Office Administration - Legal

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Courses - September 2023

Level 1

Course details

Document Processing
ADMN1305

Description:

In this course, students will develop and apply touch typing skills to produce a variety of business-related correspondence including emails, memos, and business letters. Using a web-based software program, students will learn proper keyboarding techniques, with a focus on developing speed and accuracy. Students will use their keyboarding skills to create, edit, format, and proofread professional business documents which meet industry standards. Students will be expected to organize work and produce correctly formatted and accurate work within a specified timeframe.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Fundamentals for Effective Written Communication
COMM1410

Description:

This course is designed to help students acquire accuracy and clarity in written communication for business workplace settings. The course will also help students develop writing skills that reinforce the use of correct grammar and mechanics. Emphasis will be placed on applying correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling to a variety of business-related documents.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Business Computing Applications I
COMP1056

Description:

During this course, the student will learn to effectively use Windows operating system, apply word processing techniques, create basic business presentations, and explore the power of spreadsheets . Students will also learn the skills necessary to operate effectively within the Conestoga College computing environment. An emphasis will be placed on the development of solutions to business problems using commonly available microcomputer tools.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Presentation Software
COMP1355

Description: Students will develop proficiency using presentation software tools in this course. Students will learn how to create, design, and present business materials and presentations using a wide variety of editing and formatting features, sophisticated visual elements, sound, video, templates, interactive graphics and more. Emphasis will be placed on creating effective designs.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Foundations of Business Math
MATH1820

Description: This course will provide the student with learning tools that will help them to improve basic arithmetic skills and to develop reasoning and problem solving skills. It is designed for students to help them bridge any existing gap between their current preparation and college level math.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Office Technology
TECH1440

Description:

Students in this course will be introduced to commonly used office technologies and applications, including e-mail and calendaring software, virtual communication videoconferencing, collaboration platforms, and file storage systems.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Keyboarding Techniques 1
ADMN1117

Description:

Students in this course will practice their touch-typing skills with a focus on developing speed and accuracy. Using a web-based software program, students will practice proper keyboarding techniques. Preparation of common business documents, dictation exercises, and timed keyboarding tests will be used to develop keyboarding skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to keyboard at a minimum speed of 40 wpm with 98% accuracy.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: ADMN1305
CoRequisites:

Legal Office Procedures
BUS1395

Description:

This course focuses on the skills required to be a productive member of an office team in a legal environment. Students develop the necessary skills to work effectively in an office by applying time management skills to increase productivity and effectiveness, develop strong customer service skills and telephone technique, manage scheduling, use E-mail and voice mail effectively, manage files and folders, and prepare correspondence and documents common to a legal office. Emphasis will be placed on the theory of office procedures and the production of legal-related documents in a simulated office environment.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: ADMN1305 AND COMP1056 OR COMP1913
CoRequisites:

Career Success
CDEV1830

Description:

This dynamic career course offers a comprehensive exploration of essential skills and strategies required for career success. Students will learn to navigate the labour market effectively, conducting research to identify employment opportunities and potential employers that align with their career goals. They will also attain skills in writing professional self marketing documents, tailored to specific job opportunities. With a focus on interview preparation, students will participate in a range of simulated scenarios, learning to respond confidently and competently to various interview questions, enhancing their employability and interview performance. By the end of the course, students will emerge equipped with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Advanced Spreadsheets
COMP1631

Description:

This course is designed to build on introductory spreadsheet concepts. Students participate in hands-on training activities that include the creation of: advanced formulas, templates to automate and validate data entry and using wizards and queries to import data into Excel. A variety of analysis tools will also be explored in this course.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMP1056
CoRequisites:

Financial Procedures for Office Settings
FIN1110

Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of bookkeeping. Topics include bookkeeping terminology, various journals including cash payments, cash receipts, sales and purchases, general adjustments, financial statements. In this course, the student will be exposed to accounting software also complete manual accounting exercises to reinforce basic accounting concepts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Advanced Office Technology
TECH1450

Description:

In this course, students will expand their word processing and document production skills. Students will use advanced formatting techniques and tools to create professional business documents. Students will also gain a basic understanding of integrating other software into their documents. Students will work with word processing and PDF software to create fillable forms and tables. Students will study the features of accessible documents and learn to review business documents for accessibility.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: COMP1056
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Legal Office Communications
ADMN2220

Description: Using dictated material and digital transcription software, students develop knowledge of legal terminology and proficiency in language literacy to develop skills in transcribing correspondence and legal documents. The transcription material is designed to capture a general law office practice in operation. Students also develop composition and oral communication skills in response to law office simulations. Emphasis is placed on the structure of business communication and the rules of grammar.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ADMN1305 AND BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Organizational Behaviour
BUS1021

Description: This course is a study of workplace behaviour at the individual, team and organizational level. The course explores theories of motivation, perceptions, emotions, team effectiveness, decision making, leadership, power, culture, and change. The concepts and application explored will guide students in their application of best practices to strengthen organizations and their overall effectiveness as global citizens.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Litigation I
LAW1540

Description: Students are presented with the role and responsibilities of a legal assistant in a civil litigation practice in this “hands-on course.” Students are introduced to the Ontario court system and the legislation that applies to the preparation of court documents in the Superior Court of Justice. Students will become familiar with the terminology, formatting requirements and procedural requirements of the Rules of Civil Procedure as they produce and process court documents.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Family Law
LAW2165

Description: Students will be introduced to the role and responsibilities of a legal assistant employed in the field of family law in Ontario. Specialized terminology and statutes relevant to the practice of family law will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on following appropriate procedures in the production of documentation. In addition to word processing software, students are introduced to current industry-related software to maintain client data and general legal documentation.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: BUS1390 OR BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Real Estate I
LAW2380

Description: In this practical simulation course, students are introduced to types of land ownership and the land registration systems in Ontario. Using Teraview proprietary software students will access the Government of Ontario's land records database to examine title details and use the information to produce e-reg documents. Students will use legal proprietary software to assist them in processing a sale transaction to completion. Students will apply appropriate procedures and administrative skills to produce documents and correspondence that meet the standards of mailability and procedural requirements.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.

Hours: 14
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Field Placement (Office Administration Legal)
FPLT2020

Description:

This practical course gives the student the opportunity to work within a legal environment to consolidate theories and skills gained throughout the program. The student is required to source his/her own field placement with guidance from faculty. Students must successfully complete a three-week field placement with a minimum of 90 hours during regular office hours, as approved. The placement will occur in the final year during the last three weeks of the semester.

Hours: 90
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: ADMN2220 AND LAW1540 AND LAW2160 OR LAW2165 AND LAW2380 AND OHS1320 OR OHS8320
CoRequisites:

Corporate Law
LAW2180

Description: The fundamentals of corporate and commercial law, including unincorporated forms of business ownership and incorporation of an Ontario business corporation are studied . Procedures related to incorporating a private Ontario Corporation, organizing and maintaining the Minute Book and attending to post-incorporation matters are also covered. Emphasis will be placed on following appropriate procedures in the production of documentation to complete documents related to corporate and commercial law. In addition to word processing software, students are introduced to current industry-related software to maintain client data and general legal documentation.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Wills and Estates
LAW2190

Description: Students will be introduced to the role and responsibilities of a legal assistant employed in the field of wills and estates. Specialized terminology and statutes relevant to the practice of wills and estates will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on following appropriate procedures in the production of documentation. In addition to word processing software, students are introduced to current industry-related software to maintain client data and general legal documentation.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ADMN1117 OR COMP1908 OR LAW1230 AND BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Litigation II
LAW2360

Description: In this practical simulation course, students continue to learn about their role and responsibilities within the adversarial system in Ontario. Students will apply procedural requirements of the Rules of Civil Procedure and use specialized automated legal software to produce and process the documentation required from the initial stages to disposition of civil legal proceedings.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BUS1395 AND LAW1540
CoRequisites:

Real Estate II
LAW2390

Description: Students will expand skills learned in Real Estate I to complete residential purchase transactions. Students will use legal proprietary software to assist them in processing residential purchase transactions, including condominiums, to completion. Students will apply appropriate procedures and administrative skills to produce documents and correspondence that meet the standards of mailability and procedural requirements.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: LAW2380
CoRequisites:

Immigration Law
LAW2440

Description: This course provides students with a working knowledge of the constitutional framework of Canadian immigration law and policy. It will explore the current system of immigration and refugee governance under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Students will be made familiar with the main areas of immigration policy and procedure as well as eligibility requirements for entrance into Canada, while considering the impacts of economic, societal, and familial situations.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: BUS1395
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities and procedures.
Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
Operate and provide support to others related to the use of office equipment and technologies.
Evaluate, establish and administer legal records management systems to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
Produce client account and billing records for legal services by compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
Produce legal documentation for corporate, civil, family, real estate and wills and estates law using available technologies and applying industry standards.
Use interpersonal and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the goals of the organization.