Legal Office Assistant

Course Outline

(30 week program)

Students will develop skills in a fast paced environment, preparing documents and improving interpersonal communication skills. You will be introduced to law and the legal profession with specific emphasis placed in the areas of Corporate/Commercial, Wills & Estates, Family Law, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law. Legal terminology, the court system, billing procedures and extensive word processing skills are reinforced through practical application during the program. Graduates may find employment in both the public and private sector.

Legal Fundamentals & Terminology
Introduction to legal terminology principles of Canadian Law, criminal and civil law, and litigation procedures.

Microsoft Word Levels 1 & 2
Enhanced word processing skills: merging, and creating columns and tables.

Civil Litigation
Theory of civil litigation, applicable court structure, legal terminology, procedural routes, litigation and applicable documentation.

Real Estate & Conveyancing
Issues and procedures involved in Property Transfer, Offers to Purchase, Mortgages, Transfers of Land and Statement of Adjustments.

Wills and Estates
Theory and procedures required to probate Wills and Estates.

Legal Transcription
Dictaphone and transcription skills.

Intro to Microcomputers
Covers the history of computers, the computing system and the information processing cycle.

Intro to Keyboarding
Introduce students to the proper use of a keyboard and develop students' keyboarding speed and accuracy. Pacing drills are utilized to develop rhythm and precision in the students' techniques.

Corporate and Commercial Law
Basic theory with respect to Corporate
structures. Preparation of incorporation
documentation.

Family Law
A theoretical and practical look at Canadian Domestic Law, relevant statutes and case law. Preparation of applicable documents.

Legal Office Procedures and Precedent Binder
Develop interpersonal skills required in a legal firm. Computerized and manual accounting, billing and correspondence skills, as well as completion of a Precedent Binder.

Business Communication
Develop competency on the job in respect to reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will improve in general word skills and acquire mastery of grammar, punctuation, and style.

Keyboard Production & Speed Development
Using simulations and assignments, students perform word processing functions within the context of the legal profession.

Job Search Techniques
Teaches students the basic skills needed* to successfully search for career related employment. (*through practice, role-play and feedback).

Practicum
During the two week practicum, students will gain valuable experience in a legal office environment by using skills developed in class.