Paralegal/ Legal Assistant
Paralegal/ Legal Assistant
Start Date: September
Duration: 10 Months
Credential: Diploma
Start Date: September
Duration: 10 Months
Credential: Diploma
Program Overview:
Turn Your Passion for Law into a Career!
Join our 10-month Paralegal/Legal Assistant Program and step into the dynamic world of law!
Oulton College is designed to equip you with the essential skills needed to support lawyers in law firms or corporate legal departments. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to prepare high-quality legal correspondence and court documents, conduct thorough research on case law and statutes, and apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
With hands-on training from experienced legal professionals, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical experience, culminating in a 4-week practicum in a legal office. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about the legal field, this program is the perfect launchpad for your career.
Enroll today and start your journey in law!
*Cost breakdown: Book a meeting with one of our Admissions Advisors for a detailed breakdown of costs and tuition for our Paralegal/ Legal Assistant program. They can provide tailored information and help you understand all financial aspects. Schedule your appointment today to get all the details you need!
- • You will be taught by experienced legal professionals who will provide insight into the industry and the
necessary training to succeed in a legal career. Our instructors will ensure that you master the required
skills through extensive practice, collaboration, and real-world experiences.
• We bring in guest speakers from the industry to share their experiences, and we take our students on
field trips to expose them to the working environments of the legal profession.
• Not only do we provide skills and training required for your career as a paralegal or legal assistant, we will
also coach and guide you in professionalism, networking, and conflict resolution.
• Our instructors build relationships with professionals in the industry to ensure our students are given the
best chance for meaningful and rewarding employment.
• 96.6 % employment rate
- You will be taught by experienced legal professionals who will provide insight into the industry and the necessary training to succeed in a legal career. Our instructors will ensure that you master the required skills through extensive practice, collaboration, and real-world experiences.
- We bring in guest speakers from the industry to share their experiences, and we take our students on field trips to expose them to the working environments of the legal profession.
- Not only do we provide skills and training required for your career as a paralegal or legal assistant, we will also coach and guide you in professionalism, networking, and conflict resolution.
- Our instructors build relationships with professionals in the industry to ensure our students are given the best chance for meaningful and rewarding employment.
- The Oulton College Paralegal/Legal Assistant Diploma Program prepares you for a rewarding career in the exciting world of law. You will be introduced to all major areas of law including civil litigation, criminal, family, estates, corporate, and property.
- You will be taught how to prepare legal correspondence and court documents to a high quality, professional standard, and you will be trained to research case law and statutes and will be able to apply your research in case studies.
Paralegal/ Legal Assistant Program:
- Legal Theory
- Legal Transcription
- Wills and Estates
- Legal Accounting
- Real Estate & Property Law
- Corporate Law
- Family Law
- Choices in Approaching Conflicts
- Civil Litigation
- Office Administration
- Legal Database
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
Admission Requirements:
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
International students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency, unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction. Please see the international application process here.
Career Opportunities:
Paralegals/ Legal assistants play a vital role in the legal field, supporting lawyers and ensuring efficient operations. With diverse career opportunities in law firms, corporations, and government agencies, the demand for skilled paralegals is on the rise. Here are just a few opportunities you can pursue:
- Law Firms
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Government Agencies
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Paralegal/ Legal Assistant
- Customer service
- Receptionist
- Court Clerk
- Legal Researcher
- Law Office Administrator
- Claims Examiner
Course Descriptions:
This course places emphasis on proper keyboarding techniques, mastery of the keyboard, and operation of the
computer. Emphasis is also placed on speed and accuracy by the development of skill in typing a variety of office
documentation, including letters, memos, reports and tables.
This course places emphasis on proper keyboarding techniques, mastery of the keyboard, and operation of the computer. Emphasis is also placed on speed and accuracy by the development of skill in typing a variety of office documentation, including letters, memos, reports and tables.
This course introduces the Paralegal student to conflict resolutions skills. Even in the most traditional of practices, the concept of resolution through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and lastly adjudication, has reached a new level of acceptance. The student is provided with the tools necessary to assist them in becoming a key member of the legal team that recognizes the importance of conflict resolution in the most expeditious and just disposition of their clients concerns.
The Special Topics program will provide paralegal students with the opportunity to practice and expand their gained knowledge throughout the Paralegal/Legal Assistant course. Students will research and discuss recent legal topics worldwide, while participating in group activities with their classmates and completing independent research and assignments. Each week is something new!
The Professional Communications program provides paralegal students with effective writing, grammar and communication skills required for employment as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant in law firms, governmental agencies, private or public corporations or other entities. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of effective business communications including oral communication skills, grammar and writing techniques, proofreading for accuracy, and verbal/non-verbal communication techniques with employers, clients, and partners.
The paralegal student is introduced to the area of real property law through real life scenarios. This module emphasizes the Land Titles System in New Brunswick, one of the most technologically advanced registry systems in the country.
The Corporate, Personal Property and Real Property Registries are accessed on-line throughout the module to reinforce how the registries work. The student learns the basic steps in opening and maintaining files, closing the property transaction and reporting to the client and their financial institution.
This covers such areas of the law as an introduction to the common law legal system; the criminal law process; family law; contracts; torts; corporate law; and property law, as well as a general review of New Brunswick Statutes.
Paralegal students will learn how to use a legal database to research cases from every jurisdiction in Canada. Students will then learn how to prepare legal briefs of case law and to prepare submissions to a Court in support of legal arguments.
Paralegal students will learn basic computer terminology and concepts. Hands-on exercises provide students with experience in the use of personal computers and productivity tools. The student will create documents, format the document, work with graphics in a document, and properly proof the document.
This course covers Excel at the introduction stage. The paralegal student will also be introduced to basic concepts of creating a presentation
in PowerPoint. Outlook is more than just an email tool – the student will learn how to manage contacts, meetings, and their scheduling calendar.
OFFICE PROCEDURES
The student learns the intricacies of the law office environment. Including the roles of various staff members, associates, and partners. They learn to prepare legal documents with a focus on formatting and accuracy, as well as the processes for opening and maintaining client files. Paralegal students are introduced to legal accounting concepts, and receive training on an accounting program.
CIVIL LITIGATION
Paralegal students learn the fundamental steps in managing a typical civil litigation file, starting from opening the file and interviewing clients to commencing proceedings and drafting pleadings. They explore the Rules of Court of New Brunswick and differentiate between various legal concepts. Additionally, the curriculum covers the discovery process, pre-trial procedures, trial preparation, and the associated costs that may be awarded.
FAMILY LAW
Paralegal students learn to navigate the procedural and transactional aspects of family law, focusing on issues such as divorce, custody, and access with compassion and professionalism. They draft and analyze separation agreements, financial statements, and support orders to understand the relationships between their various components.
WILLS AND ESTATE
Paralegal students learn the fundamentals of estate planning, focusing on Wills and Powers of Attorney. They are introduced to basic Will clauses and prepare Wills based on typical scenarios. Additionally, students familiarize themselves with the necessary forms to request Letters of Probate for a Last Will & Testament or Letters of Administration for individuals who die intestate (without a Will).
CORPORATE LAW
Paralegal students learn the process of incorporating a company, focusing on the information needed to complete incorporation forms. They prepare and maintain essential documents such as by-laws, resolutions, minute books, and share registers for a typical small business corporation.
This course provides paralegal students with introductory experience in the field of bookkeeping or accounting to learn the skills and terminology necessary to work with computerized accounting in a small business. Through a progressive set of lectures and challenge exercises, students gain the knowledge and get the practice to complete basic computerized accounting work.
The 4-week on the job training opportunity helps our paralegal students gain valuable hands-on experience directly in their field of study. To graduate from the Paralegal/ Legal Assistant Program, you must complete this practicum session.
*Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.