Legal Office Procedures

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Return to Course
Print Guideline
Course
OADM 1430
Discontinued
Yes
Course code
OADM 1430
Descriptive
Legal Office Procedures
Department
Office Administration
Faculty
Commerce & Business Administration
Credits
1.50
Start date
End term
202010
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
9 weeks X 5 hours = 45 hours
Max class size
24
Contact hours
5 hours per week
Method(s) of instruction
Online
Learning activities

Communication between instructor and students will be conducted online using WebCT e-mail, discussion, chat utilities, guided practices, assignments, and case studies.  Students will work both independently and collaboratively to learn and apply procedures and tasks carried on in a legal office.  Both learning activities and evaluations will be structured to stress problem solving, accuracy, and working within time constraints.

Course description
This is a BCCampus online provincial course. This course introduces the student to the functions and duties of the legal administrative assistant in British Columbia. Topics covered will include: legal terminology, legal office procedures, precedents, preparation of correspondence and basic legal documents, legal record keeping and billing, and citations and references to Acts.
Course content
  1. Roles, Professional Behaviours, and Responsibilities of Legal Administrative Assistants
    • know and apply the specialized skills, knowledge, and character attributes required
    • identify and complete general and corporate records office tasks under supervision
    • practice discreet and ethical behaviours
    • appreciate the expertise, roles, and responsibilities of the members of the legal team within which the legal administrative assistant works
  2. Terminology and References
    • pronounce, spell, and define
    • legal citations
  3. Legal Correspondence and Documents
    • understand content and keyboard letters, memoranda, accounts, general and corporate legal documents from draft and dictation
  4. Legal Records
    • open, maintain, and close client files
    • understand and use tickler/bring forward systems
    • understand general and trust accounts
    • understand time sheets, receipts, and disbursements
    • calculate fees and disbursements and prepare client accounts

 

 

 

Learning outcomes

The learner has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

 

  1. Describe the functions and duties of the legal administrative assistant and his/her role in the legal profession.
  2. Define, spell, and use legal terms appropriately.
  3. Identify and use the correct legal office procedures in records management, reception, diaries, mail/couriers, and timekeeping.
  4. Create and use precedents in the preparation of correspondence and basic legal documents.
  5. Apply appropriate record keeping procedures in the handling of client ledgers and billings.
  6. Prepare citations and references to Acts with accuracy.
  7. Transcribe dictated material containing expanded vocabulary, legal terminology and specialized formats at an acceptable standard.
Means of assessment
Assignments   30%
Quizzes  20%
Exams  40%
Participation  10%
Total 100%
Textbook materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students

 

Dukelow, Daphne A. and Betsy Nuse.  Pocket Dictionary of Canadian Law, Latest Ed.,

                Carswell, Barrie, Ontario

 

Paige, Sheila & Carole Colvin. 2003. Introduction to Legal Office Procedures Precedent Manual. Douglas College.

 

. WAV pedal & computer headphones are required for digital transcription activities.

Prerequisites

English 11 with a grade of “C” or better or equivalent and 50 NWPM

Which prerequisite

OADM 1432 and OADM 1433