Program Requirements Course Credits
Required: 15.00
- IPS 150 Introduction to the Study of Law 3.00
- IPS 151 Evidence 3.00
- IPS 170 Legal Research 3.00
- IPS 180 Contracts I 3.00
- IPS 181 Contracts II 3.00
Choose 15.00 credits from the following list: 15.00
- IPS 172 Legal Drafting 3.00
- IPS 179 Legal Interviewing 3.00
- IPS 182 Creditors' Remedies 3.00
- IPS 186 Aboriginal Law 3.00
- IPS 252 Torts I 3.00
- IPS 253 Company Law 3.00
- IPS 254 Torts II 3.00
- IPS 255 Real Property 3.00
- IPS 256 Family Law 3.00
- IPS 257 Wills and Estates 3.00
- IPS 264 Insurance Law I 3.00
- IPS 265 Insurance Law II 3.00
- IPS 267 Intellectual Property 3.00
- IPS 268 Criminal Law 3.00
- IPS 271 Administrative Law 3.00
Credits 30.00
Total Program Credits 30.00
IPS 150
Introduction to the Study of Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with an introduction to the sources, structures, and constitutional principles of the Canadian legal system.
IPS 151
Evidence
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170
This course is an introduction to the law of evidence. Students will learn to understand and apply the rules of evidence through case study, lectures, student presentations and discussion.
IPS 152
Litigation Procedures I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
To illustrate and teach the principles of a civil litigation practice in the courts of British Columbia. The course will cover chronologically the events that arise in a civil law suit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Emphasis is on familiarization with and the use of the Rules of Court to enable the learner, under the supervision of a lawyer, to prepare documents and follow procedures required in the course of a civil action.
The course covers a narrow band of basic principles. The learner is encouraged to solve particular problems by using the Rules of Court and the Guide to Civil Litigation.
IPS 153
Basic Corporate Procedures
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 08 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 253 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
To illustrate and teach the principles of corporate procedures. The course will examine chronologically the incorporation and post-incorporation process. Emphasis is on B.C. Business Corporations Act.
IPS 155
Conveyancing Procedures
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170
To introduce students to basic conveyancing procedures in B.C.
IPS 157
Wills and Probate Procedures
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170 and 152
WILLS: To illustrate the formal requirements for preparing and executing Wills and Codicils in British Columbia. PROBATE: To teach the principles of applying for grants of Probate and Administration in British Columbia and the procedures for preparation of the estate inventory, identification of non-estate assets, devolution of assets, transmission and transfer of assets, income tax requirements, passing accounts, executor's remuneration, solicitor's remuneration, and limitation dates under the Wills Variation and Estate Administration Acts.
IPS 164
Litigation Procedures II
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 152
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a working knowledge and hands-on experience in the practical application of the Rules of Court relating to Litigation Procedures in the Supreme Court of British Columbia arising under the Divorce Act (1985) and the Family Relations Act (RSBC).
IPS 170
Legal Research
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
To provide students with an introduction to the principles and techniques of legal research focusing on how to use specific research sources.
IPS 172
Legal Drafting
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181
The drafting of legal documents for use in law firms, by clients and in the courts.
IPS 179
Legal Interviewing
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 180 and 181 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
Through a process of interviewing and critical thinking and discussion about interviewing, students will gain an understanding of the role of the Legal Assistant with regard to interviewing clients, witnesses, etc., as well as an understanding of the process of interviewing. Students will develop practical skills in interviewing.
IPS 180
Contracts I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170
To provide students with an introduction to contract law through the study of case law and statutes, focusing on the elements of a valid and enforceable contract.
IPS 181
Contracts II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 180
To continue an examination of contract law through the study of case law and statutes, considering a number of issues such as misrepresentation, interpretation, mistake and remedies.
IPS 182
Creditors' Remedies
3.00 credits (6,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181 or 254
This course examines pre and post judgment creditors' remedies. It will include a consideration of garnishment, execution against land and personal property, and the law of foreclosure and bankruptcy.
IPS 186
Aboriginal Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181 or 254
To familiarize students with the main legal topics involving First Nations in British Columbia, including constitutional relations between governments, the Indian Act and Indian Band governance, citizenship, family law and adoption issues, treaty-making and lands and resources issues.
IPS 199 Career Practicum
3.00 credits (0,0,4) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average over four terms in the Paralegal/Legal Assistant Diploma program
This course is designed to assist students in obtaining a paid practicum placement. Students will participate in the following instructional sessions:
1. resume and cover letter preparation
2. interviewing techniques
3. practicum search and follow-up
The student will complete a 6 month (5 full working days/week) paid practicum in a law firm, government law department, corporate law department or other law related employment as approved by the practicum instructor and the coordinator. The practicum employer will provide meaningful projects appropriate for an entry-level paralegal. During practicum the student must be supervised a lawyer.
The student, in consultation with the instructor or coordinator, is responsible for obtaining his/her own practicum.
IPS 215
Law Office Procedures
1.50 credits (2,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181
The primary purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the fundamentals of the day-to-day running of a law office, including an introduction to the various uses of computers in a law practice. Particular emphasis will be placed on:
- practice management systems used in small and large law firms
- the impact of technology on the legal profession
- computerized applications of law office systems
- the solicitor/client relationship
- the Rules of the Law Society
- professional ethics and the role of the legal assistant
- law office accounting procedure including the Law Society Rules on Trust Accounting.
IPS 252
Torts I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170 as a co-requisite
To provide students with an introduction to tort law through the study of case law and statutes, focusing on the law of negligence.
IPS 253
Company Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 and 170
To illustrate and teach the principles of the law relating to corporations. Emphasis is on the British Columbia Business Corporations Act. Also included is an overview of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, extra provincial companies, and regulation of the securities market.
IPS 254
Torts II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 252
To continue an examination of tort law through the study of case law and statutes, considering a number of issues including negligent misrepresentation, recover of economic loss, occupiers' liability, nuisance, and the intentional torts.
IPS 255
Real Property
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 180 or 181 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
Surveys the common law relating to the real property, using the case study method and reviews legislation affecting real property including the Land Title Act, Property Law Act and Law and Equity Act. Students will become familiar with the fundamentals of the B.C. Land Title System.
IPS 256
Family Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or 150 or 170
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the fundamentals of substantive family law. Particular emphasis will be placed upon The Divorce Act, The Family Relations Act, The Child, Family and Community Service Act, and Adoption Act.
IPS 257
Wills and Estates
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181 or 254
WILLS: To illustrate the formal requirements and the substantive law affecting the validity of Wills.
ESTATES: To review the consequences of intestacy, strategies for estate plan, potential for claims under the Wills Variation Act and legislation dealing with trusts and adult guardianship.
Emphasis will be placed on professional liability issues in wills preparation and estate administration.
IPS 262
Litigation Procedures III
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 152 and 164
The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with a working knowledge of the practical applications of the Rules of Court and procedures that apply to: Pre-trial investigation and court applications, including the discovery process; Preparation of Bills of Costs; Foreclosure applications and procedures; Small Claims procedures.
IPS 264
Insurance Law I
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS180 or 181 is a prerequisite or co-requisite
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the issues raised in Canadian Insurance Law.
IPS 265
Insurance Law II
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 264
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a continuing understanding of the issues raised in Canadian Insurance Law, including a review of motor vehicle insurance issues and legislation governing ICBC.
IPS 267
Intellectual Property
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 181
A general review of the common law relating to intellectual property, a general review of Canadian legislation affecting intellectual property, management and enforcement of intellectual property rights and an introduction to the new issues and problems created by the Internet and e-commerce.
IPS 268
Criminal Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 151
The orientation of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the sources and developing theory of criminal law in Canada. We will take the theoretical aspects of Criminal Law and apply them to current, historical, and functional criminal proceeding to broaden the students understanding of the concepts involved.
IPS 271
Administrative Law
3.00 credits (4,0,0) hrs 15 wks
Prerequisite: IPS 140 or IPS 150 and 151
To provide the student with a basic understanding of the principles of administrative law, as derived from the common law and relevant statutes.
