Are you looking forward to working in the fast-paced legal industry? This Law Clerk program will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to work alongside lawyers on their cases in a corporate, government or law firm setting. The curriculum is taught by legal professionals with extensive experience who will focus your learning on real estate, corporate and commercial law, litigation, wills and estates, and family law. Through workshops, field placement and speaking engagements, you'll acquire the technical skills, principles and ethics required for practice.
When you graduate from this program, these are the types of employers waiting for you:
Your fluency in English is critical for your success and there is a strong focus on effective communication skills, both verbal and written, throughout the program.
The Law Clerk Ontario College Diploma Program has undergone changes to the curriculum.
Please Note: As the program is continually being updated, requirements for completion may change from time to time in accordance with the Seneca's Academic Policy. It is the student's responsibility to review the program requirements every semester.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that courses are taken in the correct sequence in order to meet prerequisite requirements. Students who take courses out of sequence should be aware that if they do not have the proper prerequisites they can be withdrawn at any time during the semester and incur financial and/or academic penalties. Students should not register for courses for which they do not have the prerequisites. Contact the Program Coordinator to discuss your situation if you are uncertain as to which courses to take.
Students are expected to complete the four modules in sequence, and complete their field
placement after successful completion of all 4 modules. General Education courses can be taken at
any time in the program.
Studying at a Communicating Across Contexts (COM101/COM111) level based on the English Assessment, result or Advanced Standing.
It is your responsibility to ensure that program requirements and course prerequisites as outlined are met. Prerequisites are included for your academic protection. Knowledge of the prerequisite material is assumed by your instructor and instruction will proceed accordingly. Students lacking prerequisites not only jeopardize their own ability to succeed but present unnecessary interruption. If you lack appropriate prerequisites (or Transfer Credit for the prerequisite course) you may be asked to withdraw or transfer to a more appropriate course with the risk of academic/financial penalty.
Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Students with a completed high school diploma or prior English Proficiency scores can find more details on next steps here.
Students without any of the above can be placed via successful completion of ESL934 OR English Assessment.
COM101 replaces EAC 150. Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centered on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Students with a completed high school diploma or prior English Proficiency scores can find more details on next steps here.
Students without any of the above can be placed via English Assessment.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centered on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
It is critical that law clerks possess excellent communication skills when interacting with key stakeholders in the legal sector and court system. This course outlines the professional standards of oral and written communication required when conversing and producing everyday correspondence, including letters, memoranda, emails, etc. Students refine their ability to speak, write, read, listen, and observe non-verbal cues in order to generate accurate and succinct messages in a respectful, timely, and effective manner.
This course introduces students to the Canadian legal system. Students will explore the nature of law and justice in Canada, the structure of Canadian legal and judicial systems, government's role in law-making and important legislation affecting civil liberties in Canada. In addition, after distinguishing important categories and fields of law, the course will also focus on the basic principles of tort law and immigration law.
This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of contract law. Contracts form the foundation of commerce in today's complex society. Students will learn what a contract is, when it is valid, how it may end, how a party deals with breach of contract, and the role of the courts in enforcing contracts and awarding damages for their breach.
It is essential that law clerks in any legal environment possess excellent computer skills. This course is designed to develop students' technical abilities and introduce them to the professional standards of document production through the use of word processing skills. Students will learn to transcribe a variety of correspondence and produce documents in accordance with the professional standards upheld by the legal sector. Students will improve their proofreading skills, as well as the accuracy and speed of their typing abilities. Students will develop practical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
An understanding of legal office procedures and project management is essential to the success of any law clerk. This course introduces students to the responsibilities of a law clerk and the number of issues related to the organization and operation of a legal office, including ethical and professional standards, document preparation and service, and accounts and records management. This subject familiarizes students with the elements of project management and emphasizes teamwork in order to create systems for staying organized and methods for collaborating with colleagues and resolving conflicts.
This course will engage students in an examination of the access to justice crisis for Canadians and will focus on the many ways that marginalization may impact on clients' ability to seek meaningful justice, and discuss ways of enhancing their access to it. In addition, this course includes modules on the basic elements of the criminal justice system, including criminal offences and defences under the Criminal Code of Canada.
This subject introduces the student to the civil litigation process in Ontario, beginning with a descriptive overview of the process from the commencement of proceedings to the end of the trial. Students will follow a case study involving a personal injury lawsuit. Students will learn the basic elements of negligence as part of this case study. Students then study in detail the process through to the close of pleadings, focusing on the rules of procedure and on practical tasks often undertaken by law clerks, such as opening files, as well as drafting pleadings and affidavits of service. Motions with and without notice will also be covered in this course.
This course introduces students to the various types of business organizations including sole proprietorships and corporations. It examines the process of incorporation, the changes to corporate structure and the roles of directors, officers and shareholders of a corporation.
All 100 level courses.
Family Law I is the first of two sequential family law courses which integrate substantive law and theory with practical skills that law clerks require in a family law practice. The course examines divorce, support, custody, access, court procedures and the preparation of relevant family law documents.
It is essential that law clerks possess excellent communication skills and knowledge of recruitment practices in order to advance their careers in the legal sector. This course provides law clerk students with an overview of application processes, workplace standards, and current industry trends in career development. Students learn how to expand their professional networks and develop their presentation abilities and practical problem-solving skills as necessitated by the recruitment process. In collaboration with the School of Leadership and Human Resources, students will produce a professional resume and cover letter, participate in a simulated interview process, and utilize professional online platforms such as LinkedIn as tools to develop their employment marketability and advance their careers.
Completion of, or placement in COM101/COM111, based on the results of the English Assessment or advanced standing.
This introduction to real estate law covers Ontario land registration systems and specific interests in land. Topics include a review of the relevant legal documents; government controls on the use and disposition of land; registered owner status and relevant statutes and title searching in both the Land Titles and Registry systems.
All 200 level courses.
This course is a continuation of LXC212 and examines the rights and remedies of secured and unsecured creditors of a corporation, and the enforcement of security interests. It also covers agency relationships, the concept of a trust, the termination of a corporation's existence and the purchase and sale of a business and how to carry out a bulk sale under the Bulk Sales Act.
All 200 level courses.
This course is a continuation of LXD 211, Litigation I, examining procedural rules, proceedings, processes and documents from discovery through to trial in the Superior Court. In addition, this course examines special procedures including the commercial list, simplified procedure, Toronto Case Management and mandatory mediation, and commencement of appeals.
This subject introduces students to specialized legal software and provides them with an opportunity to further develop their word processing, proofreading, and keyboarding skills.
In this subject, students are taken through the steps of a standard real estate transaction, both a purchase transaction and a sale transaction, from receipt of the agreement of purchase and sale through to closing and post-closing requirements. Students will learn how to produce legal correspondence and the documents using Conveyancer software as well as the Ministry-prescribed forms using Teraview.
All 200 level courses.
This course builds upon the substantive law base learned in Family Law I, focusing on practical skills required by law clerks in a family law practice. This course examines matrimonial property rights, financial statements, procedure on a property claim, separation agreements, enforcement of orders, and variation and indexing of orders.
All 300 level courses.
This course is a study of the laws and procedures concerning the drafting of wills, powers of attorney and estate administration in Ontario. The first part of this course concentrates on the laws relating to testacy and intestacy and basic will drafting. The remainder of the course examines aspects of estate administration including administration prior to obtaining a certificate, estate certificates, asset administration, passing of accounts, income tax returns and powers of attorney.
This course provides students with an introduction to legal research and basic techniques of good legal writing. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze simple legal problems and to research basic legal questions. Students learn how to find and update primary sources of law using both paper and computerized sources. Students learn how to read, interpret and apply statutes, regulations and cases. Emphasis is placed on Ontario and federal law.
All 300 level courses.
An introduction to debt collection procedures including commencement of proceedings, obtaining default judgment, enforcing judgments and orders, Small Claims Court actions, and documenting debt settlements.
This course gives students an opportunity to continue to develop their Microsoft Word and keyboarding skills. Students are also introduced to legal software used in the areas of estate, litigation, and legal accounting.
All Law Clerk Courses and Approval of Field Placement Coordinator
Students spend 10 business days acquiring learning skills in a legal setting and must work under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. Students must find their own placement opportunity and have this approved by the field placement coordinator before registering for the course.
Students spend an additional 10 business days refining and acquiring further learning skills in a legal setting and must work under the supervision of a licensed lawyer. Students must find their own placement opportunity and have this approved by the field placement coordinator before registering for the course.
The Law Clerk Ontario College Diploma Program has undergone changes to the curriculum.
- For students starting the program in Winter 2023 and onward, please see the Curriculum above.
- For students who started the program before Winter 2023, please see Curriculum Prior to 2023. The last date to graduate upon completion of this curriculum will be April 2026.
Note: Students who began the program prior to January 2023 may graduate under the previous curriculum requirements.
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
In order to meet Seneca's breadth requirements for diploma or advanced diploma programs, students must successfully complete at least three General Education courses toward their program, satisfying the following criteria:
Note that CAN271 Law and the Citizen cannot be used as General Education credits in this program.
Typing speed will be tested in LXY150, LXY350 and LXY450 or WPM050. The Law Clerk program requires students to demonstrate an average net keyboarding speed of 50 nwpm on three five-minute timed writings with three errors or less in order to graduate.
Prior to registering in field placement or for any field placement inquiries, please email Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca. A satisfactory criminal record check may be required for some field placements. Students cannot register for FPLs until all professional courses have been completed - no exceptions will be made.
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
If you have graduated from a Canadian university or community college where the language of instruction is English, you may be exempted from the three General Education requirements and Communicating Across Contexts - COM101 / COM111. For details on applying for transfer credits, please visit the Office of the Registrar's Transfer Credit Request website.
This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.
If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.
If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.
To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.
For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.
Students who began their studies in the Law Clerk program prior to January 2023 may graduate under the following requirements. Students wanting to graduate under the previous curriculum requirements must complete their studies by April 2026.
Module One
Module Two
Module Three
Module Four
3 General Education Options (one course from each category)
Field Placement
Typing speed will be tested in LXY234/LXY150, LXY324/LXY350 and LXY434/LXY450 or PRE022/WPM050. The Law Clerk program requires students to demonstrate an average net keyboarding speed of 50 nwpm on three five-minute timed writings with three errors or less in order to graduate.
Build on your Seneca Polytechnic credential
Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.
As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a bachelor's degree program at Seneca or at one of our partner institutions.
To explore your pathway options and learn more, visit our Degree Transfer Guide.
If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.
After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.
A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.
| Year | Winter | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | LCP100 | LXA300 | LXY150 |
| LGL140 | LXR216 | LXY250 | |
| COM101/COM111 | |||
| Year 2 | LXD220 | LXC312 | LGL142 |
| LXC212 | LXR350 | LXM211 | |
| LXY350 | |||
| Year 3 | LXD311 | LXE411 | LXP215 |
| LXM322 | LGL412 | FPL330 | |
| LXJ432 | LXY450 | FPL430 | |
| 3 Gen Eds Anytime | |||
| Year | Winter | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | LCP100 | LXA300 | LXY150 |
| LGL140 | LXR216 | LXY250 | |
| COM101/COM111 | |||
| Year 2 | LXD220 | LXC312 | LGL142 |
| LXC212 | LXR350 | LXM211 | |
| Year 3 | LXD311 | LXE411 | LXP215 |
| LXM322 | LGL412 | LXY350 | |
| Year 4 | LXJ432 | LXY450 | FPL330 |
| FPL430 | |||
| 3 Gen Eds Anytime | |||
Annie Kirkham
Program Assistant
Annie.Kirkham@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0985
Yasmeen Syed
Academic Program Manager
Yasmeen.Syed@senecapolytechnic.ca
416-764-0965
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Students are invited to attend an information session.