Law Clerk

This course provides a general overview of the development of legal principles, rights, and responsibilities in the Canadian context, and how they may be applied to selected areas of law that form the substance of other courses in the Law Clerk program. A look at the sources and divisions of law leads into an examination of the Constitution, including its historical development, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in particular. The course also examines the structure and organization of government in Canada. The executive, legislative and judicial branches are examined, together with contemporary issues in Canadian politics. The structure of the court system is introduced, as are administrative and regulatory bodies. The process by which legislation is developed and implemented is examined. The ethical obligations and roles of legal professionals to the public is provided, as well as the governance by the provincial Law Society.

This course introduces students to the theories and principles that govern creation and transfer of various forms of interests in both personal property and real property in Ontario. A solid understanding of property law concepts is essential for a law clerk as this subject forms the basis for many other areas of law. The course traces the history of property principles and concentrates on definition and classification of current property interests. In addition to examining the various forms of property ownership, students explore the legal restrictions on individual property rights. Further, students study key pieces of legislation that affects property interests in Ontario. A special emphasis is placed on understanding indigenous systems of property in Canada.

This course examines foundational substantive and procedural issues relating to the practice of civil litigation in Ontario. Students acquire knowledge and skills related to the law and procedure of a civil proceeding in the Superior Court of Justice with particular emphasis on the Rules of Civil Procedure including drafting pleadings, service of court documents, discoveries, motions, and pretrial procedures.

This course introduces students to basic forms of communication in the context of the legal profession: written and oral, formal and informal. Students acquire the skills they need to express themselves clearly and concisely in a legal context. Emphasis is placed on developing the rudiments of good writing and legal analysis. Students learn the principles of law office correspondence, memos, reports and summarizing and paraphrase. Students develop active and engaged listening skills to ensure their success in the field of law. Oral, non-verbal, and intercultural communication skills are accentuated. Further, students explore foundational research principles and develop skills related to specialized legal research.

This course provides an introduction to standard computer applications commonly used in a legal office environment, focusing on enabling students to work efficiently and productively. The fundamentals of word processing in MS Word will be applied in the context of legal correspondence, memoranda, and basic legal documents, using correct formatting, spelling, and grammar. Students learn to create professional spreadsheets through Excel. Personal information management systems are also introduced. Emphasis will be placed on building strong and accurate keyboarding and formatting skills. In addition to business software applications, students will become acquainted with professional standards regarding communication by electronic mail and through social media.

In this course, students develop a fundamental understanding of the various legal entities, including public, private and not-for-profit organizations, as vehicles to carry on business. The course combines a theoretical consideration of the financial laws governing corporations with a detailed analysis of procedures for creating a corporation, carrying on its affairs and winding up its affairs when its usefulness has ended. An emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of shareholders, members, directors, and officers. Students learn the legal requirements of annual and special meetings of shareholders/members. Further, students explore various types of financing available to these organizations including both debt and equity financing.

Prerequisite: BLAW1001

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of Ontario's inheritance laws and associated procedural matters such as the preparation of wills and powers of attorney documents. Steps in the administration of estates of deceased persons, both testate and intestate, are studied in detail, including the application for certificate of appointment of estate trustees. Estate and trust planning in general receives some consideration, as well as tax issues arising on death. In addition, the course examines various topics in estate mediation and estate litigation.

This course presents a summary of the main principles of criminal law, together with a survey of the frequently encountered crimes and defences under the Criminal Code. Students explore both substantive and procedural elements in criminal cases from the laying of the charge through to trial and conviction or acquittal, together with sentencing and appeals. Youth criminal justice is examined in detail. Students also explore contemporary issues and cases in Canadian criminal law.

This course provides students with the skills necessary to research relevant law for lawyers and clients. Students explore research in case law, regulatory and statutory sources, and secondary sources. The course includes training in both traditional and electronic research resources. In addition, students learn effective methods for presenting research findings and incorporating them into firm and client files.

Prerequisite(s): COMM121

This course develops students' skills within the context of specialized legal procedures. These skills are required to produce legal documents relating to the law clerk's areas of responsibility, including legal correspondence and litigation, corporate law, real estate, wills and estates, and family law. Students learn legal concepts and applications relating to these fields of law and become skilled at completing a variety of legal forms and documents. Through activities such as the study of theory and practical assignments, students are exposed to a wide range of software applications relevant to Law Clerks.

Prerequisite(s): COMP59

This course builds upon the previously-learned foundational substantive and procedural issues relating to the practice of civil litigation in Ontario. Students continue to acquire knowledge and skills related to the law and procedure of a civil proceeding in the Superior Court of Justice, including offers to settle, trial preparation and conduct, appeals, and costs. Alternative dispute resolution is also explored. In addition, students apply their knowledge through the preparation and conduct of moot court exercises.

Prerequisite(s): BLAW1004

Students are introduced to basic accounting concepts in the legal profession. Students become familiar with record-keeping requirements as found in the Law Society Act, the Law Society of Ontario By-Laws and the Rules of Professional Conduct as they relate and apply to law practice management. Students also learn how to record, report and analyze basic accounting transactions using PC Law software. Particular emphasis is given to time entries, disbursements, trust funds, billing, and matter management.

This course examines in detail the rules, procedures and jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court in Ontario together with select adminstrative tribunals and agencies. Students follow a hypothetical client's path through the front door of a law office, to the preparation of and the defense of a claim, service of documents, preparation for and attendance at trial, enforcement of the judgment and the Rules of the Small Claims Court that apply at each stage. The distinguishing features of the Small Claims Court and administrative agencies and tribunals are reviewed along with general principles of advocacy and administrative law.

Prerequisite(s): BLAW 1007

This course enables students to develop their legal research skills as they conduct an in-depth examination of a specific and topical area of law. In the context of producing a formal legal memorandum, students locate, analyze, and synthesize primary and secondary sources related to their chosen subject. The mechanics of formal legal writing, including proofreading and documentation, are explored in detail.

Prerequisite(s): BLAW1019

This course expands on students' knowledge of selected current software packages and focuses on the practical hands-on software applications found in law offices. These software packages enable students to produce legal documents in proper format by a specified deadline using applied computer technology. These skills are required to produce legal documents relating to the law clerk's responsibility in the areas of legal correspondence and accounting, family law, litigation, estates, and real estate law. Students learn applications relating to these areas of law and become skilled at completing a variety of legal forms and documents. Through a combination of theory and practical assignments based on the selected software packages, students develop a wide range of technical skills relevant to the career of a law clerk.

Prerequisite(s): COMP3023

In this field placement course, students have the opportunity to apply the theoretical, technical, and procedural knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the program. Students work in a professional legal environment and interact with other legal professionals and clients, producing legal documentation, reviewing client files, conducting file-specific research, observing in-office meetings and courtroom procedures, and completing other duties as assigned by the placement site supervisor.

Prerequisite(s): CARE50

This course assists students with preparation for their field placement and subsequent employment in the legal environment. Through a series of career development workshops, students gain the skills necessary for a successful job search, beginning with the preparation of cover letters and resumes directed to a variety of law clerk positions. Students are introduced to interview skills, and gain an understanding of themselves as applicants transitioning into potential employees in the legal environment. Students are obliged to seek out and obtain an appropriate placement opportunity that will further their learning and career development and enable them to proceed to their final placement course.

This course examines both substantive and procedural issues relating to the practice of family law in Ontario. Students acquire knowledge and skills related to the law and procedure of marriage, divorce, custody, access, spousal support, child support and the property rights between married spouses in Ontario. An emphasis is placed on procedural skills and application of family law. Students explore legislation and contemporary issues of family law in Ontario.

Prerequisites: BLAW1001 and BLAW1004