Overview
Paralegals prepare legal documents and conduct research to assist lawyers or other professionals. Independent paralegals provide legal services to the public as allowed by government legislation, or provide paralegal services on contract to law firms or other establishments. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings. Notaries public administer oaths, take affidavits, sign legal documents and perform other activities according to the scope of their practice. Trademark agents advise clients on intellectual property matters. Paralegals are employed by law firms, by record search companies and in legal departments throughout the public and private sectors. Independent paralegals are usually self-employed. Justices of the peace are employed by federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial courts. Notaries public are employed by government and in the public and private sectors or they may be self-employed. Trademark agents are employed by law firms and legal departments throughout the public and private sectors, trademark development and search firms or they may be self-employed.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Notaries public
Administer oaths and take affidavits and depositions
Witness and certify the validity of signatures on documents
May draft contracts, prepare promissory notes and draw up wills, mortgages and other legal documents
May arrange probates and administer the estates of deceased persons.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$48,136
$73,205
$108,847
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
923expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Notaries public usually require a university degree in law or a related field.
Notaries public are appointed after examination and certification of their qualifications by the governing judiciary in their province or territory. All appointments have specific limitations on the activities they can perform and for specific periods of time.
Notaries public require a provincial licence. In British Columbia, membership in the Society of Notaries Public is also required.
Additional information
Notaries public usually receive in-house training and perform their duties in rural or remote areas or in the business offices in which they are employed.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Notaries public in B.C.
- Membership with the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia - Notaries
Membership with the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia - Notaries
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a notary public in B.C., you must become a member of the Society of the Notaries Public of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved through completion of: a recognized education program, the Notary Education Program, and an approved post-secondary accounting course.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.