OFFICE ADMINISTRATION - LEGAL
Program Outline
Major: OFAL
Length: 2 Years
Delivery: 4 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Diploma
Effective: 2011-2012
Location: Barrie
Start: Fall + Winter
Description
This program prepares graduates to assume responsibility for assisting in legal and paralegal organizations. Graduates will be capable, after experience, of specializing in conveyancing, litigation, family, estate and corporate practice with a law firm, or assuming office administration duties in a paralegal or business setting.
Industry trends and requirements are continually monitored to ensure curriculum remains current and relevant.
Students in the Office Administration - Legal Program are offered the opportunity for office experience within the community.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this program are employed in law and paralegal offices, and with legal departments of insurance firms, financial institutions, industry, trust companies, provincial and federal ministries, municipal offices, the courts and general offices.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- apply management and organizational skills to facilitate the completion of tasks and meet deadlines in the workplace;
- assess, establish, organize, process, maintain and respond to electronic and paper communications/records to facilitate the flow of information;
- apply a variety of mathematical and estimating techniques accurately for legal documentation;
- produce accurate financial records within a specified time frame, by compiling information and using appropriate software;
- apply basic principles of accounting to business management;
- use effective communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills to assist with the completion of individual and team tasks and promote the image of the organization;
- manage projects by locating, analyzing, organizing, and summarizing information using appropriate resources and technology;
- communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in the form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of audiences;
- use critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a multi-tasking environment;
- participate in society as an informed and understanding citizen pursuing an enriched personal life and professional growth through self-directed career planning and life-long learning;
- be aware of cultural and ethical issues that may arise in any business environment;
- understand fully the concepts of commonly used business computer applications such as word processing, desktop publishing/graphics, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, groupware, E-mail, and Internet;
- use legal terminology and apply recording, transcription, and language skills to produce accurate legal correspondence and material by a specified deadline, using computer technology;
- produce accurate legal documentation for civil litigation, corporate, conveyancing, family, and estate law using appropriate legal software, procedures, and file management;
- troubleshoot, diagnose and solve basic hardware/software problems.
Program Progression
Sem 1 - Fall 2011
Sem 2 - Winter 2012
Sem 3 - Fall 2012
Sem 4 - Winter 2013
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent. OSS applicants must also have Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U). Also recommended: Mathematics: Any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP 4C or MCT 4C), or any Grade 12 University Mathematics.
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic entrance qualifications, may be considered for entrance to an appropriate post-secondary diploma or certificate program as mature applicants. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if required, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence. Refer to Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the Academic Calendar for further details.
Graduation Requirements
19 Mandatory Courses
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
COMP1012 Computer Business Documentation
COMP1013 Advanced Computer Business Documentation
COMP1048 Introduction to Keyboarding
COMP2026 Integrated Office Simulations
COMP2027 Computerized Administrative Simulations
MATH1004 Business Math for the Office Professional
OFAD1001 Office Procedures and Strategies
OFAD1003 Multi-Media Language Processing
OFAD1004 Introduction to Legal Office Administration
OFAD1007 Spreadsheet and Presentation Applications
OFAD1008 Word Processing and Database Applications
OFAD2007 Civil Litigation Procedures and Documentation
OFAD2009 Legal Terminology and Transcription
OFAD2012 Wills and Estate Administration
OFAD2013 Family Law Procedures and Documentation
OFAD2014 Bookkeeping for the Office Professional
OFAD2015 Administrative Support and Records Management
OFAD2016 Conveyancing and Commercial Procedures
OFAD2017 Corporate Transactions
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
Plus one addition communications to be selected from College list
(Note: this is in addition to any mandatory communications listed for the program)
General Education Courses
To be selected from College list
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COMP1012 Computer Business Documentation 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to develop skills in word processing and document design and formatting. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and efficiency. Keyboarding skill using the correct touch technique is highly recommended. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
COMP1013 Advanced Computer Business Documentation 42.0 Hours
This course provides further development of touch keyboarding techniques as well as advanced skills in business formatting and documentation. Emphasis is placed on the efficient production of business applications, using advanced features of current word processing software. The minimum keyboarding speed in this course is 45 net words per minute. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
COMP1048 Introduction to Keyboarding 42.0 Hours
This course is designed to build proficient keyboarding skills, including using correct touch technique. Emphasis is placed on accuracy and efficiency. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
COMP2026 Integrated Office Simulations 42.0 Hours
This course provides the opportunity to work in a team and independently in order to organize and produce multi-task projects. Emphasis will be placed on self-directed research to assess the most appropriate software and software functions in order to complete a job. The minimum keyboarding speed for this course is 50 net words per minute. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
COMP2027 Computerized Administrative Simulations 42.0 Hours
This course provides the student with integrated administrative simulations designed to build skills in the areas of information management, computer software, problem solving, decision making, communications, and teamwork. Simulation projects are based on actual office situations that utilize the skills necessary to perform in today's workplace. The minimum keyboarding speed in this course is 60 net words per minute. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment
MATH1004 Business Math for the Office Professional 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to the mathematical concepts and formulas commonly used by office administrators in a business environment. The course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1001 Office Procedures and Strategies 42.0 Hours
This course introduces current office procedures necessary to perform administrative support functions as well as an opportunity to develop learning strategies that will prepare the student to confront academic, personal and career challenges. A combination of practical tasks and processes provides a solid foundation for those entering administrative careers. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1003 Multi-Media Language Processing 42.0 Hours
This course provides the development of skills needed to transcribe a variety of dictated material to mailable office standards within prescribed time limits using digital transcribers, CD ROMs, and current word processing software. Business vocabulary from a variety of employment areas is introduced. Grammar rules, spelling, keyboarding, and language skills are integral components of this course. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1004 Introduction to Legal Office Administration 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to basic routines, procedures, documentation, law and terminology common to the legal field. Generic and process skills are developed within a situational learning environment. An overview of the various areas of the law is presented with emphasis on material common to all areas. Current social/legal issues are examined and discussed both individually and within groups. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1007 Spreadsheet and Presentation Applications 42.0 Hours
This course provides the development of spreadsheet and presentation design skills. Students will learn how to organize, calculate, manipulate and use graph data. A variety of financial functions and formula entries will be explored including IF analysis. Learners will work with multiple worksheets and workbooks. Students will use presentation software to prepare professional looking presentations. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD1008 Word Processing and Database Applications 42.0 Hours
This course is designed for the development of word processing and database skills. Students will use word processing software to create, enhance, and format documents. Using database software, students will plan, create, update and maintain database structures. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2007 Civil Litigation Procedures and Documentation 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to the Ontario court structure, procedures and the understanding and preparation of legal documentation in the area of Civil Litigation. Generic and process skills are integrated with curriculum content and the situational learning environment. The student will apply appropriate and effective organizational, interpersonal and computer skills to facilitate completion of individual and team tasks.
This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2009 Legal Terminology and Transcription 42.0 Hours
This course introduces legal terminology and usage in the areas of conveyancing, corporate, estate, civil litigation and family law. Utilizing keyboarding skills, computer and legal software, students transcribe and edit taped and rough draft legal material using correct formats and English grammar. Effective proofreading techniques and dictionary and reference interpretation skills are applied. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2012 Wills and Estate Administration 42.0 Hours
This course introduces students to laws, statutes, cases and forms of wills. The implications of the Family Law Act, Succession Law Reform Act, trusts, pensions, guardianship, bequests, joint ownership, proper execution will be researched and analyzed. Course content encompasses listing debts and assets, court applications, and transferring of bequests. Case studies include distribution under intestacies. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2013 Family Law Procedures and Documentation 42.0 Hours
Under the Family Law Act, Divorce Act, and Rules of Civil Procedure, students prepare domestic contracts, divorce and separation papers, custody and support applications and defenses. Procedures required are followed within a file. This course requires computer, numeracy and organizational skills and sensitivity to spousal and children's rights. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2014 Bookkeeping for the Office Professional 42.0 Hours
This is an introductory course in bookkeeping procedures common to office administrators. An introduction to business transaction analysis and accounting procedures are required to provide an understanding of the role of the office administrator in the accounting process. The use of special journals and spreadsheets will play a major role, along with government remittance form preparation. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2015 Administrative Support and Records Management 42.0 Hours
This course provides the further development of progressive business practices necessary for entry into today's workplace. Emphasis is placed on business travel; international customs; meetings and conferences; reference resources; office communication; and records management, both paper based and electronic. Students will develop team-building skills, exercise critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and participate in constructive classroom interaction. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2016 Conveyancing and Commercial Procedures 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to Ontario Land Registration Systems, property ownership, title searching, and, as well, knowledge of the basic laws, procedures, and preparation of the required documentation associated with real estate transactions and commercial law. The students will work in a partnership environment to facilitate the completion of transactions using legal software programs. Portfolio development is an integral part of this course. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
OFAD2017 Corporate Transactions 42.0 Hours
This course introduces the student to Ontario corporate practices including knowledge of the basic laws, procedures, and preparation of the required documentation associated with this area of law. The students will work in a partnership environment to facilitate the completion of transactions using legal software programs. Portfolio development is an integral part of this course. This course is eligible for Prior Learning Assessment.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: October 31, 2011.