Program Overview
Online and On-Campus Delivery Options may be available!
Legal Assistants are well-paid and have strong prospects for full-time work. The most employable and promotable legal assistants have specific training and experience in litigation and conveyance procedures.
Legal Assistants work independently under the general directions of a lawyer or as a part of a legal services team. Legal Assistants have some common duties across their field. They type correspondence, reports, invoices and related material from handwritten copy or machine dictation, using a computer. In addition, their duties may include preparing presentation materials, compiling data, preparing routine correspondence, and researching statistics and other information. Some assistants attend committee meetings and take minutes.
Other common duties include scheduling and confirming their employer’s appointments and meetings as well as greeting visitors and directing them to the appropriate person. They may handle routine invoicing, payments, and order office supplies, and they may supervise other office workers.
Legal assistants are required to have an understanding of the vocabulary and processes of law. They handle and format legal correspondence such as deeds, wills, affidavits, and briefs. They make sure that the documents agree with legal procedures and grammatical usage. In some cases, they attend court or meetings to take notes or minutes.
A typing speed of 50-65 words per minute may also be required for
employment.
Career Opportunities
- Law Firms
- Government Agencies
- Legal Support Services
- Non-profit organizations
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Courts and Administrative Tribunals
- Multi-disciplinary practices
- Real Estate Companies
What’s New in the Legal Assistant Program?
Our Legal Assistant program has been newly updated with a revamped curriculum that we are excited for students to experience. These updates include:
- An introduction to the Canadian Legal System is now included at the start of both programs to build a strong foundational understanding of Canadian Law. This new course will provide a great starting point for those who may be unfamiliar with the Canadian Legal System and will better ease students into our legal programs.
- Legal Office Simulations that immerse students in a realistic legal environment and allow students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on way. These simulations will better prepare students for their roles in a legal office.
- An increase in roleplays, analyzing case studies, mock hearings, and interactive activities throughout the program. Interactive learning is proven to aid in comprehension, and this increase in interactivity will make for a more engaging learning experience.
- A course on Indigenous Affairs and Diversity in Law to allow students to better navigate an increasingly diverse and inclusive world. This addition provides our students with a greater understanding of diversity in the legal field.
- A course on Intellectual Property, Media and, Internet Law to prepare students for the growing regulation of technology and digital media. This course is a crucial addition as Information Technology Law is a fast-growing and ever-changing field.
- And finally, no more written final exams! Instead, students will work throughout the program on a client file project that will be presented on the final day of the program. This change allows our students to better demonstrate the skills they have gained throughout the program.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of legal concepts, principles, and procedures relevant to various areas of law, including, civil litigation, corporate law, real estate, family law and administrative law.
- Draft, review, and prepare a variety of legal documents, including contracts, agreements, pleadings, motions, affidavits, correspondence, ensuring accuracy, clarity and compliance with legal requirements and standards.
- Utilize legal software applications, electronic filing systems, case management software and other technology tools effectively to streamline administrative processes, enhance productivity and maintain accurate records in a legal environment.
- Utilize effective research methods and resources to analyze legal issues, locate relevant statutes, regulations, and case law, and provide accurate and timely legal information and analysis to support decision-making and case management.
- Efficiently manage legal cases and projects from initiation to resolution including client intake, case assessment, file organization, deadline management, task delegation and communication with lawyers, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Communicate professionally and effectively in written and verbal formats with clients, lawyers, court personnel, and other stakeholders, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and attention to detail.
- Provide exceptional client service by understanding client needs, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly and courteously, and fostering positive relationships to enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Adhere to high ethical standards and professional conduct in all aspects of legal administration, including maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflict of interest, upholding client trust, and complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate effectively with legal professionals, support staff, and other team members in a legal environment, demonstrating teamwork, adaptability and a willingness to contribute to achieving common goals and objectives.
Why Study at Sprott Shaw?
- Lifetime access to dedicated Employment Services Specialists (ESS) who can help you with resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and the overall job search after graduation
- Lifetime tuition-free access to course refreshers if you ever need to retrain and update your skills
- Practicum opportunities with recognized organizations across BC
- Multiple start dates so you can start your education when you want to without the wait
- Career and professional development success courses to help create a career development marketing plan, learn the cardinal rules of professionalism, and identify the target markets and employment resources in the counselling field
- Preparation and orientation courses to teach you how to find credible research, write papers, create proper citation formats including APA, and study effectively for exams
- All-inclusive program costs where what you see is what you pay. Our costs include registration fees, assessment fees, tuition, textbooks, supplies, course materials, uniforms, certificates, graduation fees, practicum fees, and much more
- Grant and scholarship opportunities are available to help you save on tuition. Up to $4000 in scholarships and grants are open to recent high school graduates, Sprott Shaw alumni, military veterans, and more! Click here to browse our full list of grants and scholarships.
Success Stories
- “It was the most welcoming college I’ve ever experienced. If I had any trouble with work, my teachers were with me every step of the way to help me figure out the correct answer.” – Gabi P.
- “Through hard work, perseverance, as well as the support of the staff at Sprott Shaw College, I was able to secure employment before my last day of class. Thank you, Sprott Shaw.” – Kayla E.
- “I am so glad I got over my hesitation on going back to school because now I think I have found the right direction.” – Nadine K.
Where Are Sprott Shaw Graduates Working?
Our Administration, Legal, and Hospitality graduates can be found working throughout the province.
Legal graduates can be found working in law firms and legal offices such as the Sea to Sky Law Office, Merchant Law Group, Robert L Dick Criminal Law, Westside Family Law and more!
Click below to learn more about where our graduates are currently working. Please note that these lists do not cover every single business that has hired a Sprott Shaw graduate, but they do provide a good representation of the sort of industries that Sprott Shaw graduates are working in.
Program Details
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must meet all of the pre-requisites listed below, meet their financial obligations to the college at registration, and acknowledge their understanding of SSC’s policies and procedures provided in the Student Handbook prior to starting classes.
NOTE: Students are provided with a detailed list of books, e-resources, workshops/lab supplies, and lab/tool kits that are included in the program’s fees and will have the opportunity to opt in or our of purchasing from Sprott Shaw College or any other specific source any of these items at the time of registration.
Applicants must successfully complete the admissions interview.
Math Requirement:
- Applicants must successfully complete the Math Entrance Assessment with a minimum score of 20/40.
- Domestic students that can provide a Canadian transcript showing completion of Math 10, 11, or 12 or equivalent; Post Secondary Math; with a passing grade of ‘C’ will be exempt from having to write the Math Entrance Assessment. The equivalent credential must be evaluated and verified.
- International students that can provide a Canadian transcript showing completion of Math 10, 11, or 12 or equivalent; Post Secondary Math; with a passing grade of ‘C’ will be exempt from having to write the Math Entrance Assessment. The equivalent credential must be evaluated and verified.
Education Level (one of the following):
- Grade 12 or equivalent (GED, Adult Basic Education) with evidence of a “true certified copy” or original transcript.
- Mature student status (age 19 and one year out of high school).
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY POLICY:
All programs at Sprott Shaw College (SSC) are conducted in English, making proficiency in the English language a requirement for enrollment.
The required proficiency can be demonstrated through 1) completion of secondary or post-secondary education where English is the language of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages, or 2) An approved English Language Assessment, 3) Graduation from Sprott Shaw Language College’s (SSLC) EPE: English for Post-Secondary Education program, or 4) For mature (≥ 19 years) students who are facing barriers and cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education.
SSC programs that have a higher English language level, require additional years of secondary or post-secondary education where English is the language of instruction, or where language proficiency is to be otherwise demonstrated, are identified within the relevant program outlines. For all other SSC programs, English language proficiency is demonstrated by:
1. Education
a) Secondary Education
Evidence of Successful Fulltime Secondary Education Completion*, where English is one of the principle languages of instruction:
i) Showing two (2) years, if all Grades successfully completed are 10, 11, or 12, or
ii) Showing three (3) years if the successful Grades are 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12
iii) Showing validation of both language of instruction and credential level is provided by WES, ICES or IQAS
OR
b) Post- Secondary Education
Evidence of 2 years of Fulltime Post-Secondary Education Completion*, where English is one of the principle languages of instruction. Language development courses (i.e. ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.
*This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing validation of both language of instruction and credential level is provided by WES, ICES or IQAS.
Countries where English is the language of instruction:
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Zambia, & Zimbabwe.
OR
2. Assessment
By achieving a recognized standardized language test/assessment.
Approved English language assessment options:
· IELTS. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5.
· TOEFL. Test of English as a Foreign Language IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
· CAEL. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment. Minimum overall score of 40
· CELPIP. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5 and Writing 5.
· DET. Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 95
· PTE. Pearson Test of English Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
· Cambridge English Qualifications: Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
· Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
· LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
· MET. The Michigan English Test: Minimum overall B2 level
· iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
· EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
OR
3. Accuplacer
For mature (≥ 19 years) students who are facing barriers and cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education. Applicant must be 19 years or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages (please refer to Countries where English is the language of instruction). Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation) and achieves the following minimum scores required:
· Reading: 230
· Writing: 230
· WritePlacer: 4
For more information on our English language program-specific requirements and English equivalencies please click here: Sprott Shaw College English Language Requirements and Equivalents
Certificate Requirements:
- 60% average upon successful completion of all courses, including courses given a complete.
Students can expect to complete 1 – 3 hours of homework per day.
Contact Us Today!
Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.
Courses List
This 33 week Certificate program requires the student to complete the following courses.- Learn effective study skills, time management, and goal setting.
- Understand college policies, technology, and expectations.
- Apply organization, writing, and citation techniques.
- Develop self-care and stress-management strategies for success.
- This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental features and functions of word processing, and a widely used word processing software application.
- Students will learn how to create, edit, format, and manage documents efficiently using Word's powerful tools and capabilities. Topics covered include document creation and navigation, text formatting, paragraph and page layout, working with tables and graphics, document collaboration, and advanced features such as mail merge and templates.
- By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the essential skills and proficiency needed to create professional-quality documents for various purposes, including reports, letters, resumes, and presentations.
- This course equips students with fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to proficiently navigate and utilize spreadsheet applications.
- Students will learn to create, edit, analyze, and visualize data using a wide array of features and functions. Topics covered include spreadsheet navigation, data entry and formatting, formula and function creation, data analysis and visualization, and spreadsheet management techniques. By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently manipulate and analyze data, create professional-grade spreadsheets.
- Research, prepare and deliver presentations
- Apply proper use of grammar principles
- Overview of processes of communication in the workplace
- Use MS Office PowerPoint
- Importance of written communication within the business environment
- Memos, email, letters and reports
- Interview techniques
- Create a Career Development Marketing Plan
- Apply aspects of professionalism
- Identify target markets and employment resources
- Specialty program coverage in this shortened version
- Effective customer service and support
- Problem-solving theory and applications
- This course serves as an introduction to the Canadian legal system. Students will explore the history and development of law in Canada as a basis for understanding the key features of our bijural legal system. Topics include an introduction to the nature of law, the sources of law, the legal system, the court system, the legal professions, the Canadian Constitution, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and methods of analysis. Special attention will be paid to the distribution of legal authority. To that end, students will examine the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Canadian government and the roles they play in making, enforcing, and interpreting the law.
- This course introduces students to general law office procedures, the fundamental functions and duties of legal office staff, and the types of documents used in legal practice. Students will
differentiate between the roles of lawyers, legal support staff and court personnel. Also included is an in-depth examination of legal and ethical obligations towards clients. - A significant portion of this course will focus on the role of technology in internal and external communication with a special emphasis on preparing and maintaining client records, legal correspondence, and accounting. This course also covers general legal documents, such as agreements, affidavits, and statutory declarations and practice effective telephone techniques in a law firm.
- This course introduces students to the entire process of a civil lawsuit, starting with the initial client interview and ending with the appeals process. The focus of this course is to familiarize students to specialized legal terminology; Provincial Statute Law and Regulations; Form and Rules of Court in BC, especially the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Alternative Dispute Resolution. It includes preparation of court documents and correspondence necessary to complete an entire file, Confidentiality and Client Management and current civil litigation specific technology.
- This course will equip the legal administrator students with a foundational understanding of the legal principles and practices governing wills, trusts and estates in British Columbia. The Wills section of the course involves the process for Probate, Administration of Estate and Managing Estates. Students will learn the basic requirement for a valid will and the preparation of wills and various supporting documentation. In this course, student will also learn the roles of executors or administrators. This course will also examine the distribution of estates through intestacy.
- This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the legal principles and procedures in the incorporation process for businesses in British Columbia. Special emphasis is placed on the incorporation process including the formation, organization and dissolution of corporations. Through theoretical and practical exercises, students will develop skills necessary to assist lawyers in drafting and filing incorporation documents, maintaining record books, handling annual corporate requirements and corporate changes and complying with regulatory requirements.
- This course introduces students to the fundamentals of real estate law and covers -all aspects of residential conveyance from opening a file through to closing while acting for the buyer, the lender or for the seller in separate real estate transactions. Students will examine not only the contractual principles which are applicable to real estate transactions but also the unique principles that govern the relationships between seller buyers, and realtors. Topics covered include specialized legal terminology; Provincial Statute Law and Regulations; Preparation and filing of Forms and Rules of BC’s Land Title and Survey Authority.
- The course also covers the necessary documentation and procedures, including title searches, transfer documents, mortgage documents, statements of adjustments and trust reconciliation; confidentiality and client management; and current conveyancing specific technology.
- This course introduces students to the duties and responsibilities of a legal office administrator working in family law in British Columbia. This course introduces students to many aspects of family law including family law agreements, an introduction to the basic theory, and legal terminology of the Family Law Act and the updated Divorce Act.
- We will be looking at both Provincial Family Court Rules as well as the Supreme Court Family Rules. The topics will include, family law agreements, separation, defended and non defended family law cases, parenting arrangements, contact with a child and alternative dispute resolution.
- Students will also practice preparation of court documents and correspondence necessary to complete an entire client file.
- This course is designed as a capstone project where students will utilize the skills learned in LEGL100 – LEGL160. Students will be put in a simulation of a law firm where they will complete a client file project and prepare all court documents and correspondence for a hypothetical scenario.
- By the end of this 5-day practical workshop, students should be able to apply acquired knowledge through hands-on practical exercises, case studies, and real-world simulations to reinforce learning and enhance problem-solving skills.
