Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate
There are two separate Legal Administrative Assistant Certificate programs: 1) Litigation, and 2) Corporate/Conveyancing. These two programs are independent and may be completed in any order, allowing students to start their studies in either the fall or winter semesters. Both programs prepare students for employment as legal administrative assistants; however, students who complete both certificate programs will maximize employment and career advancement opportunities.
In addition to learning highly specialized content in two distinct areas of law, students will acquire the legal office work ethic and professionalism expected of legal administrative assistants. Both programs may be completed on campus or online. Students enrolled in on-campus classes normally attend on a full time basis and complete courses in a prearranged schedule. However, students may register for on-campus classes as a part-time student if individual course prerequisites are met. Online students may complete the courses on a full- or part-time basis.
Admission Requirements
Successful completion of Okanagan College's Office Assistant Certificate or equivalent;
Or the following:
- B.C. Secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
- A minimum keyboarding speed of 35 net words per minute
- A minimum score of 50% in English 11 or alternatives; or a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration English entrance test; and
- One full year of experience as an administrative assistant/secretary within the past three years; or
- A minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration computer essentials entrance test AND a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration word processing entrance test.
Graduation Requirements
Students must pass the practicum and obtain a minimum grade of 70% in each of the remaining courses in the program to graduate.
Program Outline
Legal Administrative Assistant - Litigation
The Legal Administrative Assistant Litigation Certificate program consists of five academic courses including litigation legal office procedures, introductory and advanced litigation, family law, and personal injury. The program also includes a two-week practicum in a litigation law office. Graduates of this program will receive the Legal Administrative Assistant - Litigation Certificate.
One of:
LSEC 116 Litigation Legal Office Procedures
Or both:
LAA 145 Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
One of:
One of:
One of:
LSEC 116 Litigation Legal Office Procedures
One of:
LAA 112 Family Litigation Procedures
One of:
One of:
LSEC 130 Litigation Law Office Practicum
Legal Administrative Assistant - Corporate/Conveyancing
The Legal Administrative Assistant Corporate/Conveyancing Certificate program consists of five academic courses including introductory and advanced conveyancing, corporate law, wills and estates, and solicitor legal office procedures. The program concludes with a two-week practicum in a solicitor law office. Graduates of the program will receive the Legal Administrative Assistant - Corporate/Conveyancing Certificate.
One of:
LSEC 145 Solicitor Legal Office Procedures
Or Both:
LAA 145 Introduction to the Canadian Legal System
One of:
One of:
One of:
Or Both:
One of:
One of:
Other Program Information
Location: Kelowna
Length:
- Legal Administrative Assistant - Litigation certificate - 18 weeks
- Legal Administrative Assistant - Corporate/Conveyancing certificate - 20 weeks
Textbooks: $550 approximately for each certificate program
Program Schedule: September to June