Fleming College: Learn | Belong | Become

Program Highlights

Your two-year Law Clerk program will provide the outstanding training and education necessary for an exciting career in this field. Prepare to assist lawyers in such tasks as interviewing clients, conducting legal research, preparing documents, searching real estate and corporate registries, and assisting in preparing cases for trial.

In your first semester, you'll take a common semester with other Law and Justice students, and focus your attention on such courses as Introduction to the Canadian Justice System, Introduction to Political Science and Public Administration, and Introduction to Sociology, as well as take a course in Careers for Law Clerks.

In the remaining three semesters, you'll further enhance the skills specific to a law clerk career, with such courses as Business and Contract Law, Introduction to Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Landlord and Tenant Law, Family Law, Creditor and Debtor Law, Wills and Estates, Evidence, and Advocacy.

University Grad?

Are you a university graduate? You may be eligible for direct entry into second semester of this program and graduate in as little as 12 months. Contact the program co-ordinator for more information.

Why Choose Fleming?

In the Law Clerk program, the 100-hour field placement provides students with experiential learning opportunities in legal settings, such as law offices, government agencies, legal clinics, private corporations, paralegal firms, courts or Crown offices. Graduates of this program are also eligible to become members of the Institute for Law Clerks.

The Law Clerk program shares three semesters with the Paralegal (formerly Court and Tribunal Agent ) program. Take one additional semester of study and receive a second diploma in the Paralegal program. (The start date for this additional semester is subject to student interest and enrolment. Check with the program co-ordinator for details.)

Work Experience

Field Placement extends beyond the 15-week semester and is usually done following completion of your final academic semester.

What it Takes to Succeed

An interest in problem solving, investigation, people, and strong oral and written communication skills would be essential components to your success as a Law Clerk. Other than these skills/interests, there are a few others which will be an asset to your studies:

• thorough research skills
• excellent interpersonal skills
• cultural sensitivity
• excellent time management skills

Career Opportunities

A high percentage of our graduates find employment in the field. When looking through the paper, or checking out the internet for jobs, here are a few you'd qualify for with your Law Clerk Diploma:

• law clerk
• legal assistant
• executive assistant
• legal/litigation secretary
• legal technician

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

• 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

*Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Related Programs

Paralegal is another program you might also want to consider.

Additional Costs

Plan to spend approximately $740 per year for books and supplies.

University Transfer Agreements

• Athabasca University
• Royal Roads University - Victoria, B.C.
• University of New Brunswick
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Aboriginal Justice	14.00
Career Awareness	14.00
Careers for Law Clerk	7.00
Intro to Political Science & Public Administration	45.00
Introduction to Canadian Justice System	45.00
Introduction to Psychology	45.00
Introduction to Sociology	45.00
Introductory Computing	45.00
ONE of: College Communication Skills for Law and Justice Professionals 67.00 College Communications for Law and Justice Professionals 37.00
Please Note: All students will complete literacy testing in order to determine enrollment in the appropriate Communications course.
Semester 2
Accounting in the Legal Environment	45.00
Business and Contract Law in the Legal Profession	45.00
Introduction to Litigation	45.00
Issues in Diversity	45.00
Legal Research and Writing	45.00
Property Law Concepts in Ontario	30.00
Word Processing in the Legal Environment	45.00
Semester 3
Advocacy	30.00
Alternate Dispute Resolution	45.00
Creditor and Debtor Law	30.00
Criminal Law/Summary Conviction	30.00
Evidence	45.00
Field Placement Preparation	15.00
Landlord and Tenant Law	45.00
Practice Management in the Legal Environment	60.00
Semester 4
Advanced Civil Procedures	30.00
Advanced Property Law	45.00
Corporate Law	30.00
Family Law	45.00
Field Placement	100.00
Text Processing for Law Clerks	45.00
Wills and Estates	45.00
General Education Elective

Semester 1

College Communication Skills for Law and Justice Professionals

Course Number: COMM153

This first semester course will introduce students to the essential communication skills required to be a successful college level student: reading, writing, and critical thinking. Through a series of written assignments, in-class discussions based on readings, and lab activities, students will improve their overall communication skills. This course is equivalent to COMM80, with the exception that students receive an additional two hour support seminar to ensure foundational skills are in place.

Units: 67.00
Hours: 67.00

College Communications for Law and Justice Professionals

Course Number: COMM080

This course focuses on improving reading, writing, and oral communication skills through a number of assignments related to the law and justice professions. This course stresses the development of communiction skills that will allow students to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, in other subjects, and for eventual career employment. Students will demonstrate skills in summary and report writing, oral presentations, standard usage of English, as well as in research techniques, including appropriate citation and documentation of sources. The principles of style, structure, content, and mechanics constitute the overall framework of the course.

Units: 37.00
Hours: 37.00

Aboriginal Justice

Course Number: LAWS085

In this course students will identify and examine issues related to Aboriginal Justice in Canada. Specifically, students will focus on the relationship between the Canadian Justice system and Aboriginal Peoples. Historical and contemporary events will be examined to increase understanding of Aboriginal issues. Students will explore alternative justice, and other possible strategies to address the identified problems. Cultural practices and beliefs will also be discussed.

Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00

Career Awareness

Course Number: SOCI122

This introductory course develops a set of generic skills, that support studies at a post-secondary level and provide a foundation for the student's career success.

Units: 14.00
Hours: 14.00

Careers for Law Clerk

Course Number: SOCI139

This course is designed to introduce students to the roles and responsibilities integral to the practice of the law clerk. Particular emphasis will be placed on professional conduct, competencies and strategies for success in the field.

Units: 7.00
Hours: 7.00

Intro to Political Science & Public Administration

Course Number: LAWS043

This course provides an introduction to the democratic system of governance in Canada. It includes a description of the organization, structure, interaction, and administration of the three (3) levels of government. The course will introduce and identify the daily problems and issues faced by Canadians in a political context, including public opinion and special interest groups. Major themes explored include a brief introduction to political beliefs and values, an examination of cleavages within the Canadian population, the Canadian constitution, nationalism, and political culture and spectrum. These concepts will be examined in the current forum of the daily politics that unfold during the course. Students will begin to develop research writing skills and group discussion skills. This course is a hybrid course comprised of webct and seminar components.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Canadian Justice System

Course Number: LAWS044

This course provides an introductory overview of the Canadian Justice System, with special emphasis on the criminal justice system and the responsibilities of enforcement personnel. Contemporary issues affecting the system will be analyzed and discussed.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number: SOCI036

This course offers a systematic approach to exploring human behaviour. The concepts and empirical findings are examined using a variety of theoretical approaches. Major topics include perception, motivation, learning, memory, intelligence, and personality.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Sociology

Course Number: SOCI123

Through this course, learn the special meanings that Sociology, as a language, assigns to words and how they are organized into concepts and theories. We use these words, concepts and theories to see and make sense of our social world and to talk with others about it, develop the ability to understand our social interactions, the society we create and recreate and how it affects us. Your success will depend very much on your ability in English, ability to send and receive e-mail, use a web browser, engage in discussions in bulletin boards, and other standard operations using a computer.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introductory Computing

Course Number: COMP345

Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software using Microsoft Office 2007. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments. Students will have the opportunity to attain the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Start Certification if they attain 75% or more on each of the four ICDL Start Certification tests.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 2

Accounting in the Legal Environment

Course Number: ACCT045

This is an introductory course in accounting. The course explores the basics of accounting using an interactive and tactile approach. Accounting topics will consider transactions relating to personal, business and corporate accounts. Special emphasis will be given to trust accounts, cash control and bank reconciliations. Topics will be discussed within the context of the legal environment. The accounting will be supplemented with a simulation using P.C. Law Jr.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Business and Contract Law in the Legal Profession

Course Number: LAWS207

Business people and consumers in Ontario are affected by a broad spectrum of federal, provincial and municipal laws and a variety of court-created legal principles. This course serves as an introduction to business and consumer law.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Introduction to Litigation

Course Number: LAWS045

This course introduces the student to the litigation process. Emphasis is on both criminal and civil proceedings with an emphasis on minor criminal matters and tort cases. The student will learn how to assess a potential litigation matter and learn how to apply the principles taught in taking a litigation case from inception to completion.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Issues in Diversity

Course Number: SOCI038

In this course students will critically identify and examine issues in diversity. Specifically, students will focus on topics pertaining to inequality in various social settings, including but not limited to: race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Incorporating social/legal explanations of diversity, students will develop a clear understanding of the impacted groups and possible strategies of community empowerment.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Legal Research and Writing

Course Number: LAWS053

This course will provide a practical introduction to legal research, using case reports, statutes, regulations, and legal texts. Effective communication of research results will be developed through practice writing case briefs, statutory summaries, report letters, and legal memoranda.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Property Law Concepts in Ontario

Course Number: LAWS047

A solid understanding of Property Law Concepts is integral as it forms the basis for many other areas of law. In this course, students will be introduced to the various forms of property ownership in Ontario and the legal restrictions on property rights. They will also study the most important pieces of legislation affecting real property in Ontario. This course is not designed to provide the student with skills related to title searching or property transfers.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Word Processing in the Legal Environment

Course Number: COMP099

The fundamentals of MS Word, PC Law, and Conveyancer will be applied to a variety of documents commonly used in a legal office environment. While the course focuses on an introduction to word processing concepts, legal documents such as legal correspondence and memorandum, court documents and formal reports will form the basis for the applications. Students will also investigate legal sites on the World Wide Web.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Semester 3

Advocacy

Course Number: LAWS179

This course provides an introduction to the concepts of trial advocacy in the Canadian judicial system. Students will develop the basic skills and techniques necessary for the effective presentation of a client's case in the adversarial system of justice. There will be four presentation assignments, to provide a hands-on opportunity to practise and demonstrate an understanding of the skills and concepts of the course. The course will include an attendance at the County Court House to observe an actual trial.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Alternate Dispute Resolution

Course Number: SOCI129

Alternative Dispute Resolution is increasingly becoming an integral part of our judicial system as an alternative to litigation. In this course, students will learn principles of mediation and arbitration both in a voluntary context and in situations where it is mandated by law. Students will study the objectives and practice of Alternative Dispute Resolution and the context in which they are most effective.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Creditor and Debtor Law

Course Number: LAWS014

In this course students will focus on the law controlling creditor-debtor relationships with emphasis on the practical steps that can be taken to collect debts and to protect a creditor's interest in the assets of a debtor prior to collection.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Criminal Law/Summary Conviction

Course Number: LAWS160

This course provides an overview of basic criminal law concepts with an emphasis on summary conviction offences. A detailed study of procedural steps and tactics of importance to the defence of accused persons will also be discussed.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Evidence

Course Number: LAWS029

In this course, students will examine the use of evidence in court cases, including statutory and common-law limits on the use of various forms of information that could affect the decision-making process of Canadian courts and administrative tribunals. Students will examine the functions of investigators, advocates, judges, and juries in the presentation and processing of evidence.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Placement Preparation

Course Number: FLPL109

This course is intended assist students with seeking and preparing for their field placement experience in fourth semester. Students will increase the knowledge, insight, and understanding of their options for placement within the legal environment. Emphasis will be given to cover letter, resume and portfolio preparation. The student will be also introduced to interview skills.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Landlord and Tenant Law

Course Number: LAWS050

This course examines landlord and tenant relations, rent review, and the procedures involved in protecting and enforcing the rights of both landlords and tenants.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Practice Management in the Legal Environment

Course Number: LAWS126

This course introduces the student to routines and procedures most often performed in the legal office setting. Emphasis will be given to opening/closing/preparing client files, file retention, legal record keeping, docketing, billing, and statements of accounts. There will be instruction in alphabetic, numeric, subject and geographic filing as well as file management both manually and electronically. The student is also introduced to telephone and reception techniques, handling incoming and outgoing mail including email and faxes. The student will have the opportunity to continue to use their written and oral communication skills while drafting, editing and processing communications typically found in the legal setting.

Units: 60.00
Hours: 60.00

Semester 4

Advanced Civil Procedures

Course Number: LAWS180

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Advanced Property Law

Course Number: LAWS181

Real property ownership in Ontario is subject to a myriad of legislative provisions that affect virtually every property transaction in the province. Students will learn the fundamentals of property registration systems. The importance of surveys, zoning, tax considerations, and other matters of concern to individuals purchasing property interests will be examined in detail. The teraview training system will be explored and the student will be proficient at searching and registering in this system.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Corporate Law

Course Number: LAWS013

As a practical introduction to the various forms of business organization, this course will be a hands-on introduction to the documents and steps involved in creating and carrying on business as: a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited partnership, and a corporation.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Family Law

Course Number: LAWS031

This course provides an overview of law affecting families and children. Particular emphasis will be placed on the legal implications of family breakdown.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Field Placement

Course Number: FLPL024

The fourth semester field placement experience enables Law Clerk students to integrate and complement their classroom knowledge with a practical learning experience in a legal setting of their choice. Law Clerk placement consists of 100 hours. It is viewed as an integral, core coponent of the program's curriculum.

Units: 100.00
Hours: 100.00

Text Processing for Law Clerks

Course Number: COMP090

Using database software specifically designed for the legal community, as well as templated documents students will produce a variety of documents commonly found in the legal environment. These documents will be formatted, using word processing software, in accordance with the applicable legal formatting rules.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Wills and Estates

Course Number: LAWS082

This course provides students with an overview of the law of estates and an understanding of the court process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the principles of will drafting and the procedural requirements in estate administration.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00