Overview

Be recognized as a confident office professional in the legal industries. Develop your skills in legal terminology, Microsoft Office Suite, customer service and the creation of industry documents that today’s employers desire.

Prepare for a stimulating career in law, justice or real estate with this two-year diploma. Understand Canadian legal processes in public and private law, gain higher administrative training, and acquire experience transcribing for police departments and court rooms. Learn how to chair meetings, become proficient in PC law software and craft a professional portfolio.

In your work placement, you will craft your ideal professional portfolio and be given the work experience that employers need. Assiniboine has connections with Manitoba Justice, Family Services, the Property Registry and Manitoba Agriculture Services in addition to many private law firms. Explore an abundance of career opportunities through site visits and your final work placement.

Connect with those working in industry. Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to visit a number of organizations including the Brandon Police Service, Child and Family Services, Manitoba Courts, the City of Brandon, private legal firms and real estate agencies.

Be prepared to work in professional services, legal offices, court systems, law enforcement agencies, city and rural municipality offices, mortgage companies and real estate agencies. Careers for graduates include legal transcriptionist, executive assistant, customer service representative, office manager, legal secretary and records control specialist.

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

Graduates find employment in a variety of careers in professional services, legal offices, municipal offices, land titles, judicial systems and 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.

2022-23 Lists:

Program Checklists:

Booklists:

Tools/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 $3,310 $970 $450 $1,520
Legal Administration (YR 2) 60 $3,310 $530 $450 $320

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 $15,200 $970 $450 $750 $1,520
Legal Administration (YR 2) 60 $15,200 $530 $450 $750 $320

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 lead to a better understanding of an organization’s accounting system and lead to greater career opportunities. Using multiple accounting software packages, students build on their knowledge of manual accounting and the accounting cycle, to perform various functions including creating and managing accounts in the general and subsidiary ledgers, and how to enter purchase and sales transactions for both services and merchandise. 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?

Laptops using a Windows 10 base operating system are recommended. Mac computing devices are not compatible with the Business Administration or Office Administration programs.