Law Clerk (Accelerated)

Program Description

As a student, you’ll train to become a law clerk, assisting lawyers in private law offices and in the law departments of government and industry. You’ll acquire an understanding of the general principles of law and receive specific training in the skills appropriate for law clerks. Areas of concentration include Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial Law and Litigation.

Required Keyboarding Speeds:

• 30 w.p.m. (net) at the end of first semester
• 45 w.p.m. (net) at the end of second semester
• 50 w.p.m. (net) for graduation

Program Learning Outcomes:

This Seneca College program meets the system-wide standards as set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, using accurate legal terminology.
• Apply time management and organizational skills to meet the time lines and limitation periods within a legal environment.
• Assist in advocacy procedures in courtroom and tribunal appearances.
• Utilize information technology resources and skills appropriately within the legal environment.
• Employ knowledge of substantive law within the role of the law clerk.
• Employ knowledge of legal procedures within the role of the law clerk.
• Adhere to the legal profession's principles of ethics and conduct.
• Contribute to preliminary research of legal information, using traditional and electronic resources.
• Use office skills to support the operation of a legal office.
• Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance competence.

Essential Employability Skills:

Graduates of this program are also expected to demonstrate the essential employability skills learning outcomes as outlined on the Ministry of Training, College and Universities website.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Substantial completion of a degree or completion of a diploma from a recognized college or university.
• Proficiency in English at the college level.
• See Accelerated Delivery Mode Section below.

Applicant Selection:

• Students are required to be highly literate in the English language with good writing and analytical skills to be successful in this accelerated program.
• Applicant selection may include the assessment of English skills/proficiency.

Note: Although not required for admission, a high degree of computer literacy and keyboarding skills at 35 w.p.m. are strongly recommended.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

Accelerate your diploma. Earn your Law Clerk diploma in just three semesters and be prepared for a career as a law clerk or legal assistant in a wide range of law office environments. Major employers include small to large law firms, governments and corporate law departments.

Accelerated

This is an accelerated program (LCKA) for students who have already graduated with a degree or diploma.

(The standard program is LCK.)

Accelerated Delivery Mode

The accelerated version of the regular, four-semester diploma program is designed for students who can demonstrate that they have previously achieved the academic equivalents of four general education credits and EAC150. This allows the completion of the professional subjects in the curriculum over a period of three semesters instead of the four that constitute the regular LCK program.

Accreditation

Successfully complete our Law Clerk program and you'll be eligible for membership as an Ordinary Member in the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario, and you may apply for membership as an Associate Member after having worked for three years without having to write the Associate's examination(s).

Field Placement

Meet all necessary academic requirements, and you'll benefit from a four-week unpaid field placement for practical experience following the end of final exams in third semester.

Curriculum

Contact Us