Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
As a graduate of this program, you may pursue a career as a legal administrative assistant or receptionist in a law firm, government office or corporate legal department.
Campus
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)Credential Awarded
Ontario College DiplomaSchool
Seneca BusinessProgram and course delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format, with some courses delivered online. Field placement is in-person. For courses offered in the flexible delivery format, professors use innovative learning spaces and technology to teach students in a classroom or lab and broadcast in real time to students attending remotely. In flexible courses, students have the choice of coming on campus or learning online.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
International students: review Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility before choosing program and course delivery.
About the Program
This twelve-month, flexible, diploma program will enable you to acquire the relevant administrative and technological skills to meet the demands of the current and emerging legal office environment. Through practical, hands-on training you will acquire a knowledge of legal office procedures, document production, specialized legal software, professionalism and ethics. Areas of study include litigation, family, corporate, real estate and estate law.
In three consecutive semesters, you will acquire the skills and knowledge usually offered in a four-semester program. This format allows you to complete the program and access the job market at a non-traditional time. Fluency in English, verbal and written, is critical to your success in the program and the legal environment, and there is a strong focus on communicating effectively from the beginning of your program to graduation.
After successful completion of this diploma, you are eligible for admission to the Law Clerk (Accelerated) program.
Required Keyboarding Speed
You must have a keyboarding speed of 50 words per minute (net) to graduate from this program.
Skills
- Familiarity with legal procedures and terminology
- Written communication, drafting and proofreading
- Organization and time management
- Problem-solving
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and specialized legal software
Work Experience
Field Placement
If you meet all the necessary academic requirements, you will be able to participate in an unpaid field placement that will allow you to acquire hands-on experience in a formal legal environment. You may have a shared responsibility for securing a placement. The placement may take place after the third semester of classroom studies, extending the length of the program by one month.
Your Career
Affiliations/Associations
Through a partnership with the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP), student members will have access to national and international resources, learning opportunities and up-to-date industry trends. Students and graduates of Seneca’s Office Administration programs can choose to develop their careers by pursuing a Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) certification through the AAP.
Sustainability
We’ve made a bold commitment to embed principles of sustainability into every business program we offer.
Learn more about Seneca Business’s commitment to sustainability.
What Our Graduates Say
Krysta Puopolo
Graduate, Office Administration - Legal
"My journey with Seneca changed my life in unquantifiable ways. The professors really encouraged my passion. Classes were made up of both theory and practical components, which were helpful for my field placement and professional life. Seneca is known to be one of the top schools for Office Administration – employers recognize this and know the grads they are hiring are of a certain calibre. With the skills I learned, I now successfully manage the practice of two partners and am the Section Head of a law office in downtown Toronto.”
Gaitree Paul
Graduate, Office Administration - Legal
"Seneca delivered an experience that allowed me to pursue a career I love! The program equipped me with the right mindset and knowledge to excel as a Legal Assistant at one of Canada’s top leading law firms. In addition to gaining valuable time management skills, I became familiar with a variety of computer applications that I utilize on a daily basis. While it is not an easy program, it certainly is doable with the support of professors and staff. I am very grateful for their passion and dedication to help students succeed in the program!”