Law Clerk

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

Program Learning Outcomes

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

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

• 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

• Essential Employability Skills (link to information on Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities website)

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation(C), University Preparation(U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)

Applicant Selection:

• Students are required to be highly literate in the English language and to have good writing skills in order to be successful in the Law Clerk program.
• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) may be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

Desirable:

• Grade 12 Mathematics (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)
• Grade 11 Canadian History and Politics Since 1945

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.

Your Career

Earn your Law Clerk diploma 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.

Articulation

Pursuant to an articulation agreement between Seneca College and York University, a graduate of the Law Clerk program at Seneca College, who has achieved a 3.0 grade point average, may be eligible to receive 24 transfer credits from York University's Law and Society program and enter this program in year two. Contact the Law Clerk program co-ordinator for further details.

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 the necessary academic requirements, and you will benefit from an unpaid field placement for practical experience.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

General Education

One of the general education subjects must be a literature subject for which EAC150 is the pre-requisite.

Curriculum

Currently under review:

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