Recognition:

The BCPA is working to advance the recognition of paralegals in BC through certification and / or occupational title protection which will help clarify the role and increase the profile of paralegals.  Success is dependant on a strong membership base. 

Salary Survey:

The BCPA's annual survey of voting members compares salaries and benefits of paralegals across the province and in all practice areas.  Results are available to members only and helps them to see where they fit in and can be a valuable tool in negotiating a raise. 

Community:

The BCPA encourages paralegals to take pride in their profession. The BCPA provides an opportunity for paralegals to meet their peers and network through events, the members only directory and online forum.  Members are encouraged to volunteer and to share their ideas to help shape your association.

Newsletter:

The "Paralegal Press" is published 3 times yearly and reports on BCPA activities and upcoming events.  The Newsletter includes articles on topics of interest to members, such as case law, procedural developments, and technological advances.

Job Postings:

Regular emails alert members to the most recent job postings, province-wide, on the BCPA website.  These postings have been known to inspire a change in practice area and firm.

Lunch & Learns:

Free, informative seminars on various topics of value to paralegals.  L&Ls are held 5 times a year in Vancouver and are available province-wide by webinar.  Missed sessions can be viewed later online.

Events:

Networking Events - Annual fall dinners and spring networking events for members provide a great opportunity to network, win great prizes and hear informative and engaging speakers.  

Discounts:

Entertainment, Travel, etc. - "Club BCPA" is the association's affinity program which offers discounts on ski resorts, sporting events, hotels, shopping etc. to all members.

BCPA Membership Categories & Requirements

Any applicant who supports the purposes of the Association may apply to the Board for membership.  Applicants admitted to the Association as members shall be bound by the Code of Ethics as set out in Part II of the bylaws.

VOTING MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: 

EDUCATION: REQUIRES copy of your diploma, certificate or transcript to support your application.

Must have successfully completed all requirements of a paralegal program at:

1. Capilano University (Paralegal Degree, Diploma or Certificate program);

2. Vancouver Community College (Paralegal Diploma or Certificate program); or

3. an educational facility approved by and at the discretion of the Board.

OR

EXPERIENCE: REQUIRES written certification by a Lawyer on a form provided by the Board.

Must have a minimum of five (5) years employment as a Paralegal.

NON-VOTING MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS: 

STUDENT MEMBER - REQUIRES written certification by the Program Director on a form provided by the Board.

Must be enrolled in a Paralegal training program at:

1. Capilano University (Paralegal Degree, Diploma or Certificate program);

2. Vancouver Community College (Paralegal Diploma or Certificate program); or

3. an educational facility approved by and at the discretion of the Board.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER - is a person who meets one of the following requirements:

1. has a minimum of one (1) year employment as a Paralegal
**REQUIRES written certification by a Lawyer on a form provided by the Board;

2. is a member of a bar association or law society

3. is a member of an educational field endorsing Paralegals

4. is involved in the promotion of the Paralegal profession

5. is an individual which supports the purposes of the Association.

CORPORATE MEMBER- an organization or corporation which supports the purposes of the Association

1. The duties performed by the Paralegal shall at all times be subject to the supervision of a Lawyer. Paralegals shall not present themselves as lawyers, nor shall they give legal advice to a client.

2. A Paralegal shall at all times discharge his or her duties with the utmost honesty and integrity.

3. A Paralegal shall work in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner and shall provide a quality of service which a Lawyer would reasonably expect of a competent Paralegal.

4. A Paralegal has a duty to hold in strict confidence all information acquired in the course of the professional relationship concerning the business and affairs of the Lawyer and the clients whom they serve. No information concerning these matters shall be disclosed to any person outside the Lawyer’s practice unless the Lawyer expressly authorizes such disclosure or the law requires such disclosure.

5. A Paralegal is duty bound to observe all relevant rules and laws regarding the preservation and safekeeping of the property of clients entrusted to the Lawyer.

6. A Paralegal shall assist in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

7. A Paralegal’s conduct towards other members of the legal profession shall be characterized by courtesy and good faith.