LAW CLERK
Program Outline
Major: LCLR
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
This program is designed to prepare graduates for employment as Law Clerks/Legal Assistants who are able to do work independently under the general supervision of a lawyer. Graduates are able to prepare wills, real estate transactions, court reports, affidavits, research records, court files and other legal documents. Law Clerks may appear before administrative tribunals and certain courts. This program may provide preparation for writing the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO) examinations in Estates Law, Real Estate Law, Corporate Law and Civil Litigation.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this program are employed in legal offices (specialized and general practices), government offices (municipal, provincial, federal, boards/tribunals, court/registry, and legal aid) and in financial corporation institutions and insurance companies.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- communicate effectively, orally and in writing, using accurate legal terminology;
- apply time management and organizational skills to meet the time lines and limitation periods within a legal environment;
- assist in advocacy procedures in courtroom and tribunal appearance;
- utilize information technology resources and skills appropriately within the legal environment;
- employ knowledge and substantive law within the role of the law clerk;
- employ knowledge and legal procedures within the role of the law clerk;
- adhere to the legal profession's principles of ethics and conduct;
- contribute to preliminary research of legal information, using traditional and electronic resources;
- use office skills to support the operation of a legal office;
- develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance competence;
- employ environmentally sustainable practices within the profession.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) at the general level, or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U). Also recommended: Mathematics: Any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP 4C or MCT 4C), or any Grade 12 University Mathematics.
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, College Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's license.
Graduation Requirements
18 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
1 Field Placement
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
BUSI 1011 Professional Business Practice
COMP1012 Computer Business Documentation
COMP1048 Introduction to Keyboarding
ETHC2000 Ethics for the Legal Profession
LAWS1006 Criminal Law
LAWS1007 Family Law
LAWS2032 Estates Law
LAWS2033 Corporate Law
LAWS2034 Civil Litigation
LAWS2035 Real Estate Law
LAWS2036 Advocacy Procedures in the Court Room
OFAD1001 Office Procedures and Strategies
OFAD1004 Introduction to Legal Office Administration
OFAD1007 Spreadsheet and Presentation Applications
OFAD1008 Word Processing and Database Applications
OFAD 2014 Bookkeeping for the Office Professional
OFAD 2015 Administrative Support and Records Management
REAS1001 Foundations of Legal Research
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
Field Placement
LAWS2037 Field Training
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BUSI 1011 Professional Business Practice 42.0 Hours
You will learn how to prepare and present yourself and your work in a professional manner according to business ethics and protocol(s). In addition you will develop skills to manage office politics, social situations, travel and communications. Finally, you will develop an understanding of appropriate cultural and travel protocols for success in international business situations.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COMP1012 Computer Business Documentation 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to develop skills in word processing and document design and formatting. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and efficiency. Keyboarding skill using the correct touch technique is highly recommended. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
COMP1048 Introduction to Keyboarding 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to build proficient keyboarding skills, including using correct touch technique. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and efficiency. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
ETHC2000 Ethics for the Legal Profession 42.0 Hours
Students learn the scope and importance of the rules of conduct developed by the Law Society of Upper Canada which guides and regulates lawyers and Law Clerks. Students acquire an understanding of the parameters of acceptable ethics, particularly what they can and cannot do under the regulation and implication thereof. The duty of Law Clerks to their principals and to their clients is critically examined in the areas such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, competency and honesty.
LAWS1006 Criminal Law 42.0 Hours
Students are introduced to the processes by which laws are created, amended and revised and how they apply to summary and indictable offences. Students acquire an understanding of Criminal Law legislation including the Criminal Code of Canada and the Youth and Justice Act.
LAWS1007 Family Law 42.0 Hours
This course gives students an overview of the legal relationship engendered by family associations with a focus on the relationship of spouses, parents and children. Students become familiar with the procedures concerning the regulation and dispute resolution of issues concerning marriage, separation, unmarried cohabitation, property rights during marriage and divorce. Students acquire an understanding of Family Law legislation including the Family Law Act, the Divorce Act and the Children's Law Reform Act.
LAWS2032 Estates Law 42.0 Hours
This course deals with the preparation of wills, power of attorney and the administration of estates including management of the assets of the deceased, after settlement of debts of the estates, payment of legacies and distribution of the residue to the beneficiaries. Students become familiar with the documentation to obtain the required court grant of letters testamentary, preparation of estate accounts, administration of ongoing trusts and the preparation of income tax return.
LAWS2033 Corporate Law 42.0 Hours
This course examines the various types of business ownerships. Topics include the corporate and administrative procedures involved in preparing and filling articles of incorporations, organizing a corporation by way of a minute book, preparing and filing relevant incorporations-related documents that relate to the composition of a corporation (is. Articles of amendment), financing issues and relevant searches; and share purchase agreements. Students should be familiar with the Act(s) governing the formation and operation of a corporation.
LAWS2034 Civil Litigation 70.0 Hours
This course covers legal research, drafting pleadings and preparing documents for court proceedings, preparing documentary evidence, preparing for and assisting at trial and appeals, and conducting examinations in aid of executions and the enforcement of orders.
LAWS2035 Real Estate Law 56.0 Hours
This course provides students with a broad foundation of legal concepts and applications relevant to the legal practice area of residential real estate. Topics covered include land division in Ontario, the land registration system, surveys, title insurance, ownership, agreement of purchase and sale, numerous applicable statutes, purchasing, selling, financing and closing the transaction.
LAWS2036 Advocacy Procedures in the Court Room 42.0 Hours
Students gain an appreciation for the history of etiquette and courtroom advocacy and for the rules which govern the parties in court. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the litigation process including: interviewing witnesses, production of legal briefs, disclosure of documentation, courtroom processes and procedures, trial structures and courtroom etiquette. Students acquire practical experience in negotiation and mediation within the advocacy rules.
LAWS2037 Field Training 84 Hours
In consultation with the Field Placement Co-ordinator, students find and apply for a work term in the Law Clerk profession in legal offices, government offices or in finance and insurance companies. This field training occurs one day per week during the 4th semester of the program.
OFAD1001 Office Procedures and Strategies 42.0 Hours
This course introduces current office procedures necessary to perform administrative support functions as well as an opportunity to develop learning strategies that will prepare the student to confront academic, personal and career challenges. A combination of practical tasks and processes provides a solid foundation for those entering administrative careers. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1004 Introduction to Legal Office Administration 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to basic routines, procedures, documentation, law and terminology common to the legal field. Generic and process skills are developed within a situational learning environment. An overview of the various areas of the law is presented with emphasis on material common to all areas. Current social/legal issues are examined and discussed both individually and within groups. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1007 Spreadsheet and Presentation Applications 42.0 Hours
This course provides the development of spreadsheet and presentation design skills. Students will learn how to organize, calculate, manipulate and use graph data. A variety of financial functions and formula entries will be explored including IF analysis. Learners will work with multiple worksheets and workbooks. Students will use presentation software to prepare professional looking presentations. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1008 Word Processing and Database Applications 42.0 Hours
This course is designed for the development of word processing and database skills. Students will use word processing software to create, enhance, and format documents. Using database software, students will plan, create, update and maintain database structures. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD 2014 Bookkeeping for the Office Professional 42.0 Hours
This is an introductory course in bookkeeping procedures common to office administrators. An introduction to business transaction analysis and accounting procedures are required to provide an understanding of the role of the office administrator in the accounting process. The use of special journals and spreadsheets will play a major role, along with government remittance form preparation. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD 2015 Administrative Support and Records Management 42.0 Hours
This course provides the further development of progressive business practices necessary for entry into today's workplace. Emphasis is placed on business travel; international customs; meetings and conferences; reference resources; office communications; and record management, both paper based and electronic. Students will develop teambuilding skills, exercise critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and participate in constructive classroom interaction. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
REAS1001 Foundations of Legal Research 42.0 Hours
Research skills are integral to the decision making process in legal firms and corporations. This course examines the legal research skills required to efficiently and effectively locate and evaluate secondary and primary information. Various research media, including texts and databases are utilized to integrate research and decision making skills, ensuring students have practical experience with the complete research process: from identifying an information need to developing a research plan to conducting basic legal research of statutes, regulations and case law.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.