Overview

Assiniboine’s two-year Legal Administration diploma program prepares graduates to work as an office professional in the legal industries such as law, justice or real estate. 

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Apply legal terminology, principles, and procedures in legal administrative tasks and duties. 
  • Utilize various software applications and technology to manage legal documents, data, trust accounting and communication. 
  • Communicate professionally with legal professionals, clients, and other stakeholders, both orally and in writing. 
  • Conduct legal research and compile information from a variety of sources to assist in the preparation of legal documents, including contracts, agreements, land conveyancing documents and court filings. 
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of a legal office or department, including scheduling appointments, managing client files and billings, and coordinating meetings and events. 
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity in all legal matters, including adherence to professional ethical standards and the rules. 
  • Adapt to the ever-changing legal landscape, including changes in legislation and regulation. 
  • Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify solutions to legal administrative challenges. 
  • Utilize Microsoft Office, accounting software, and other industry-standard software programs for a variety of administrative tasks.  
  • Use communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally with colleagues and clients. 
  • Apply problem-solving techniques to resolve complex issues that may arise in office settings. 
  • Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail in administrative tasks. 
  • Utilize time-management and organizational skills to manage tasks and responsibilities efficiently. 
  • Anticipate and action solutions to needs of the office.  
  • Maintain professionalism while working towards tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.  
  • Present information clearly and concisely in a variety of formats. 

Examples of what legal assistants can do: 

  • Provide support to legal professionals. 
  • Follow established office procedures and routines. 
  • Disseminate information in various formats internally and externally. 
  • Prepare and key in correspondence and legal documents, such as wills, affidavits, briefs, and police reports from handwritten copy, and shorthand dictation. 
  • Review and proofread documents and correspondence to ensure compliance with legal procedures and grammatical usage. 
  • Schedule appointments, meetings, conferences and travel. 
  • Maintain filing systems, utilizing knowledge of legal records and procedures, and frequently controlling confidential materials and documents 
  • Prepare land conveyancing documents and court forms. 

Success Factors 

You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 

  • Interest in law and justice  
  • Maintaining excellent attention to detail and being meticulous in your work. 
  • Managing multiple tasks and deadlines. 
  • Working closely within a team of legal professionals. 

A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for practicum placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

  • Be reliable, punctual, and regularly attend work. 
  • Communicate effectively with team members and clients. 
  • Pass a criminal record and vulnerable person checks.  
  • Work a variety of shifts, including nights, evenings, and weekends.  
  • Continually seek and be open to feedback and critiques. 
  • Listen to direction and act on that accordingly. 
  • Maintain professionalism, attention to detail and quality of work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Manage projects and time effectively, meeting deadlines and delivering work within industry standards and best practices. 
  • Work collaboratively with team members and contribute effectively to group projects. 
  • Perform static tasks, such as sitting and using a computer. 
  • Perform physical tasks, such as operating and maintaining small equipment.  
  • Use and keep up to date with changes in technology and be willing to continuously learn and adapt. 
  • Work in a collaborative team environment or independently as the situation requires. 
  • Take ownership of your work and be accountable for meeting deadlines, communicating progress, and solving problems independently as they arise. 
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality and integrity in all legal matters, including adherence to professional ethical standards and the rules. 
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changes in the work environment. 

Admissions

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English 40G/40S or equivalent
  • Consumer/Essential Mathematics 40S or equivalent

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. 

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Applicants prior to applying to this program. 

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Professional services
  • Legal offices
  • Municipal offices
  • Land titles
  • Judicial systems
  • Mortgage companies

Connections

Through the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), graduates/students may write examinations for the Certified Administrative Professional designation.

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit the Articulation Agreements page.

Tools & Supplies

You benefit from industry networking and guest speakers and attend classes in computer labs, regular classrooms and lecture theatre. This program uses online learning resources and instructional resources.

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore website to learn more.

Program Checklist & Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. MAC computing devices are not compatible with program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Legal Administration (YR 1) 60 $3,450 $1,050 $470 $1,510
Legal Administration (YR 2) 60 $3,400 $560 $470 $400

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
  Credits Tuition Course Fees Students' Association fees (Inc Health Premium) Required Health Insurance Textbooks, Tools, & Supplies
Legal Administration (YR 1) 60 $15,530 $1,050 $470 $750 $1,510
Legal Administration (YR 2) 60 $15,270 $560 $470 $750 $400

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

To graduate with a Legal Administration diploma, student must successfully complete 114 academic credits and 6 practical credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

 

Year One Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Accounting Software (COMP-0556)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1
Whether working in industry or owning a business, having experience with widely used accounting software packages leadsto a better understanding of an organization’s accounting system and to greater career opportunities. Using multiple accounting software packages, students perform various functions including creating and managing accounts in the general and subsidiary ledgers, and entering purchase and sales transactions for both service and merchandising businesses. Basic payroll transactions, account reconciliations, and financial reporting are also covered.

6 credit(s) No No No
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students’ ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-0003)

This introductory course in the fundamental principles of accounting provides a basic understanding and application of principles relating to the accounting cycle and current assets.

6 credit(s) No Yes Yes
Office Communications 1 (COMM-0372)

This course teaches the principles of English-language grammar and style for use in an office setting. Course topics include effective written communication, correspondence formats, critical thinking and transcription.

6 credit(s) No No No
Office Mathematics (MATH-0104)

This course provides a working knowledge of basic arithmetic and mathematics. This course reviews the basics of arithmetic, graphing and algebra to develop skills for solving practical problems encountered in business. Course topics include manipulation of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents, basic algebra, ratios, proportions, graphing and graphical solutions.

6 credit(s) No No No
Office Procedures 1 (OFAD-0022)

This course provides an overview of general office procedures. Topics include office reception procedures, work and time management procedures, filing, meetings and meeting minutes, handling telephone calls, processing mail and appointment scheduling.

6 credit(s) No No No
Organizational Behaviour (PSSY-0004)

This course develops students' knowledge of behaviour science theory and concepts useful in organizations. Topics include: perception, values and attitudes, foundations of group behaviour, teamwork, leadership, organizational culture and organizational change.

6 credit(s) No No No
Presentations and Promotions (COMP-0563)

This course focuses on tools and techniques for designing and delivering effective presentations, as well as creating promotional material. Students will demonstrate proficiency using presentation and desktop publishing software. Students will use presentation software to create effective slide presentations and desktop publishing software to design and produce professional, quality documents including brochures and newsletters.

6 credit(s) No No No
Software Applications 1 (COMP-0564)

In this course, students gain strong knowledge of two software applications-electronic spreadsheets and database management. Students acquire skills which will enable them to create, edit, format and print worksheets as well as use formulas, functions and charts to enhance usability and readability of numeric data. In addition, students will learn how to operate database application software to design and create databases, add and modify data and extract information using queries and reports.

6 credit(s) No No No
Word Processing 1 (COMP-0129)

In this course, students learn keyboarding by touch technique, basic word processing concepts using Microsoft Word and formats of business documents such as memoranda, letters, reports and tables. This course gives students practice in proofreading and communication skills and develops efficient production skills through repetitive and concentrated practice.

6 credit(s) No No Yes
Word Processing 2 (COMP-0046)

Prerequisite: COMP-0129 Word Processing 1
In this course, students improve keyboarding speed and accuracy, learn advanced word processing concepts, format business documents such as memoranda, letters, reports, tables, itineraries, minutes and agendas, and practice proofreading and communication skills. This course gives students the opportunity to develop superior production skills through repetitive and concentrated practice.

6 credit(s) No No No
Year Two Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Criminal Law (LAWG-0090)

In this course, students discuss the basic fundamentals of criminal law to understand the criminal process from the commission of a crime to the time punishment is imposed. Students are introduced to the terminology and procedures pertaining to criminal law. Students become familiar with some of the document involved in this area of law.

6 credit(s) No No No
Family Law (LAWG-0083)

Students are introduced to the area of law dealing with marriage, separation, divorce, adoption and family violence. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students prepare and process documents relating to these areas.

6 credit(s) No No No
Human Resources Processes (HRMG-0043)

This course introduces the topics of human resource management and employment issues for Canadian organizations. Course content examines problems related to employment legislation, job analysis, recruitment, human resource planning, training and development, payroll, tax and benefits.

6 credit(s) No No No
Legal Issues (LAWG-0072)

This course provides legal education that encourages compliance with legal rules in a business setting reducing the occurrence and cost of violations, and recognition of the legal rights and privileges of employers, employees, and consumers. In this course, students learn about the Canadian legal system, forms of business organizations, contract law, tort law, employment standards, insurance law, bankruptcy and privacy law.

6 credit(s) No No No
Office Communications 2 (COMM-0373)

Prerequisite: COMM-0372 Office Communications 1
This course immerses students in the conventions of professional written communication and basic research methods. Topics include correspondence, proposals, press releases, technical documentation, editing, research documentation and report writing.

6 credit(s) No No No
Office Procedures 2 (OFAD-0024)

Prerequisite: OFAD-0022 Office Procedures 1
In this course students learn to set the order of priority for given tasks, utilize office equipment, employ office administration skills, demonstrate employability skills, proofread and communicate, utilize Robert's Rules of Order to effectively chair meetings, and will work in groups, as well as individually, to complete hands-on tasks similar to industry expectations.

6 credit(s) No No No
Personal & Career Development (HRMG-0116)

This skill-development course is designed to produce a deeper understanding of self and others. This is achieved by participation in self-reflective activities, practice with human relationship development, and receiving feedback. Students examine topics related to human relations, getting to know yourself, strategies for improving human relations, team building, special challenges in human relations, and planning for success. Studying and practicing these topics boost relationship competencies and assist in creating a positive professional presence.

6 credit(s) No No No
Practicum - OFAD (PRAC-0266)

Prerequisite: Cumulative weighted grade point average (CWGPA) of 2.0 or greater
A work practicum placement consists of an eight week (240 hours) placement in business and industry. During this experience, the student is expected to perform tasks under direct or indirect supervision by the employer. Credit is given subject to the student submitting evidence that the work has been successfully completed. In addition, the student is required to submit a written report on the work practicum for approval by the designated faculty member.

6 credit(s) No No No
Private Law (LAWG-0091)

In this course, students learn procedures unique to private practice legal environments. Topics are related to the areas of civil litigation, corporate and commercial law, and wills and estates. Emphasis is placed on preparing legal documents and correspondence as well as billing procedures and law office management software programs.

6 credit(s) No No No
Real Estate & Trust Accounting (LAWG-0069)

Prerequisite: COMP-0129 Word Processing 1
Students are introduced to the land registry system in Manitoba and the law dealing with the purchase and sale of real property, including the handling of the proceeds of sale in accordance with the Law Society Trust Accounting Rules. Students prepare the basic conveyance documents (Transfer, Mortgage and Discharge) and other correspondence relating to residential, farm land and condominium transactions, from written or oral instructions or dictated tapes.

6 credit(s) No No No

Fast Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.

I have a Mac laptop, can I use that?

No. MAC computing devices are not compatible with Business Administration or Office Administration program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.