FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS LEGAF-CT Legal Assistant

An error has occurred

Overview

  • 11-month certificate program
  • July entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Practicum experience (150 hours)

Description

Develop the necessary skills for an entry-level administration position in a legal setting.

You will learn how to prepare legal documentation for real estate, civil litigation, wills and estates, domestic and family law, business, and appeals. You will also gain hands-on experience through the program’s practicum component.

This may be an ideal program for those re-entering the workforce or developing a new career path in the legal profession.

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within six weeks of the start date of the program, this item is due within 5 days of applying

Upon acceptance into the program, submit an Adult Criminal Record Vulnerable Sector Check (ACRVS), dated no more than six months prior to attending the practicum. See CO-OP/Practicum Information for details.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit of:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S) (excluding Accounting 40S)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter.
    • If you completed your education outside of Canada or the United States, do not submit your international academic credentials until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and

  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Have you successfully completed the equivalent of three years of full-time secondary (high school) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction? To view a list of ELR exempt countries click here.
    • Approved English language assessments and required levels for this program are:
      • Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Certificate - exit Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels from an English as a second language (ESL) program:
        Listening 8, Speaking 8, Reading 8, Writing 8 
        or
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic):
        Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5
        or
      • Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST):
        Listening 4.5,  Speaking 4.5,  Reading 4.5,  Writing 4.5
      • If completing an assessment, we strongly advise you complete it before submitting your application to ensure you meet language requirements and can submit your results within 30 days of applying.
      • Assessment results must be dated within two years of your application date.
      • After confirming you’ve met English language requirements through your assessment results, the College will send you an e-mail requesting submission of your transcripts. 
        and

      3.   Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Academic Requirement
    • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in one credit in each of the following courses:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter.
    • If you completed your education outside of Canada or the United States, do not submit your international academic credentials until requested to do so. See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and

  2. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2 and 3


Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.

Practicum Prerequisites

  1. Successfully complete all theory courses
  2. Submit an Adult Criminal Record Vulnerable Sector Check (ACRVS) document that is dated no more than six months prior to you attending the practicum. You must submit the original documents, not copies. For further information, see: Police Information Check

English Language Assessments

English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
8888
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
60606060
CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
8888
Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

0*0*0*0*
IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
6.56.56.56.5
LSI (Language Studies International)
6.56.56.56.5
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
58585858
Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
6.56.56.56.5
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
6.56.56.56.5
TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
20201924

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Jul 07, 2025 Apply Now

Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

Program/Student Fees
Year 1
$11,442.001
Books and Supplies
Year 1
$1,500.00
Program/Student Fees (International)
Year 1
$16,366.00
1Includes Health and Dental Fees

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Program Outline

Core Legal Courses

BUSA-1106 Legal Office Applications

BUSA-1041 Real Property

BUSA-1048 Corporate & Commercial Law

BUSA-1034 Civil Litigation

BUSA-1107 Legal Transcription

BUSA-1163 Wills and Estates

BUSA-1072 Family Law

Administrative Courses

BUSA-1157  Teambuilding

MATH-1004  Business Math

BUSA-1026  Bookkeeping and Accounting for Small Business

ACCT-1088  Simply Accounting

BUSA-1031  Business Law 1

COMM-1173 Communication Strategies

COMM-2172 Communication for the Workplace

COMM-2174 Communication for Business

Computer Courses

COMP-1388 Computer Keyboarding

COMP-1975 Business Computing

COMP-2053 MS Word Advanced

PRAC-1023  Legal Assistant Practicum (final course) 150 hour

Total Program Time - Approximately 1012 hours

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ACCT-1088Simply Accounting (PC)
More Information

By using Sage 50 software, you will develop an understanding on how to enter business transactions into the general ledger, prepare and adjust entries, and print out financial statements. Sage 50 is used for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and inventory.

Prerequisites:
BUSA-1026Bookkeeping and Accounting for a Small Business
More Information

Study the practical side of bookkeeping and accounting, and learn to identify basic internal control procedures. Become familiar with the recording process, ledgers and trial balance, financial statements and closing entries, cash and how to control it, accounts receivable, inventory and salaries.

BUSA-1031Business Law 1
More Information

Investigate the world of business law, beginning with an introduction to the Canadian legal system and the administration of justice. Learn about everything from torts to title of goods, and bankruptcy to basis for liability. Review the requirements for a valid contract, factors that may render a contract invalid or unenforceable, and ways in which a contract may legally be discharged.

BUSA-1034Civil LitigationRPL
More Information

Students will be provided with the basic theory and practical considerations regarding Civil Litigation. They will prepare documents required to commence and serve a Small Claims, commence an Action, and make a motion for Default Judgment. Students will learn the fundamentals of the Appeal system, including decisions made with The Court of King’s Bench and The Court of Appeal of Manitoba. Jurisdictions and decisions of The Federal Court of Canada and The Supreme Court of Canada will also be covered.

BUSA-1041Real PropertiesRPL
More Information

Students will develop their understanding of the theory and practice of urban and rural, residential and commercial, real property, including sales and purchases; mortgages and other security; taxes, caveats, and other encumbrances; and leases and other dispositions. Students will learn to manage real estate files and handle trust funds.

BUSA-1048Corporate and Commercial LawRPL
More Information

Students will become familiar with the different types of business entities lawyers are instructed to create, maintain, finance and sell. The students will study basic concepts of different business organizations and their practical implementation. A core component of the Legal Administrative Assistant Program, this course stresses valuable fundamental skills to complete and file requisite government forms and perform searches to create maintain, finance and sell a business.

BUSA-1072Family LawRPL
More Information

An introduction to Domestic/Family law, including Separation, Divorce, custody of children and division of marital property. Students will learn to prepare divorce materials under each of the three grounds for divorce, and in both contested and uncontested actions.

Prerequisites:
BUSA-1106Legal Office ApplicationsRPL
More Information

This course will assist the student to become more familiar with daily procedures common to most modern businesses and more specifically to the legal office.  the student will study basic office functions and general business practices, together with routine law office and management.  A core component of the Legal Administrative Assistant program, this course stresses valuable fundamental skills such as organization, telephone techniques, dealing with clients and making appointments, scheduling meetings, handling mail and other information transfers, managing accounts and billing clients, preparing standard legal documents and correspondence.

BUSA-1107Legal TranscriptionRPL
More Information

In this practical course, students will learn to transcribe legal documents from dictated communications.  To develop efficiency and accuracy, listening skills and motor skills for the operation of the keyboard will be emphasized.

BUSA-1157Team Building
More Information

Discover the concepts surrounding the need to work effectively as a team member. Look at the necessity of teamwork in today’s workplace and explore the concept of team synergy. Examine your impact on team behaviour and vice-versa. Topics include team stress, team effectiveness, motivation and conflict within a team. Learn effective strategies and techniques to create a strong team organization and supportive environment.

BUSA-1163Wills and EstatesRPL
More Information

Students will be provided with detailed information about Wills, and the three types of Estates that can be created when someone dies. Examples of each are then included in the materials, as well as how to wind-up an Estate when all the debts have been paid and all the assets distributed.

COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
More Information

Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

COMM-2172Communication for the WorkplaceRPL
More Information

This foundational course focuses on essential communication skills for entering and advancing in industry. Students will develop skills for effective resumes, cover letters, and job interviews that are tailored to the specific needs of prospective employers. Additionally, students will enhance their interpersonal skills and digital fluency while applying speaking, writing, and collaboration techniques crucial for job searching, adapting to new roles, and achieving long-term career goals. Students will also develop strategies for continuous learning to remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.

COMM-2174Communication for Business
More Information

In this business-sector communication course, students will continue to develop their ability to communicate effectively with their peers and stakeholders. Students will strengthen their collaboration skills to accomplish shared goals and practice negotiation and persuasion in a team context to reduce, prevent, and manage conflict. Through engaging project-based learning, students will also demonstrate their ability to collect, manage, and share information across various communication channels. These skills will prepare students for real world challenges and opportunities in business providing them essential tools to succeed in their professional careers.

Prerequisites:
COMP-1388Computer Keyboarding
More Information

Learn a new skill, improve your technique or increase your words per minute. Review proper keyboarding technique, letters of the alphabet, numbers, shift keys (caps) and tabulation.

COMP-1975Business ComputingRPL
More Information

Business Computing is a hands-on course in which students develop skills in the use of current Microsoft productivity software. Topics include introductory and intermediate skills in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as the integration of these applications.

COMP-2053Word 2010 Advanced
More Information

This course will expand on mail merge features, explore desktop publishing and introduce advanced features in document referencing.  Specific skills for the creation of online forms, master and sub documents and macros will be examined.  The production of detailed tables with matching charts will be developed, as well as associated Word tools such as the track changes, document protections, outlines and field insertions.
*If you are taking courses by distance delivery, you must have access to a computer with the appropriate Microsoft Office software.

Prerequisites:
MATH-1004Business Math
More Information

Develop the mathematical skills necessary to handle basic quantitative material found in other courses. Review basic arithmetic and algebraic operations. Study the application ratio, proportion, and percent to business problems, such as commissions and fees, taxes, and income statement analysis. Become familiar with handling financial mathematics topics like simple interest and discount, bank discounts, equivalent payment and negotiable instruments. Emphasis will be on main concepts rather than arithmetic.

PRAC-1023Legal Assistant PracticumRPL
More Information

In this course, students will participate in a 150-hour practicum placement in a legal office setting. Practicum placements will be arranged by Red River College Polytechnic with appropriate legal organizations.


CO-OP/Practicum Information

This program integrates classroom theory with related on-the-job training by featuring a 150-hour practicum course at the end of the program in May. The College will arrange your placement within the Manitoba legal community.

To be eligible for the practicum, you must:
  1. Successfully complete all theory courses
  2. Submit an Adult Criminal Record Vulnerable Sector Check (ACRVS) document that is dated no more than six months prior to you attending the practicum. You must submit the original documents, not copies. For further information, see:  Police Information Check
Students are responsible for reporting any changes in criminal record to the Program Manager.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

The use of laptop computers is an integral part of the program. It will enhance your learning and competitiveness in the job market. It is mandatory to bring your own laptop. The minimum laptop requirements are as follows:

  • Processor operating at 1.0 GHz or higher (2.0 GHz recommended)
  • 512 MB of RAM (1 GB recommended)
  • 2 GB hard disk space (additional 1GB needed for installation)
  • Internet Explorer 11.0 or later
  • Microsoft® supported version of Windows®: Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 (with the latest updates from Microsoft)
  • 256-colour or higher SVGA monitor, minimum resolution of 1024 x 768
  • Forms that can be sent via email require MAPI-compliant email client, Internet connection, email service, and word processor
  • Word and Excel integration 64-bit versions of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel 2013 or 2016
  • Outlook synchronization requires 64-bit versions of Microsoft Outlook® 2013 or 2016 (Premium and higher)
  • High-speed internet connection
  • Wireless card

Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate personal professionalism through a strong work ethic, reliability, integrity, adaptability, the desire to learn, and the ability to solve problems and work independently
  • Display interpersonal skills by respecting and empathizing with others, following instructions, asking clarifying questions, accepting and giving feedback, and participating on teams
  • Demonstrate excellent verbal, non-verbal, written and listening skills with lawyers, clients and co-workers by using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, tone, structure, and legal terminology
  • Work within legal processes for areas of law including corporate and commercial, real estate, family, civil litigation, wills and estates, and criminal
  • Complete legal documents, standard forms, and document and minute books from verbal or written instructions, transcription, or precedents
  • Demonstrate confidence and initiative by effectively recording information and handling  telephone calls and incoming and outgoing mail and courier transactions
  • Organize, diarize, and prioritize to manage schedules, appointments, and files and to meet deadlines
  • Create, organize, and maintain paper and electronic files and filing systems including file closure, retrieval, archiving, and destruction
  • Perform online and paper due diligence searches
  • Keyboard accurately at 50 words per minute
  • Use office equipment and technology including Microsoft Office Suite and accounting software proficiently, and adapt to new software in the workplace
  • Manage documents by tracking changes, creating new versions, and following naming conventions
  • Support law office accounting procedures by tracking time and disbursements, preparing invoices, and handling checks
  • Comply with Law Society and law office regulations and policies by working within scope of occupation, conducting conflict searches, following trust account and identification verification rules; and maintain confidentiality

Recognition of Prior Learning


Other Information

2014 Program Changes:

  • Bookkeeping and Accounting for Small Business (BUSA-1026) replaces Accounting 1 (ACCT-1008)
  • Business Computing (COMP-1975) replaces Introduction to Computers (COMP-1081), MS Word (COMP-1159), MS Excel (COMP-1128)

Graduation Requirements

You must complete your program within four years from the start of the first course in the program, unless otherwise stated in the program outline.

To graduate, you must complete all core legal courses with a minimum mark of 70%, which equals a grade of B. 

You also must successfully pass three tests which each verify a corrected keyboarding speed of 50 words per minute.

A program GPA of 2.0 (60%) is required to graduate.

You will not be granted more than 75% of credit requirements for graduation through transfer of credit.

When you have successfully completed all the required courses in this program, be sure to apply for your certificate. For complete details on applying to graduate and convocation, see rrc.ca/convocation.

Questions about graduation? Please call 204-694-1789 or 1-866-242-7073 for assistance.

Graduation with Honours
If you obtain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or better for the program, you will graduate with honours.  If you fail any course in the program, you will not be eligible for this honours designation.

Employment Potential

Graduates will be prepared for employment within the Manitoba legal community as legal administrative assistants.

For employment opportunities and statistics, visit the Government of Canada's Career Tool.
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
Page produced on 2024-12-13 12:06:39
Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.