This twelve-month diploma program will enable you to acquire the relevant administrative and technological skills to meet the demands of the current and emerging legal office environment. Through practical, hands-on training you will acquire a knowledge of legal office procedures, document production, specialized legal software, professionalism and ethics. Areas of study include litigation, family, corporate, real estate and estate law.
In three consecutive semesters, you will acquire the skills and knowledge usually offered in a four-semester program. This format allows you to complete the program and access the job market at a non-traditional time. Fluency in English, verbal and written, is critical to your success in the program and the legal environment, and there is a strong focus on communicating effectively from the beginning of your program to graduation.
You must have a keyboarding speed of 50 words per minute (net) to graduate from this program.
If you meet all the necessary academic requirements, you will be able to participate in an unpaid field placement that will allow you to acquire hands-on experience in a formal legal environment. You may have a shared responsibility for securing a placement. The placement may take place after the third semester of classroom studies, extending the length of the program by one month.
As a graduate of this program, you may pursue a career as a legal administrative assistant or receptionist in a law firm, government office or corporate legal department.