Law Clerk LCK

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Literacy Grade 12 English (U) is strongly recommended.  Advanced writing skills are essential.High school courses in law and business communication are good preparation for this program.

Math & Science Grade 12 Math is recommended to ensure applicants have the ability to do business math functions such as decimal equivalents, percentages, and simple interest.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, keyboarding skills). Comfort with technology; able to learn and adapt to new computer applications easily with minimal supervision, able to keyboard at 40 net words per minute.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Enjoy working with a high attention to detail and procedural requirements
• The ability to maintain accuracy
• Enjoy keeping current on events and news
• Personal integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Enjoy meeting and interacting with people
• Able to get along with a variety of individuals, some with strong opinions and personalities
• Able to think clearly and maintain objectivity
• May be exposed to the negative aspects of society and must be able to maintain a professional distance
• High degree of responsibility, maturity, conscientiousness
• Self-motivated and self-disciplined; able to set and meet deadlines and thrive in pressure-filled environments
• The ability to work independently with little supervision
• Good organization and time management skills
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Legal Assistant; Law (Judicial) clerk; Title Conveyancer; Legal Software Trainer; Contract Administrator; Litigation Assistant/Clerk; Corporate Clerk; Legal Researcher; or a Court Clerk.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Often work standard office hours; overtime may be required when court runs overtime and/or when court/business deadlines are imminent
• Travel may be required with circuit court
• Able to work with high productivity in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment or legal requirements
• Continuous learning is mandatory

Places you may find yourself employed include

Law firms, corporate legal departments, registry office, real estate companies, financial institutions, insurance companies, legal technology providers, title insurance companies, or federal, provincial and municipal governments.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Judicial clerk

• Reviewing and filing pleadings, petitions and other documents relevant to court actions
• Contacting witnesses, lawyers and litigants (parties of a law suit) to obtain information for the court
• Searching files to answer inquiries and to obtain information for the court
• Answering inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees and payment of fines
• Entering court results in computer systems
• Assessing court fees according to an established schedule and keeping financial records

Legal assistant

• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database or presentation software to prepare correspondence and legal documents such as deeds, wills, mortgages, contracts, statutory declarations, affidavits, applications and briefs
• Answer the telephone, schedule appointments and meetings, greet visitors and handle administrative and business details
• Set up and maintain records management systems (including classifying and coding electronic and hardcopy files)
• Transcribe correspondence and legal documents from digital recordings or handwritten notes
• Open correspondence (including faxes and e-mail), co-ordinate the flow of information and respond to routine inquiries
• Review and proofread outgoing documents to ensure they are correct and comply with legal procedures
• Access and use online legal resources
• Operate sophisticated office equipment such as voice mail messaging systems, photocopying machines and computer scanning equipment
• Handle routine accounting procedures
• Perform general office duties as required

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Websites with good information for further research on the careers associated with this program

• Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario: Eligible as a student member upon proof of registration in Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario; Able to apply for associate membership upon graduation and 3 years of related work experience with qualifying exams exemption upon presentation of diploma
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates qualify for entry into the Paralegal graduate certificate program
• Credits from the advanced diploma may transfer to a university degree or other college programs at many different schools More information.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024