Legal Assistant Diploma

Credential

Diploma

Duration

2 years

Location

-Main Campus

The Program

This two-year program prepares students to work within the legal profession as a highly skilled legal assistant professional providing support to lawyers within law firms, legal departments of corporations and government agencies. Students will develop knowledge and skills in legal terminology and procedures, technology, and communication through the following learning outcomes:

Complete processes and documents related to default judgments and contested actions, collections and chambers applications
Complete processes, searches, documents, and letters related to a variety of real estate purchases and sales
Create wills and enduring power of attorney, personal directives and applications for trusteeship and guardianship
Complete applications for probate and administration
Complete processes and documents for application for divorce, custody, access, support and matrimonial property pursuant to the various family law statutes
Register a variety of types of businesses, and prepare and maintain a corporate minute book
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system
Demonstrate a basic understanding of criminal law
Identify components of contracts and assemble selected contracts
Create messages, letters and documents with appropriate style and format, using correct grammar and spelling. Proofread and edit own work and the work of others
Complete math calculations common to a law office
Demonstrate technical competence related to information technology commonly used in legal environments
Use interpersonal communication skills to promote positive client relations, resolve conflict and promote a positive team working environment
Demonstrate initiative, attitude and positive presentation of self, appropriate to the legal environments
Behave in an ethical manner based on the Code of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Alberta
Demonstrate job search skills
Locate, evaluate, select, organize and summarize information using appropriate resources
Identify common problems encountered in the role of legal assistant and demonstrate problem solving strategies
Demonstrate time management and organizational skills.

Program Content

Year 1

COMM 150 Fundamentals of College and Workplace Writing
COMM 250 Business and Workplace Writing
LEGL 100 Keyboarding I
LEGL 105 Canadian Legal System
LEGL 110 Litigation I
LEGL 115 Litigation II
LEGL 120 Corporate Law
LEGL 125 Contracts
LEGL 130 Real Estate I
LEGL 135 Keyboarding II
LEGL 140 Information Processing I
LEGL 145 Criminal Law

Year 2

LEGL 200 Professional and Interpersonal Skills
LEGL 205 Estate Planning
LEGL 210 Litigation III
LEGL 215 Litigation IV
LEGL 220 Information Processing II
LEGL 225 Estate Administration
LEGL 230 Real Estate II
LEGL 233 Commercial Law
LEGL 235 Real Estate III
LEGL 240 Family Law
LEGL 245 Technology Integration
LEGL 250 Practicum

LEGL 250 Practicum is usually completed during May and June following the second year.

Program Cost Estimates

Admission Requirements

A minimum of 50% in ELA 30-1 or 65% in ELA 30-2, or equivalent,

OR

A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.

Note: Applicants are advised that both COMM 150 and COMM 250 are program requirements, and both must be completed to meet the Graduation Requirements.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Other Requirements

Note: It is to your advantage to have basic keyboarding and grammar before beginning the Program.

Note: Applicants are advised that they may be required to provide a Police Information Check to some agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may affect practicum placement and program completion therefore impact future employment prospects. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the Police Information Check.

Graduation Requirements

You must pass all courses and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Related Careers

Law Firms, Courthouses, Justice Departments, Crown Prosecutors Office
Corporate Legal Departments
Real Estate and Insurance Companies
Land Titles
Collection Agencies
Municipal Government

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