Communication between instructor and students will be conducted online using WebCT e-mail, discussion, chat utilities, guided practices, assignments, and case studies. Students will work both independently and collaboratively to learn and apply procedures and tasks carried on in a legal office. Both learning activities and evaluations will be structured to stress problem solving, accuracy, and working within time constraints.
- Roles, Professional Behaviours, and Responsibilities of Legal Administrative Assistants
- know and apply the specialized skills, knowledge, and character attributes required
- identify and complete general and corporate records office tasks under supervision
- practice discreet and ethical behaviours
- appreciate the expertise, roles, and responsibilities of the members of the legal team within which the legal administrative assistant works
- Terminology and References
- pronounce, spell, and define
- legal citations
- Legal Correspondence and Documents
- understand content and keyboard letters, memoranda, accounts, general and corporate legal documents from draft and dictation
- Legal Records
- open, maintain, and close client files
- understand and use tickler/bring forward systems
- understand general and trust accounts
- understand time sheets, receipts, and disbursements
- calculate fees and disbursements and prepare client accounts
The learner has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Describe the functions and duties of the legal administrative assistant and his/her role in the legal profession.
- Define, spell, and use legal terms appropriately.
- Identify and use the correct legal office procedures in records management, reception, diaries, mail/couriers, and timekeeping.
- Create and use precedents in the preparation of correspondence and basic legal documents.
- Apply appropriate record keeping procedures in the handling of client ledgers and billings.
- Prepare citations and references to Acts with accuracy.
- Transcribe dictated material containing expanded vocabulary, legal terminology and specialized formats at an acceptable standard.
| Assignments | 30% |
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Exams | 40% |
| Participation | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
Dukelow, Daphne A. and Betsy Nuse. Pocket Dictionary of Canadian Law, Latest Ed.,
Carswell, Barrie, Ontario
Paige, Sheila & Carole Colvin. 2003. Introduction to Legal Office Procedures Precedent Manual. Douglas College.
. WAV pedal & computer headphones are required for digital transcription activities.
English 11 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent and 50 NWPM