of real and personal property and commercial sales |
| Real Estate Law and Conveyancing II |
| Course Number |
LAW3070 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
The nature of mortgages, features, legal and equitable interests, principles of interest, priorities, assignment, extinguishment, insurance issues, and payout strategies are covered in this course. A continuation of Real Estate Law and Conveyancing I, property law concepts, the land title system, undertakings, conflict of interest, contract of purchase and sale, and tax issues are also covered. Students also learn about the Personal Property Securities Act, validity of security agreements, rights of parties and theory, concepts, procedures and forms. Students also gain knowledge of commercial conveyancing matters and the role of the conveyancing assistant |
| Criminal Law and Evidence II |
| Course Number |
LAW3080 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
This course, a continuation of Criminal Law and Evidence I, covers interviewing techniques and investigation procedures with regards to criminal offenses, examination techniques (direct and cross) the creation and maintenance of a criminal file. This course also includes the gathering of information, obtaining a retainer, completing documentation, billing and reporting. There is also a review of law of evidence and the evidentiary statement |
| Wills and Estates Planning II |
| Course Number |
LAW3090 |
| Credits |
25.0 |
An overview of The Wills Act and the Administration of Estates Act are covered. This course also covers the roles of the Executor and Trustee |
| Insurance Law |
| Course Number |
LAW3030 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
This course provides students with an overview of Canadian insurance law including the structure of the industry, insurable interests, valuation, subrogation, contribution and indemnity and duty to disclose. Agents’ duties and responsibilities, form and formation of the insurance contract; the claims process and British Columbia Auto Insurance issues are also covered. This course also focuses on personal injury practice and relevant substantive law and procedures required to manage a personal injury file |
| Credit and Collection Procedures |
| Course Number |
LAW4020 |
| Credits |
50.0 |
This course presents the laws and procedures related to debtor’s and creditor’s rights. Students learn about builders' liens, applicable statute law and provincial legislation. The procedural rules to bring a simple debt action, file a debt action and file a writ of enforcement are overviewed. Students review the means of enforcing a judgment and realizing on personal property security. Both Provincial Court and Supreme Court procedures are analyzed. Students learn about the process for garnishing wages and bank accounts |
| Strategies for Success |
| Course Number |
L1015 |
| Credits |
25.0 |
Students will gain a better understanding of themselves through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques for time, conflict, and stress management and develop interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in their program of choice. Students will also prepare a professional resume and learn how to write effective cover letters |
| Sustainable Futures |
| Course Number |
S1000 |
| Credits |
25.0 |
Sustainability means meeting humanity’s needs without harming future generations. In this course, students will explore the pillars of sustainability, sustainability’s relation to the environmental movement, climate change and its effects, the Canadian and other governments’ actions, and how to incorporate sustainable practices into any workplace. A combination of instructor presentations and timely, hands-on projects will culminate in a student portfolio touching on the course’s key points |
| Job Search |
| Course Number |
L1040a |
| Credits |
25.0 |
Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students review core program concepts and learning in order to market their skills effectively |
| Business Communications |
| Course Number |
BCOE |
| Credits |
100.0 |
The workplace of the twenty-first century demands excellent communication skills. The focus of this course is on the application of language arts skills and writing techniques that ensure effective and grammatically correct business communications. |
| Keyboarding |
| Course Number |
KBDE |
| Credits |
30.0 |
Students practice basic touch-typing techniques to develop skills in using the keyboard correctly |
| Introduction to the Study of Law |
| Course Number |
LAWE |
| Credits |
50.0 |
Students will be provided with an overview of the Canadian legal system, legal institutions and the structure of the Canadian court system. Students learn about the history of Canadian law, including an analysis of the development of the Canadian constitution. The Legal Professional Act and the Rules of the Law Society of British Columbia will be discussed with a view towards professionalism and ethics in the field |
| General Legal Office Procedures and Documentation |
| Course Number |
LPDE |
| Credits |
125.0 |
In this module, students learn about the day-to-day organization,management and procedures of a legal office. The latestdevelopments in office technology are presented and practicallyapplied as students draft standard legal documents (agreements,statements of claim and defense, letters and memos). Studentsare also introduced to the important skills of timekeeping, filingand the effective use of communication systems (telephone,fax). Law office, trust accounting concepts and procedures arecovered. One of the most highly valued abilities of legaladministrative assistants and paralegals is that of being able toprioritize and organize multi-task workloads. Students learnthese important skills in tandem with problem solving andcritical thinking skills development |
| Family Law Procedures |
| Course Number |
FLPE |
| Credits |
75.0 |
This course introduces the family court system in British Columbia. Students become familiar with Provincial and Supreme Court documentation and procedures used to bring issues of marriage, separation, divorce, custody/access, child welfare, adoption, maintenance and property to resolution using the legal system. The Family Relations Act and the Divorce Act re covered. Students gain experience in completing a contested divorce file. Child Support guidelines are also covered |
| Corporate and Commercial Law |
| Course Number |
CCLE |
| Credits |
50.0 |
Students are introduced to the incorporation and organization of a British Columbia company. There will be an overview of the British Columbia Business Corporation Act (by which the BC Company Act was repealed), the Society Act, the Canada Business Corporations Act and the Canada Corporations Act. Guidelines and procedures for selecting a corporate name are covered. Student understanding of corporate by-laws and corporate structure is built, along with the typical requirements of corporate meetings, minutes, resolutions and the duties of directors and officers. Students use legal precedents to prepare articles of incorporation and corporate by-laws. Experience is gained with routine filings and resolutions. Students learn how to set up and maintain corporate records (Records Book and as well as the transitions to the new Business Corporations Acts). Corporate securities, records and changes are also covered |
| Practicum |
| Course Number |
PRAC |
| Credits |
100.0 |
This program includes a practicum component consisting of a specified number of weeks of work at a job site. This practicum work experience is a mandatory diploma requirement and the business organization does not pay for the services of the student during the practicum. The number of practicum hours varies between programs. To learn more about the specific practicum hours for a specific program, speak with an Admissions Representative. |
Program description: The legal profession is a dynamic and well-paid sector that demands employees with the most up-to-the-minute skills and education. Paralegals are a vital element to any legal team who are well-respected for their knowledge of legal documentation and procedures.
CDI's Paralegal diploma program teaches a combination of administrative skills with specific paralegal training. Students are certified in internet and core computing, and study day-to-day administrative skills like advanced keyboarding and business communications. Study of the law and legal processes includes an introduction to the Canadian court system, including elements of corporate law, family law, real estate, criminal law, and litigation. Students also learn how to handle evidence and legal documentation.
The paralegal training at CDI College includes a five-week internship where students will put their newly-acquired skills to work in a legal office.
Program Name:
Paralegal - Advocate
| Legal Computer Applications |
| Course Number |
LCA150 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Introduction to the Legal System |
| Course Number |
ILS100 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This is the first introductory legal course the Paralegal student will take. It will provide an overview of Canadian and Ontario law. Some aspects of this module will be expanded upon in other more specific and in–depth modules. This course will give the students a general understanding of the legal system and touch on some specific aspects such as Charter, Constitution, Property, Business and Consumer Laws. This module will also introduce an overview of the court system. |
| Advocacy |
| Course Number |
ADV100 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course will provide the students with some direction on what their role as a Paralegal really entails. They will learn about some the areas that they will be able to represent clients in. Most importantly, it will reinforce the Paralegal’s role as an “advocate” for his/her client. This entry level course will provide the student with guidance on how to handle cases including research involved, preparing clients and witnesses and mock trials or hearings. Students will build on their court/tribunal skills from a variety of perspectives in courses that will go in–depth into specific aspects of client service, specific laws, preparing for and defending clients, and tribunals or court procedures. |
| Legal Research – Writing |
| Course Number |
LRW100 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Students will become familiar with specialty books and newspaper archives, and will master the use of libraries and the internet for legal research. During the program students will discuss privileged information, learn how to use the Freedom of Information Act to their advantage, become aware of avoiding the use of biased terms and phrases, and learn how do research effectively using a variety of available tool including Internet sites. In the second portion of this program, students will learn legal writing skills, including the preparation of a variety of legal documents. They will also learn to prepare court documents using templates. |
| Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Paralegals |
| Course Number |
EPC150 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Paralegals must practice ethical behavior and work in best the interest of their clients. This course will provide Paralegal students with the background information along with rules of conduct and legal requirements they must follow in order to maintain ethical behaviour. This will be one of the important courses for the students, as it is part of the Law Society of Upper Canada requirements in order to be able to apply to write the Paralegal Certification exam. In this course, students will discuss the related Laws Society of Upper Canada’s Rules of Conduct of Paralegals. |
| Administrative Law |
| Course Number |
ADL150 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
Administrative law is one of the areas of public law dealing with the relationship between government and its citizens. Administrative law ensures that the activities of government are authorized by Parliament or by provincial legislatures, and that laws are implemented and administered in a fair and reasonable manner. Administrative law is meant to protect citizens who are affected by unlawful acts of government officials and must have effective remedies if the Canadian system of public administration is to be accepted and maintained. Paralegals can play an important role in Administrative Law, as they can help their clients resolve issues with government and public agencies. In this program students will learn the various related laws and effective methods of resolution. |
| Torts and Contracts |
| Course Number |
TOC200 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course will teach the Paralegal student about Contract Law. During the course the Paralegal student will learn how a contract is developed, executed and enforced. They will also learn about contractual defects and breaches and steps that can be taken to remedy the contractual obligation. In cases where the parties are in breach of contract, the student will learn about Torts and Liabilities and how they will prepare to represent clients whether they are the plaintiff or defendant. The students will spend a considerable amount of time studying case law and how it applies to torts. Students will discuss the dollar limits imposed on Paralegals to determine if they can appropriately represent specific cases or if they should be referred to lawyers. |
| Employment Law |
| Course Number |
EML150 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
This course will build on the Employment Standards Act and will help the Paralegal student understand how s/he can use specific Acts and legislation to develop their business and represent their clients. This program will somewhat build on the Tribunal course, as many of the processes and procedures will be similar. However, the student will apply them to a specific Act. During this course the student will become familiar with the Employment Standards Act and its application. The Paralegal student will also learn and practice how to best resolve issues for the client. |
| Residential Landlord and Tenant Law |
| Course Number |
RLT200 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
In this program the students will learn Landlord and Tenant Law (Tenant Protection Act) and how tribunals operate. They will learn to apply for an action to be heard and steps within a legal action. They will also learn about Enforcement Orders. As part of the hands on experience of this module the students will visit related tribunals and practice in class. |
| Provincial Offenses and Motor Vehicle Offenses |
| Course Number |
POM250 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Evidence and Litigation Process |
| Course Number |
ELP150 |
| Credits |
2.0 |
This is one of the key courses for Paralegal students to get into some of the most challenging and rewarding functions of their work. This course covers functions that will be key to the Paralegal’s potential earnings. If they perform these functions well, they will be valuable to their clients and win many of their cases. In this course, the students will learn proper procedures for gathering evidence, including what is legal and what is not. They will also learn about the litigation process from start to finish and some valuable ways of avoiding litigation by using such measures as early settlement or mediation. |
| Tribunal Practice and Procedure |
| Course Number |
TPP250 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course is an area of practice that can be very rewarding for the Paralegal Practitioner. Often Paralegals will specialize in fields such as WSIB claims. Students will learn about various tribunals and how they work. They will learn the rules and procedures for representing clients in tribunals along with how to prepare. Students will learn motions, applications, hearings, and decisions. They will also learn to prepare clients and cross examination procedure. Along with classroom theory and practice, students will also attend tribunals to see how they work first hand. |
| Small Claims Court |
| Course Number |
SMC250 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Court/Tribunal Practice |
| Course Number |
CTP250 |
| Credits |
4.0 |
This module is intended to provide the students with practical court and tribunal experience. While there will not be formal lectures in this course, students will learn through the use of field trips and gain experience by attending various court and tribunal procedures. While some court or tribunal visits will be related to specific courses, the students will also do general court and tribunal related field trips. The college’s objective is to ensure that the students have real hands–on experience when they complete their program. Part of that experience comes from seeing court proceedings and tribunals in action. The college wants to ensure that when the students graduate that they are familiar with what they will have to do to perform their job. |
| Criminal/Summary Conviction Procedure |
| Course Number |
CCP250 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course will be an overview of Ontario and Canada criminal code and focus on areas that are within the certified paralegals domain. Students will review various codes and determine the best means of resolution for the client. Where the client must go to court, the paralegal will determine the best method for preparing for the court appearance and will represent the client accordingly. If the case is beyond the Paralegal scope, it must be referred to a lawyer. |
| Immigration and Visas Overview |
| Course Number |
IMV150 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
Students will examine the laws governing Immigration to Canada and various temporary Visa statuses available to individuals. This module will also explore where and how to apply for Visas to Canada and who is eligible. The students will understand that this program is purely meant as an overview of what is entailed in assisting individuals with visa applications and certification necessary to work in this field. Graduates may choose to do this type of work as assistants to immigration lawyers. Since this has recently become a regulated profession, the students will become familiar with the requirements to become certified and accredited by the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC). |
| ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| Course Number |
ADR200 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Litigation can be very time consuming and expensive for both parties. It is always best if conflicts can be resolved without having to use the courts system. As an alternative to litigation, both parties may choose to resolve the issues and conflicts using alternate methods. The Paralegal can play a key role in dispute resolution. In this course, students will learn about conflict, negotiation, mediation and arbitration methods. Through practice and role play, the student will learn the art of acting as a mediator. |
| Introduction to Surveillance Techniques |
| Course Number |
SUR200 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This course will provide the Paralegal student with an insight on investigation techniques and examine the do's and don’ts and related laws. During this course the students will cover laws governing privacy, difference between invasive and overviews, insurance and compensation fraud, and tools of the trade. This course will ensure that the students are collecting information and evidence lawfully in order that it can be used in legal cases. |
| Insurance Claims |
| Course Number |
INC250 |
| Credits |
1.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Practice Management/Operating a Paralegal Business |
| Course Number |
PMO250 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Introduction to Paralegal Accounting |
| Course Number |
IPA200 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
Course description coming soon. |
| Gaining Employment Strategies and Field Placement |
| Course Number |
GES300 |
| Credits |
6.0 |
This module will prepare the Paralegal students for their transition to the workforce and will also provide them with the Field Placement/Practicum to meet the Law Society of Upper Canada’s requirements to qualify to write the Paralegal Certification exam. This module is divided into an in class portion and an on-the-job field placement. The Gaining Employment (in-class portion) will help participants develop the requisite skills to plan and conduct an effective employment search or determine their suitability for self-employment. Students will set goals and objectives, develop interview and presentation techniques, resumes and detailed job search, or prepare self-employment plans. The unpaid Field Placement/Practicum will be completed in a qualified legal environment. This will provide the students with and insight of how law firms, paralegal firms or legal departments in government or corporations work. Students will be working under the supervision of experience legal personnel. During this process the firm will provide the college with a description of duties the paralegal student will perform on the job. At the end of the placement, the company will provide an evaluation on the student and the student will provide the college with an evaluation on the placement. |
| College English |
| Course Number |
ENG100 |
| Credits |
3.0 |
This first year program is designed to provide the students with the basic written communication skills they will need. The program will provide them with the foundation necessary to prepare business correspondence such as letters, memos and emails. In addition it will prepare them for the reports and assignment that they will be required to complete for other courses. This course is also a good prerequisite to the written communication course that they will take later in the program. |
Program description: Paralegals are often an affordable option for those who need legal guidance or advice for simple legal matters without the costly expense of a lawyer. Paralegals may act as independent representatives for clients in small claims court, landlord/tenant matters, federal and provincial matters such as tribunals, name changes, WSIB, pardons and minor civil matters.
The Paralegal - Advocate Diploma Program prepares students in the essential areas of the paralegal profession through practical training. During this 12-month program, students learn about the legal system, torts, contracts, employment law, residential landlord and tenant law, provincial offenses and motor vehicle offenses. They also learn various court and tribunal procedures and practices, including evidence gathering, litigation, small claims court, and criminal /summary conviction procedure. Graduates emerge from the program with the necessary skill set to work to professionally and effectively in legal settings such as Tribunals, Small Claims Court and Traffic Court.
The Paralegal - Advocate Diploma Program is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada In order to practice in the Province of Ontario, grads are required to write the Law Society's Paralegal Licensing exam.
Career prospects for graduates include positions in law firms, banks and financial institutions, insurance companies, government, debt collection, private practice, corporate legal departments, courts and legal clinics.