Program Status

SEP, 2012	D	Wait List
JAN, 2013	D	Open

B Brantford
D Doon (Kitchener)
I Ingersoll
W Waterloo

C   Cambridge
G   Guelph
S   Stratford

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Office Administration - Legal

College: CONS Program: 1098 Campus: DO Academic Year: 2012 / 2013

About the Program

The two-year Office Administration - Legal Program provides students with a specialization in legal administrative procedures and processes in preparation for employment in the legal environment. In the first year of the program students build strong technological, interpersonal and communication skills and are introduced to legal office procedures. In the second year of the program students develop a thorough working knowledge of legal office procedures and legal documentation.

Students receive extensive administrative training in the preparation of legal correspondence, memoranda and the handling of client files and accounting records. Areas of specialization covered are: family law, real estate, civil litigation, corporate law, and wills and estates. A variety of computer programs and specialized legal software, including legal machine transcription, are used extensively by the students in preparation for employment in the legal field.

Graduates of the Office Administration - Legal Assistant program are in high demand. A wide variety of employment opportunities are available in law firms, government offices, real estate and insurance companies, financial institutions, legal departments or corporations.

At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to showcase their skills by participating in a three-week work placement position in a law firm or in a related legal office environment.

Program Facts

Length: Two-year Ontario College Diploma program
Location: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September and January
First-Year Capacity: 45
Tuition: Please refer to Fees Chart for more detail
*Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa.
*Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or 19 years of age or older with mature student status. (See Mature Student Definition for details.)
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270).
For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Note:

English testing may be required.

Admission Procedures

An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C course used in the calculation of academic strength.
Twenty (20) additional marks are added to each post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.

For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through a prior learning assessment process (PLAR). Prior learning must be measurable at the college level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses . PLAR process is not used for admission process. Obtaining credits for courses linked to a specific program does not guarantee entrance into the program. To require guidance on the PLAR process contact the PLAR office at 519-748-5220, ext 2260 or visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/plar.jsp

Course Information

Course #	Courses
Level One
ADMN1300	Document Processing Description: In this course, students will develop and apply touch typing skills to the preparation of business documents typically used in an office environment. Using a web-based software program, students will apply touch typing skills to the production of a variety of business-related documents such as business letters, memos, and E-mail messages according to specific content, layout and formatting requirements. Students will be expected to organize work and produce work according to a set timeframe. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMM1410	Fundamentals for Effective Written Communication Description: This course is designed to help students acquire accuracy and clarity in written communication for business workplace settings. The course will also help students develop writing skills that reinforce the use of correct grammar and mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on applying correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling to a variety of business-related documents. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMP1070	Word Processing Description: Students gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Word creating an assortment of business-related documents including letters, memos, envelopes, newsletters, tables and multi-page reports. A variety of software features will be explored including: page setup features, graphics manipulation, columns, styles, outlines, tables of contents and templates. In addition, students will be introduced to the Windows operating system to master proficiency in various file management tasks. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMP1080	Spreadsheets Description: Students gain hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel creating an assortment of spreadsheet documents. A variety of software features will be explored including: worksheet, chart and database features; multi-sheet workbook options; functions, formulas and 3-D formulas and a variety of formatting tools. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMP1355	Presentation Software Description: This course focuses on tools and techniques for creating professional business presentations. Students will demonstrate proficiency using presentation and desktop publishing software. Students will use presentation software to create effective slide presentations that incorporate text, graphics, sound and other multi-media effects. Students will use desktop publishing software to design and produce professional, quality documents that combine text, graphics, illustrations, and photographs. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
MATH1820	Foundations of Business Math Description: This course will provide the student with learning tools that will help them to improve basic arithmetic skills and to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. It is designed for students to help them bridge any existing gap between their current preparation and college level math. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Level Two
ACCT1060	Bookkeeping for Office Settings Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of bookkeeping. Topics include bookkeeping terminology, various journals including cash payments, cash receipts, sales and purchases, general adjustments, financial statements. Note: This course is also a credit course offered in the Health Office Receptionist part time program. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
ADMN1115	Keyboarding Speed Description: The purpose of this course is to develop the students’ ability to apply ?touch typing? techniques (type without looking at keys) to build keyboarding speed and accuracy keyboarding skills. Students will be tested on a regular basis. Upon completion of the course, students must demonstrate the ability to touch type at a minimum speed of 45 net words per minute on two 5-minute timed writing tests with a maximum of five (5) uncorrected errors per timing. New material will be used for all timed writing tests. Students entering this course may apply for exemption by providing appropriate documentation as proof of their ability to meet course outcomes. Hours: 15 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
BUS1390	Legal Office Procedures Description: This course focuses on the skills required to be a productive member of an office team in a legal environment. Students develop the necessary skills to work effectively in an office by applying time management skills to increase productivity and effectiveness, develop good customer service skills, handle incoming and outgoing telephone calls, book appointments, use E-mail and voice mail effectively, manage files and folders, participate in and prepare correspondence and documents common to a legal office. Emphasis will be placed on the theory of office procedures and the production of office-related documents in a simulated office environment. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ADMN1300, COMP1070 CoRequisites:
BUS2030	Applied Ethics Description: This course will familiarize students with the bases of ethical theory and assist them in the development of a critical process for making ethical decisions. Students will have the opportunity to discuss areas involving ethical controversies that may be encountered in the context of work environments and will learn how to approach issues by applying ethical principles. The student will explore his/her own values, code of ethics, and develop strategies to understand and respect the values and decisions of others. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
CDEV2070	Career Development Description: This course emphasizes the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and activities required in order to identify appropriate and rewarding employment opportunities and to participate in the typical job search process for entry-level roles. Students will learn to evaluate their skills in order to develop self-marketing techniques such as cover letters, resumes, and outlining achievements. Mock interviews will provide the student with interview experience as well as feedback on their strengths and areas to be improved. Hours: 15 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMM1500	Introduction to Professional Writing and Presentation Skills Description: Introducing the communication skills necessary for success, this course analyzes cases that reflect real life situations. Students will attain the skills in problem solving and decision making required in professional communications. Emphasis will be placed on producing effective letters and memoranda. The course also helps students develop presentation skills. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
COMP1050	Advanced Word Processing Description: This course is designed to build on concepts in Word Processing (COMP1070 or 60165600) and will cover merging documents, collaborating with others using revisions, creating web pages and templates, recording, editing and running macros, creating on-screen forms, working with master documents to create and manage long documents and integrating Microsoft Word with other programs and the World Wide Web. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: COMP1070 CoRequisites:
COMP1060	Advanced Spreadsheets Description: Building on concepts in Spreadsheets, this course covers advanced formula creation and examines Microsoft Excel's analysis tools. Students participate in hands-on training activities including the creation of advanced formulas and templates to validate data entry and importing data into Excel. A variety of analysis tools will also be explored. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: COMP1003 or COMP1080 CoRequisites:
Level Three
ADMN2140	Legal Machine Transcription Description: Using dictated material on CDs and specific dictation software, students prepare legal documents and correspondence related to each area of law studied in the Office Administration ? Legal Assistant program. The transcription material presented in this course is designed to capture the law office in operation. In this course, students expand their legal vocabulary, reinforce their legal office practice and procedures, and do justice to the skill of transcription. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ADMN1300, BUS1090 or BUS1390, COMP1050 CoRequisites:
BUS2210	Legal Office Applications Description: This course focuses on the practical hands-on bookkeeping applications found in law offices. In addition to preparing accounts and related financial documentation manually, students will demonstrate proficiency in the use of PC Law to record transactions for a law office. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
COMM1140	Interpersonal Communications Skills Description: This course will help students develop skills needed to interrelate with others in a variety of workplace situations and social settings. With the assistance of self-assessment and feedback instruments, students will be able to build on individual strengths and overcome weakness in their ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and in group settings. Although the course will incorporate relevant communication theories, the focus will be on developing the ability to present oneself effectively in the majority of managerial roles (e.g. managing conflict, instructing, seminar leader, counselor, team member). The course will also focus on managing ones image to maximize career potential. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
LAW2150	Litigation Procedures Description: This "hands-on" course introduces the student to the federal and provincial judicial systems and the role and responsibilities of a legal administrative assistant employed in the area of civil litigation. Students gain knowledge and practical experience in applying the Rules of Civil Procedure to the production of legal documentation in a civil action and application. Students are introduced to current industry related software to maintain client data and generate legal documentation. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: COMP1050, BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
LAW2160	Family Law Description: The major influences on family law reform with an introduction to the Family Law Act and the Children's Law Reform Act of Ontario are studied and used as a backdrop for the documentation produced in this course. Domestic contracts as governed by the Family Law Act and application of the Family Law Rules and Procedures as they apply to defended and undefended, simple, and joint divorce cases are studied. Relevant forms, contracts, agreements, and supporting documentation for domestic contracts and divorce applications are produced using standard family law precedents. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education	Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours
Level Four
ADMN2085	Advanced Keyboarding Description: This course builds upon techniques developed in the introductory keyboarding course. Upon completion of the course, students must demonstrate the ability to touch type at a minimum speed of 55 net words per minute on two five (5)-minute timed writing tests with a maximum of 5 uncorrected errors . New material will be used for all timed writing tests. Students entering this course may apply for exemption by providing appropriate documentation as proof of their ability to meet course outcomes. Hours: 12 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: ADMN1115 CoRequisites:
CDEV2015	Work Situation Experience Description: Hours: 90 Credits: 6 Pre-Requisites: ADMN1115, ADMN2140, BUS2210, LAW2150, LAW2160 CoRequisites: LAW2170, LAW2190
LAW2170	Real Estate Description: This course introduces the student to the role and responsibilities of a legal administrative assistant employed as a real estate assistant in Ontario. In this course, students will follow appropriate procedures and prepare documentation, correspondence and accounts to complete purchase, sale, and mortgage transactions. In addition to word processing software, the students will use specialized legal software in the production of documentation. Hours: 60 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: ADMN2150 or BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
LAW2180	Corporate Law Description: The fundamentals of corporate and commercial law, including unincorporated forms of business ownerships and incorporation of an Ontario Business Corporation are studied in this course. Procedures related to incorporating a private Ontario Corporation, organizing and maintaining the Minute Book and attending to post-incorporation matters are also covered. Standard precedents are used for the preparation and production of documents related to corporate and commercial law. In addition to word processing software, the students will use specialized legal software in the production of documentation. Hours: 36 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ADMN2150 or BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
LAW2190	Wills and Estates Description: Students are introduced to the terminology and procedures necessary to prepare and execute wills, codicils and powers of attorney. Documentation and correspondence required for the administration of estates are also studied. In addition to word processing software, the students will use specialized legal software in the production of documentation. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: ADMN2150 or BUS1090 or BUS1390 CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education	Student must complete a minimum of 36 Hours

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates of the Office Administration - Legal program are in high demand. A wide variety of employment opportunities are available in area law firms, government offices, real estate and insurance companies, financial institutions, legal departments and corporations.

100% of 2009-2010 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.

Degree Completion Opportunities

Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.

Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.

Financial Assistance

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.

For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.

Program Advisory Committees

The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.

For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.

How to Apply

Students should apply online at www.ontariocolleges.ca or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

ONTARIOCOLLEGES.CA
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
Canada N1G 5J3

Conestoga Career Centre
careercentre@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-3535 or 877-748-3535

Disclaimer The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.