ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

CURRICULUM

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Two letters of reference
• Resume
• Mature Student Status
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative

Pricing Fall 2010

• Tuition: $11,900.00
• Teaching Aids: $885.65
• Total Cost: $12,785.65

• Introduction To Canadian Law
• Legal Research And Writing
• Criminal Law 
• Drafting Civil Law
• Civil Procedures
• Insurance and Personal Litigation
• Drafting Personal Litigation
• Tort Law
• Family Law
• Drafting Family Law
• Real Estate Law
• Drafting Real Estate Law
• Legal Office Administration
• Computer Applications
• Professional Development
• Legal Business Communications
• Accounting
• Corporate Law
• Drafting Corporate Law
• Wills And Estates Law
• Drafting Wills and Estates

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Legal Firms
• Courthouse Facilities
• Department of Justice
• Land Registration
• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Insurance Companies
• Companies with Legal Departments

Class Hours

Classes are 7.5 hours per day Monday to Thursday. The students receive 30 hours per week of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum period of 210 hours within a law firm environment.

The students have a winter and spring break, statutory holidays. Class may also be held off campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below 90% attendance or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade, minimum in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Students will study the rationale and requirements of producing and completing legal instruments/documents. They will also be introduced to Hot Docs, WordPerfect and a full record of all forms used in this industry.
• Field visits to the Registry of Deeds, Law Courts and law libraries
• Specialized training in online, legal research.
• To graduate, students require a proficiency of 55 wpm typing speed with 95% accuracy and know machine transcription.

Professional Development training includes public relations, customer service, teamwork, and time management.

Paralegals must have knowledge of accounting and therefore they will become versed in accounting principles and posting through PC Law.

Accounting

This module is designed to introduce students to business accounting and the accounting cycle. Upon completion of this module, students will have all of the knowledge necessary to efficiently complete all aspects of a basic accounting system. Topics in this module will include recording business transactions, adjusting and closing entries, financial statements, PC Law, trust and general accounts, time sheets, lawyer’s billable hours, pre-bills/invoice prep., petty cash, cheque writing, terminology and principles.

Introduction to Canadian Law

This module will provide the students with the basic principles of Canadian Law. Students will examine the structures, names, individuals, and institutions involved in the administration of justice in Canada. Topics include: our legal and judicial system, law, society, and morality, law and politics, legal ethics.

Legal Research and Writing

This module will provide students with the fundamentals of writing well in legal style as well as legal terminology and legal research. Legal research will develop the techniques of both manual and computerized research plus provide an over-view of the various sources of law and the use of a legal library. Topics include: fundamentals of legal writing, terminology, legal drafting, computerized and manual legal research, arguments and analysis of case law, statute law, constitutional law.

Criminal Law

This unit provides basic overview of criminal law concepts and will include a study of the procedural steps required to investigate and prosecute criminal behaviour. Defense tactics will also be discussed. Upon completion of this unit, the students will have a sound knowledge of criminal law and the process involved from the crime to the sentencing, plus the research and legal documents required. Topics include: presumption of innocence, the criminal law of Canada, the nature of crime, investigation, arrest, trial procedures, evidence and appeals, sentencing, young offenders, charter of rights, criminal code and adult offenders.

Civil Law/Personal Litigation/Insurance/Drafting

When someone is intentionally, or by negligence, hurting you, legal theory has it that you can sue and receive compensation. This is called a “Tort”. This module will provide an overview of the steps taken as the case progresses from issuing the writ to the trial. Upon completion of this section of the program, the students will fully understand the procedural process of a lawsuit, plus prepare and process the required legal documents. Topics include: Civil Procedure Rules, Lectures on various court levels, Statute of Limitations regarding actions, Tour of Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Litigation procedures. Class will have a complete law firm litigation file when finished this section.

Family Law and Drafting of Same

This module provides an overview of the laws affecting families. Emphasis will be placed on the legal implications of family breakdown and child welfare. Topics to be covered: requirements of a valid marriage, essential validity, domestic contracts, common law relationships, divorce proceedings, spousal support, child custody and access.

Real Estate Law and Drafting of Same

This module provides an overview of real estate law with an emphasis on the law affecting title to land. Topics covered include the history and nature of ownership of real property, estates in land, transfer of title to land, conveyance of real property on death, encumbrances against land, legal descriptions, plans of subdivision and surveys, marketable title, adverse possession, objections to title, and legal drafting. Upon completion of this section of the program, the students will be proficient in the process of title searching and registration of property. Topics to be covered: zoning, tax considerations, surveys, titles searches, obligation, interest and mortgages, agreements of sale and purchase, closings, migration procedures.

Legal Office Procedures

This module is designed to provide students with up-to-date training in the office procedures methods and equipment presently utilized in a legal office environment. Upon completion of this module, students will have the knowledge and skills required to competently complete all the tasks required in the day-to-day operation of a legal office. Topics covered include: filing and records management, proofreading, letter, memo, and document preparation, office equipment, telephone procedures and miscellaneous office procedures.

Computer Applications

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the popular software packages presently in use in legal offices. Both Intermediate and Advanced operations and functions will be employed through practical exercises. Upon completion of this module, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to process all the required documents using the computer efficiently and quickly.

Professional Development

This module is designed to assist students to prepare for on-the-job training and career planning. Upon completion of this module, students will possess values and abilities which demonstrate maturity, good judgment, effective communication and teamwork, as well as the skills necessary to provide a safe and healthy working environment. Students will have the skills necessary to write professional resumes, cover letters, understand job search techniques, interview skills and the importance of professional ethics and image.

Legal Business Communications

Communication and the ability to deal comfortably with clients are very important assets for a Paralegal.  Students must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of individuals, in a number of situations. This section of the program will assist the students to master the principles of excellent communications using practical, real-life applications. Upon completion of this program, students will have the ability to effectively communicate with clients both orally and in written communications. Topics covered: letter writing, legal documents, spelling, proofreading, oral presentations, written assignments.

Corporate Law and Drafting of Same

Upon completion of this section, students will have a sound knowledge of the laws governing incorporations and business entities. Topics covered: incorporation of Nova Scotia Company, share certificates, extra and inter provincial companies, Registry of Joint Stock Companies responsibilities and website searches, annual renewals, types of businesses, starting a business in Nova Scotia, and use of REGIS system.

Wills, Estates Law and Drafting of Same

Topics covered: probate procedures, wills, codicils, powers of attorney, living trust and trust agreements.

Paralegal Field Training

The on-the-job training will consist of 210 hours and is an important component of the program. Designed to provide students the opportunity to utilize and expand on classroom training. Students must successfully complete all modules to qualify for on the job training.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.

Call Toll Free 1-800-662-3991

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

CURRICULUM

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Two letters of reference
• Resume
• Mature Student Status
• Personal interview with Admissions Representative

Pricing Fall 2010

• Tuition: $11,900.00
• Teaching Aids: $885.65
• Total Cost: $12,785.65

• Introduction To Canadian Law
• Legal Research And Writing
• Criminal Law 
• Drafting Civil Law
• Civil Procedures
• Insurance and Personal Litigation
• Drafting Personal Litigation
• Tort Law
• Family Law
• Drafting Family Law
• Real Estate Law
• Drafting Real Estate Law
• Legal Office Administration
• Computer Applications
• Professional Development
• Legal Business Communications
• Accounting
• Corporate Law
• Drafting Corporate Law
• Wills And Estates Law
• Drafting Wills and Estates

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

• Legal Firms
• Courthouse Facilities
• Department of Justice
• Land Registration
• Legal Administrative Assistant
• Insurance Companies
• Companies with Legal Departments

Class Hours

Classes are 7.5 hours per day Monday to Thursday. The students receive 30 hours per week of classroom instruction. In addition to classroom instruction the students must complete a Practicum period of 210 hours within a law firm environment.

The students have a winter and spring break, statutory holidays. Class may also be held off campus for practical instruction if required.

Instructors

Instructors are approved by the Department of Education, Private Career Colleges Division, to have the qualifications, education and experience to deliver the training materials in specific subjects.

Attendance

Students must not fall below 90% attendance or they will not be permitted to graduate. The Policies outline the penalties for late work, retesting, plagiarism and absenteeism.

Pass Mark

Students must obtain a passing grade, minimum in each module to qualify for graduation.

Instructional Methodology

The methods of instruction link the theory to the practice. The features of actual teaching and learning practices are delivered in classroom and in the work environment. Delivery of instruction can be in any of the following methods:

• Lectures presenting the factual information
• Lectures with discussion among the students allowing for clarification of issues, debate and challenge
• Expert guest speakers who bring the practical to the student
• Group or teamwork directed by the instructor/facilitator, allowing for full participation of the students
• Audio/visual delivery through instructional material
• PowerPoint presentations, overheads, videos, and audiotapes
• Role-playing allows a facilitator to set the stage with a life imitating scenarios and train the students how to react or conduct themselves in accordance within company protocols, ethics and the industry
• Studies, reports, papers all to factually research information and prepare the results for presentation
• Students will study the rationale and requirements of producing and completing legal instruments/documents. They will also be introduced to Hot Docs, WordPerfect and a full record of all forms used in this industry.
• Field visits to the Registry of Deeds, Law Courts and law libraries
• Specialized training in online, legal research.
• To graduate, students require a proficiency of 55 wpm typing speed with 95% accuracy and know machine transcription.

Professional Development training includes public relations, customer service, teamwork, and time management.

Paralegals must have knowledge of accounting and therefore they will become versed in accounting principles and posting through PC Law.

Accounting

This module is designed to introduce students to business accounting and the accounting cycle. Upon completion of this module, students will have all of the knowledge necessary to efficiently complete all aspects of a basic accounting system. Topics in this module will include recording business transactions, adjusting and closing entries, financial statements, PC Law, trust and general accounts, time sheets, lawyer’s billable hours, pre-bills/invoice prep., petty cash, cheque writing, terminology and principles.

Introduction to Canadian Law

This module will provide the students with the basic principles of Canadian Law. Students will examine the structures, names, individuals, and institutions involved in the administration of justice in Canada. Topics include: our legal and judicial system, law, society, and morality, law and politics, legal ethics.

Legal Research and Writing

This module will provide students with the fundamentals of writing well in legal style as well as legal terminology and legal research. Legal research will develop the techniques of both manual and computerized research plus provide an over-view of the various sources of law and the use of a legal library. Topics include: fundamentals of legal writing, terminology, legal drafting, computerized and manual legal research, arguments and analysis of case law, statute law, constitutional law.

Criminal Law

This unit provides basic overview of criminal law concepts and will include a study of the procedural steps required to investigate and prosecute criminal behaviour. Defense tactics will also be discussed. Upon completion of this unit, the students will have a sound knowledge of criminal law and the process involved from the crime to the sentencing, plus the research and legal documents required. Topics include: presumption of innocence, the criminal law of Canada, the nature of crime, investigation, arrest, trial procedures, evidence and appeals, sentencing, young offenders, charter of rights, criminal code and adult offenders.

Civil Law/Personal Litigation/Insurance/Drafting

When someone is intentionally, or by negligence, hurting you, legal theory has it that you can sue and receive compensation. This is called a “Tort”. This module will provide an overview of the steps taken as the case progresses from issuing the writ to the trial. Upon completion of this section of the program, the students will fully understand the procedural process of a lawsuit, plus prepare and process the required legal documents. Topics include: Civil Procedure Rules, Lectures on various court levels, Statute of Limitations regarding actions, Tour of Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Litigation procedures. Class will have a complete law firm litigation file when finished this section.

Family Law and Drafting of Same

This module provides an overview of the laws affecting families. Emphasis will be placed on the legal implications of family breakdown and child welfare. Topics to be covered: requirements of a valid marriage, essential validity, domestic contracts, common law relationships, divorce proceedings, spousal support, child custody and access.

Real Estate Law and Drafting of Same

This module provides an overview of real estate law with an emphasis on the law affecting title to land. Topics covered include the history and nature of ownership of real property, estates in land, transfer of title to land, conveyance of real property on death, encumbrances against land, legal descriptions, plans of subdivision and surveys, marketable title, adverse possession, objections to title, and legal drafting. Upon completion of this section of the program, the students will be proficient in the process of title searching and registration of property. Topics to be covered: zoning, tax considerations, surveys, titles searches, obligation, interest and mortgages, agreements of sale and purchase, closings, migration procedures.

Legal Office Procedures

This module is designed to provide students with up-to-date training in the office procedures methods and equipment presently utilized in a legal office environment. Upon completion of this module, students will have the knowledge and skills required to competently complete all the tasks required in the day-to-day operation of a legal office. Topics covered include: filing and records management, proofreading, letter, memo, and document preparation, office equipment, telephone procedures and miscellaneous office procedures.

Computer Applications

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the popular software packages presently in use in legal offices. Both Intermediate and Advanced operations and functions will be employed through practical exercises. Upon completion of this module, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to process all the required documents using the computer efficiently and quickly.

Professional Development

This module is designed to assist students to prepare for on-the-job training and career planning. Upon completion of this module, students will possess values and abilities which demonstrate maturity, good judgment, effective communication and teamwork, as well as the skills necessary to provide a safe and healthy working environment. Students will have the skills necessary to write professional resumes, cover letters, understand job search techniques, interview skills and the importance of professional ethics and image.

Legal Business Communications

Communication and the ability to deal comfortably with clients are very important assets for a Paralegal.  Students must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of individuals, in a number of situations. This section of the program will assist the students to master the principles of excellent communications using practical, real-life applications. Upon completion of this program, students will have the ability to effectively communicate with clients both orally and in written communications. Topics covered: letter writing, legal documents, spelling, proofreading, oral presentations, written assignments.

Corporate Law and Drafting of Same

Upon completion of this section, students will have a sound knowledge of the laws governing incorporations and business entities. Topics covered: incorporation of Nova Scotia Company, share certificates, extra and inter provincial companies, Registry of Joint Stock Companies responsibilities and website searches, annual renewals, types of businesses, starting a business in Nova Scotia, and use of REGIS system.

Wills, Estates Law and Drafting of Same

Topics covered: probate procedures, wills, codicils, powers of attorney, living trust and trust agreements.

Paralegal Field Training

The on-the-job training will consist of 210 hours and is an important component of the program. Designed to provide students the opportunity to utilize and expand on classroom training. Students must successfully complete all modules to qualify for on the job training.

Note: Due to industry demands, all modules are subject to change.

Call Toll Free 1-800-662-3991