Legal Administrative Assistant Diploma Program

Program Overview

A legal administrative assistant’s challenging work includes legal transcription, managing legal office procedures, and maintaining documents and client files. This role is vital to the successful operation of any law office or legal department.

Our program provides you with communication skills, computer technical skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of diverse legal processes, principles, procedures, and case studies in many different areas of Canadian law. You will be ready to find employment as a Legal Assistant, Legal Administrative Assistant, or Administrative Support Personnel.

Campbell College has been successfully educating professionals since 1986. On average, 90% of our graduates have found rewarding careers in their chosen fields.

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Program Details:

PROGRAM LENGTH

Class :	36 weeks
Work Experience :	8 weeks
TOTAL :	44 weeks
20 hours per week

ELIGIBILITY

Canadian high school graduation or equivalent, or mature student status plus successful completion of entrance assessment and admissions interview.

Admissions Requirements

Speak to Admissions at 780.448.1850 for all upcoming start dates or write to us at admissionsinfo@campbellcollege.ca

Career Opportunities

Embark on a rewarding career in the legal field as a Legal Administrative Assistant. This role is distinct from a paralegal position, focusing on the essential administrative support required to keep legal offices running smoothly. As a Legal Administrative Assistant, you’ll play a pivotal role in managing schedules, handling client communications, and ensuring the seamless operation of legal proceedings. Dive into a dynamic environment where your attention to detail and proficiency in administrative tasks will shine. Discover a fulfilling career path that combines your administrative prowess with the fascinating world of law. Join us in the Legal Administrative Assistant field and be an integral part of the legal team without pursuing a paralegal program. Your journey into the legal profession starts here.

The myriad job titles within the Legal Administrative Assistant sector highlight the inherent diversity in this profession. Our training program is meticulously crafted to reflect this versatility, ensuring our graduates aren’t limited to a singular focus. Our goal is to furnish them with a well-rounded skill set across the legal administrative spectrum, empowering them to thrive in any position they choose. Through developing a comprehensive understanding of the legal administrative landscape, our graduates emerge as adept contributors, seamlessly integrating their roles within the broader organizational context.

Job Titles Related to this Program

Legal Secretary
Legal Researcher
Legal Assistant
Legal Office Manager
Court Clerk
Claims Assistant
Legal Receptionist
Title Examiner
Document Review Specialist
Legal Transcriptionist
Compliance Assistant
Notary

Courses Covered

Computer Applications

Course Duration: 80 hours

Upon completion of all computer courses, students will have a thorough understanding of how a computer system works and sound knowledge of the Microsoft Office Professional Suite. Graduates will be able to create business documents, e-mails, and spreadsheets. They will be well prepared for the Legal Office Applications course

Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Windows:

This course will help students understand how a computer works and how to use Microsoft Windows to run other applications and manage files, folders, and other resources.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained an understanding of how computers work and how to use Microsoft Windows 10.

Internet Research:

This course will provide coverage of techniques for browsing the Internet in a business environment.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to access given websites, navigate (browse) Web pages and follow links to other websites. Students will learn the effective use of windows and tabs. Students will learn techniques for easily returning to Web pages that have been visited previously. Students will learn how to use search engines effectively.

Microsoft Excel:

This course will provide an introduction to Microsoft Excel 2013. Students will use this software for budgeting, forecasting, and creating cash flows and other applications.

Learning Objectives:

Creating, modifying, saving, and printing a worksheet
Formatting a worksheet
Using various functions
Creating and modifying, formatting, and printing charts

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to design spreadsheets and charts for various business scenarios.

Microsoft Outlook:

This course will provide coverage of techniques for using e-mail, managing contacts, setting up appointments and events in a business environment.

Learning Objectives:

Following the basics, students will learn advanced Functions including:

Calendars and Tasks
Use the calendar to view appointments and events
Create appointments, recurring appointments, and events
Schedule a meeting and respond to meeting invitations
Create tasks and recurring tasks
Assign tasks and respond to task requests
Print calendars in various formats

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to send, receive, and organize e-mail; create and organize contact names; create appointments and events.

Microsoft Word:

This course will provide an in-depth coverage of Microsoft Word 2013. Students will become proficient in using this software as a word processor and a desktop publishing tool.

Learning Objectives:

Following the basics, students will learn advanced Functions including:

Arranging Text in Columns
Using Styles and Themes
Using Templates
Outlining and Multilevel Lists
Using References
Creating Tables of Contents, Indexes, and Tables of Figures
Using Various Tools
Using Mail Merge
Assembling Documents
Protecting, revising, and sharing documents

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to create and enhance various documents by applying styles, manage long documents, create tables and columns, as well as create customized templates.

Business English & Business Communication

Course Duration: 90 hours

Business English:

This course provides an extensive review of grammar and punctuation.

Learning Objectives:

Identify and describe the basic parts of a sentence
Identify basic grammatical units in a sentence
Apply correct grammar in sentences
Identify correct and incorrect sentences
Identify and correct grammar errors
Identify and correct verb-tense errors
Identify and correct parallel-construction errors
Identify and use pronouns correctly

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to write sentences and paragraphs correctly.

Business Communication:

This course is an in-depth examination of business writing concepts and techniques. Students learn to refine writing skills, learn the mechanics of professional business writing and increase their ability and confidence in verbal and written communications.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the types and functions of communications in organizations
List goals of ethical business communication
Identify significant trends related to multicultural communication
Illustrate how to improve verbal, non-verbal, and written communication in diverse, multicultural environments
Be aware of challenges of doing business in the global marketplace
Eliminate gender, racial, age, and disability stereotypes from their verbal and non-verbal communication/business correspondence
Select appropriate communication channels for various business messages
Demonstrate use of formal-research and informal-research techniques
Format letters, memos, and e-mail following common business guidelines
Proofread and edit to a high standard of accuracy

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to draft, revise, proofread, and edit business documents, including letters, memos, and e-mails.

Principles of Canadian Law and Ethics

Course Duration: 60 hours

Students will build a vocabulary of common legal terminology used within a law office, government agency, court systems, social services, and current affairs through practice, study guides and quizzes. They will be introduced to Canadian law and the legal system: legal processes and institutions, principles of legal reasoning and approaches to the analysis of law. Students will learn about the law governing relationships between individuals and between individuals and the state.

Learning Objectives:

Use the appropriate legal terminology
Prepare legal instruments in the various areas of law
Demonstrate understanding of the basic rules of civil legislation and procedure
Learn how to search for specific legislation and know where to find it
Explain core processes within the various areas of law
Prepare statement of adjustments, and statement of trust funds for different areas
Prepare family property accounting statement
Demonstrate the ability to properly cite statutes and case law
Explain the essential elements of a contract
List the required documents to probate a will
Prepare and maintain the various sections of a corporate minute book
Discuss the various types of business entities

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have demonstrated the knowledge and skills obtained in the various areas of law. Students will demonstrate the ability to prepare various legal instruments and apply the knowledge of the core principles of the different areas of the law studied in order to support the legal team with their tasks.

Ethics :

This course is an in-depth study of the intrapersonal and interpersonal skills required for personal, employment success. To provide students with high-impact communication, team building, and problem-solving skills.

Learning Objectives:

Identify interests and assess aptitudes, attitudes, qualifications, strengths, and weaknesses
Manage emotions and cope more effectively with anger, stress, and fear
Develop a greater self-awareness, provide and respond to constructive criticism or feedback
Apply problem-solving techniques to difficult situations
Communicate effectively both in the workplace and personal life
Apply guidelines for talking over problems with a supervisor or co-workers
Describe basic management and leadership styles
Become an effective, cooperative team member
Identify causes of conflict in an office and be able to resolve issues
Understand the benefits of being assertive, handle various business situations appropriately
Adapt to changes that are occurring in the workplace and in life

Learning Outcomes :

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained an understanding of the concepts and techniques to work through personal and interpersonal challenges on the job, in their personal lives, and in their future education. Students’ level of comfort with systems, human relations, and team dynamics of the work place will greatly increase, and they will gain confidence in their ability to be an effective team member and an outstanding employee.

General Law Office Practices (includes Applied Office Procedures)

Course Duration: 80 hours

In this module, students learn the day-to-day organization, management and procedures of a legal office. Latest developments in office technology are presented and applied practically as students draft standard legal documents such as agreements, statements of claim and defense, letters, and memos. Law office trust accounting concepts and procedures are covered. Students are introduced to the required privacy legislation and confidentiality and skills such as timekeeping, multitasking and prioritizing, filing, and the effective use of communication systems.

Learning Objectives:

Prepare professional correspondence
Prepare memoranda to file and memoranda of law
Correctly cite legal authorities
Demonstrate an understanding of basic client legal documents
Demonstrate an understanding of basic legal concepts
Explain the importance of privacy and confidentiality in the legal environment
Demonstrate an understanding of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service of Alberta, and The City of Edmonton Code of Conduct and Guide
Demonstrate how lawyers record their time and bill their clients
Explain how client retainers work
Explain how to maintain and diarize client files
Explain the distinction between general and trust accounts
Demonstrate how multi-tasking and prioritization skills are needed

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course, students will be able to prepare Inter-office memos, legal memoranda and correctly cite legal authorities. Students will have also gained a solid understanding of some basic legal concepts and the importance of: privacy and confidentiality in the legal environment; the distinction between general and trust accounts; effective time management, and the importance of strong grammar skills.

Applied Office Procedures :

This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about themselves, and about the skills, personality traits, and attitudes that are required to be successful in any office. Students will learn and practice specific office functions, handwritten, and computer generated.

Learning Objectives:

Describe and modify behaviors’ that affect success in work environments
Discuss roles and responsibilities of office workers
Organize time and resources
Handle various types of mail and use Canada Post Rules
File according to ARMA Standards
Describe process of organizing information for visible and electronic filing
Set up and maintain records management systems (including classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files)
Identify factors that govern retentions and transfer of records
Index and alphabetize names for alphabetic filing system
Prepare cross-references for alphabetic filing and prepare documents for filing
Practice telephone techniques, and organize and attend meetings
Make travel arrangements

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to practice the systems, processes, and procedures used in today’s business offices—everything from file organization and records management to organizational techniques.

Legal Office Applications & Transcription

Course Duration: 80 hours

Legal Office Applications :

This course will provide students with an introduction to a variety of software and web-based search resources such as Canlii, Quicklaw, and the Alberta Queen’s Printer. Legal accounting and billing programs will be demonstrated such as PCLAW, ESILAW, and Prolaw

Learning Objectives:

Conduct basic case law searches using the features and tools of various legal software
Understand and practice Basic Boolean Search Operators and Query Modifiers
Access, set up and use legal forms
Utilize Alberta Queen’s Printer to search for Provincial Legislation and Regulations
Perform searches on full-text court and tribunal decisions
Use the features of various legal accounting programs, PCLaw, ESILAW, and Prolaw
Setup contacts, clients, post time and fees, due dates, limitation dates, ticklers and disbursements
Write and print cheques from bank or trust accounts
Prepare a client file from beginning to the closing
Search non-legal sources for investigative or supporting information as required
Explore and demonstrate other legal program demos dealing with specific practise areas as time permits

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to use various software and applications utilized in a legal office. Students will use the features of search resource software and programmes to complete basic legal office accounting tasks.

Transcription:

With enhanced typing skills developed through the keyboarding course, and improved grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills developed through the Business English course, students will use a Transcription Tutorial to learn and practice the skills, shortcuts, and techniques needed to produce quality transcripts.

Learning Objectives:

Work with audio players to reduce the time spent controlling audio
Transcribe an audio file from start to finish with minimal mistakes
Master grammar and punctuation working with grammar and capitalization guides
Increase productivity through text expanders, hotkeys, and keyboard shortcuts
Learn advanced techniques such as working with files with more than two speakers or time stamping
Practice cleaning up bad audio so that it’s easier to work with
Gain hands-on experience by transcribing practice legal files

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have the skills and confidence needed to produce error free and quality transcripts.

Wills & Estates

Course Duration: 60 hours

This course will provide an overview of the legal principles governing the preparation of a will. Students will learn the terminology used in wills and the basic steps involved in the preparation and execution of a will; including testacy and intestacy, obtaining letters and administering the estate.

Learning Objectives:

Explain basic Wills and Estates terminology
Prepare the basic documentation required in order to probate a Will
Discuss the advantages of having a Will
Discuss the laws of succession
Discuss estate planning
Discuss Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives
Explain Represented Adult and Guardian and Trusteeship matters
Explain how to prepare and execute Wills and Codicils
Discuss the different types of testamentary grants
Explain the process of appointing administrators of an estate
Discuss the realization and distribution of an estate
Discuss how to handle routine matters in connection with the administration of an Estate

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have gained a thorough understanding of the basic principles of Wills and Estates and apply that knowledge in the preparation of the documentation used in this area of the law.

Real Estate Law

Course Duration: 40 hours

This course focuses on the substantive law of real estate. Students are introduced to basic conveyancing procedures. The land titles system is covered, along with forms and documents relating to transfer of title, encumbrances, mortgages and discharge of encumbrances/mortgages. The structure of a real estate sale will be illustrated. Students also learn the requirements for acting for the vendor and acting for the purchaser.

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate proper use of terminology in the Real Estate context
Demonstrate an understanding of the Land Titles System
Explain how real property is conveyed from one party to another
Explain the components of an Offer to Purchase
Demonstrate how to perform purchase and sale transactions
Prepare a statement of adjustments
Explain how to prepare mortgages, transfers and caveats
Discuss the role of a lawyer in acting on behalf of a lending institution
Prepare the basic documentation that comprises a real estate transaction

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have gained a thorough understanding of the basic principles of Real Estate Law and will have also gained familiarity with the basic documentation that is used, including: mortgages, transfers, caveats, and declarations as to possession, orders to pay, solicitor’s reports, and statement of adjustments.

Civil Litigation

Course Duration: 60 hours

This module introduces students to the courts of law. Judges, court officials and their respective duties are discussed. The rules of court practice are set out in The Court of Queen’s Bench Act and the Queen’s Bench Rules. The student will learn of the steps, documents and limitation periods set out in these Rules. Actions and applications are the two categories of civil proceedings brought before the courts. Appeals and motions occur within these categories. This section will step through a model of a civil action, and will also review the processes of applications, appeals and motions. Definitions will be provided for legal terminology and precedents of completed court documents will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives:

Use and understand terminology in the Civil Litigation context
Explain what constitutes an unintentional tort
Discuss the basic principles of a cause of action
Outline the major components of a Statement of Claim
Prepare basic pleadings
Explain the steps involved in a civil cause of action under the Canadian Legal System
Prepare actions, applications and motions
Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Court of Queen’s Bench Rules
Discuss what tools are available to enforce Judgments and Orders
Discuss the many options available to encourage settlement in legal disputes and their implications

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have gained an understanding of the basic principles of Civil Litigation and Torts. Students will also have prepared basic pleadings and all supporting documentation that is commonly used in this area, including: statements of claim, statements of defence, replies, motions, applications, orders, judgments, affidavits and requisitions.

Family Law

Course Duration: 40 hours

Family law is an ever-growing area of litigation. It encompasses the laws of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, custody, access, support and division of property upon marriage breakdown. This module introduces the relevant statutes and provides precedents of commonly used documents. The student will follow through contested and uncontested divorce proceedings step-by-step. They will also learn about procedures for division of property, domestic agreements and variation of court orders.

Learning Objectives:

Use and understand terminology in the Family Law context
Explain the different roles and jurisdiction of The Provincial Court and AlbertaCourt of Queen’s Benchregarding divorce applications or claims with respect to property rights
Explain the Divorce Act, Family Law Act, and Adult Interdependent Relationships Act
Explain the documentation required to process a contested or uncontested divorce
Discuss the principles of a marital property accounting
Discuss the different types of domestic contracts
Discuss the process of how to vary an Order of the Court in the Family Law Context
Discuss the basic principles of child support, child custody and access
Use Child Support Tables and programs to explain how child support is calculated and how section 7 (extracurricular) expenses are shared proportionately
Prepare the pleadings and supporting documentation in Family Law

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have gained an understanding of the basic principles of Family Law. They will acquire familiarity with the basic documentation used in the Family Law Context. Students will also have prepared all of the typical documentation utilized in this area of the law, including: separation agreements, divorce judgments, orders, affidavits, notices of motion, case management information statements and financial statements.

Corporate & Commercial Law

Course Duration: 40 hours

This course introduces the student to the various forms of business ownership and the steps required to incorporate. Students will learn the basic legal procedures and work with the documents associated with buying and selling business assets and the registration of a security interest in person. The course will compare and contrast proprietorships and partnerships, and the student will learn the steps and procedures required for incorporation. Students will explore the legal documentation associated with corporate matters including the maintenance of the minute book, post incorporation matters, corporate structure and documentation, commercial transactions and Instruments, bill of sale, and chattel mortgage.

Learning Objectives:

Use and understand terminology used in the area of Corporate and Commercial Law
Compare and contrast the three main types of business organizations
Prepare the documentation that goes into a Minute Book
Explain the maintenance of a Minute Book and post-incorporation matters
Discuss the basic principles of the Personal Property Security Act
Discuss and produce sample basic legal instruments, such as: Bills of Sale, Chattel Mortgages, Debentures, Financing Statements
Discuss basic corporate structure and the required supporting documentation
Discuss proprietorships and partnerships and the advantages and disadvantages Review the Business Corporations Act and explain the process of filing Annual Returns

Learning Outcomes:

Following the completion of this course students will have gained an understanding of the basic principles of Corporate and Commercial Law. They will have also gained experience preparing all of the documentation required to operate a business.

Classes Start

January 2024

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