What type of work can I do once I get my Legal Assistant Diploma?
Legal Assistants assist lawyers in carrying out their duties and perform a variety of secretarial and administrative duties in law offices, the legal departments of large organizations, courts, real estate companies and land title offices. Specific examples of Legal Assistant duties include handling real estate transactions, preparing common forms of wills, estates, probate work, collection work, litigation and corporate work. Legal Assistants may also perform general office and clerical duties, especially in the beginning. Students may become members of the Alberta Association of Legal Assistants by applying to the Association.
What is the difference between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal?
This varies from province to province. In Alberta, a legal assistant generally works with one to three lawyers in an administrative capacity, while a paralegal drafts documents for a group of lawyers in a specific practice area (i.e. Corporate Services, Intellectual Property, Immigration, Foreclosures). Generally paralegals are legal assistants who have many years of experience and have worked their way into a paralegal role in their firm. Paralegals bill their time. It is important to note that there is variation from firm to firm about how they define legal assistants and paralegals.
In addition to holding a Legal Assistant Diploma, what other skills will I need to be successful in this profession?
As part of your responsibilities, you will often be dealing directly with the public. As a result, you will be required to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You should also have an eye for detail, excellent spelling and grammar skills, be a problem solver and have strong critical thinking skills.
Where is the program taught?
This program is taught at Bow Valley’s downtown Calgary campus.
What are the job prospects for graduates of this program?
Employment for Legal Assistants in Alberta is projected to grow 1.5 to 2.5% from 2006 to 2011. Research also forecasts that 50 to 100 NEW positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover and retirements.
How much can I expect to earn as a Legal Assistant?
Salaries are variable depending on years of experience and the employer’s salary scale. Legal Secretaries currently earn $33,700 - $52,800 per year with an average salary of $40,200, while Paralegals currently $27,700 - $55,700 per year with an average salary of $42,500. (2007 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.)
Can I transfer any of these credits towards a degree?
Yes. You may transfer credit to the Bachelor of Professional Arts Degree Program at Athabasca University. You may also transfer some of the course credits toward a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the Open Learning Division of Thompson Rivers University in Kamploops.
How long will it take me to complete this program?
The Legal Assistant Diploma Program takes 18 months (4 semesters) to complete.
Will I need to complete a work experience component?
There is a compulsory six-week work experience at the end of the Legal Assistant Program. This work experience will provide you with the opportunity to put your skills to work in an area of special interest to you.
