Overview
A student graduating from the Office Administration - Legal program will graduate with a diploma in Office Administration - Legal, opening the door to a variety of employment opportunities in both the private and public work sectors. Graduate employment rates released in the fall 2019 showed 95%-100% employment.
Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
Technical skills
- Advanced level Office 365/2019 cloud-based computer application skills including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, OneNote etc.
- Outlook 365 - students become proficient in producing professional email communications, creating folders to stay organized, use of Outlook calendar to book appointments and schedule meetings.
- Additional software applications include PCLaw, The Conveyancer, Teraview, Automated Civil Litigation (ACL), Adobe Acrobat DC Pro and Sage 50.
- Students will be required to achieve a keyboarding speed of 50-60 GWPM.
- Students learn to share and edit documents in a cloud-based environment. Using MS Teams, collaboration software students learn how to book, attend and chair virtual meetings.
Soft skills
- Client, patient and customer relationships are built on the use of effective and consistent communication as well as the ability to uphold and maintain confidentiality. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively are skills that are highly valued.
- Employers seek office administrators that are highly organized, forward thinking and have the ability to problem solve. Students have the opportunity to enhance these skills through learning by example with regular classroom exercises and participating in the student work placement experience.
St. Lawrence College is a member of the AACSB Business Education Alliance. Membership in AACSB, and participation in the Business Education Alliance, does not imply Accreditation.
Program Details
Program Highlights
The role of an office administrator has changed and continues to evolve leading to variety of rewarding careers.
The Office Administration - Legal Program prepares graduates for current and future office trends. Experienced faculty prepare students to work in dynamic business environments. Students become extremely computer literate through instructional scaffolding. Faculty provide a supportive and professional environment that allows students to build on their current level of knowledge, which leads to mastery of the skills required in a business office.
Students graduate from the program appreciating the value of being an office administrator and become advocates of the profession during their career.
Program Outline
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
| January Start |
Winter (January – April) |
Spring/Summer (May-August) |
Fall (September – December) |
Winter (January – April) |
| May Start |
Spring/Summer (May-August) |
Fall (September – December) |
Winter (January – April) |
Spring/Summer (May-August) |
| September Start |
Fall (September – December) |
Winter (January – April) |
Fall (September – December) |
Winter (January – April) |
2024-2025
Office procedure skills are essential to support the daily operations of an office environment. The course introduces students to the use of office technology, electronic record keeping, and web-based tools. Students develop professional conduct skills through the use of emails, business presentations, and personal time management.
Effective use of a spreadsheet program is essential to working in an office environment. This course introduces students to basic spreadsheet operations. In computer labs, students perform general computation tasks using spreadsheet software to produce business documents within established deadlines.
Word processing skills are essential to working in an office environment. This course introduces students to the basics of keyboarding and word processing skills and applications. In computer labs students produce basic business documents in a timed setting.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
This course is designed to provide students with systematic knowledge and skills in computerized accounting and office administration. Students are taught in a hands-on environment to journalize accounts receivable, accounts payable, sales, inventory and payroll transactions, prepare bank reconciliations and calculate payroll.
Office procedure skills are essential to support the daily operations of an office environment. This course develops previously learned skills acquired in OFAD 2 Office Procedures I particularly office technology and communication. Further skills taught and practiced include minute taking, scheduling, records management, travel, and finance.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD2 + OFAD90 + OFAD122
Word processing skills are essential to working in an office environment. This course develops intermediate word processing skills and applications building on the skills learned in Introduction to Word Processing. In computer labs students practice producing complex business documents in a timed setting.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD122 + OFAD2 + OFAD90
Effective management of information is an integral part of working in an office environment. Information can come in a variety of forms. This course introduces students to basic database operations, from designing tables and queries to creating forms and reports. In computer labs, students perform general tasks using database software to produce business documents within established deadlines.
Communication skills, including the appropriate use of social media in a business setting, are essential to working in an office environment. Building on general communication skills learned in the first semester of the office administration programs, students practice producing documents for a business setting including minute-taking. In preparation to seek employment in their field, students learn the essentials of resume writing, cover letters, networking and interviewing.
Prerequisite(s): COMM110 OR COMM34
Learners explore individual behaviour and environments in organizations, including such topics as perception, attitudes, work motivation, prevention, and wellness. The study of group dynamics is also addressed, including such topics as team building, leadership, and decision-making. Students also look at organizational structure, culture, and change.
This course is designed to provide students with practical skills in utilizing application software to create integrated projects that address real-world scenarios. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn how to leverage the functionalities of various applications to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and produce professional-quality projects.
Legal office practices and applications are essential for working in a legal services environment. Students apply business and legal concepts in the production and formatting of legal correspondence and documents including civil litigation and estate procedures.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD2 + OFAD3 + OFAD122 + OFAD123
Effective use of a spreadsheet program is essential to working in an office environment. This course expands on the student’s introductory level knowledge of spreadsheets. In computer labs, students perform intermediate computations using spreadsheet software to produce business documents within established deadlines.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD90
In this course, students examine professionalism, self-growth, communication skills, and career readiness. Learners will explore various careers in the field and the intersections of technical and personal competencies required for each. Students will gain skills that support them in job evaluation for their transition from college to the workplace.
N/A
This course is designed to help students succeed in today's workplace. Job search transition, self-advocacy, goal setting and career planning are essential components of career success. Students have the opportunity to utilize various self-assessment tools and techniques to formulate plan of action for a career in office administration demonstrated through a variety of assessments.
An accounting software program is essential to the successful operation of a law office. This course focuses on the practical use of accounting software with attention to the unique aspects of law firm accounting. Through case studies and exercises, students apply basic accounting principles unique to the demands of law offices.
This course is designed to provide students with practical skills in utilizing application software to create integrated projects that address real-world scenarios. Through a hands-on approach, students will learn how to leverage the functionalities of various applications to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and produce professional-quality projects.
Legal office practices and applications are essential for working in a legal services environment. Students will apply business and legal concepts, using specialized software, in the production and formatting of legal documents in the areas of family, corporate, and real estate law.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD122 + OFAD123 + OFAD148 + COMP1018
This course provides an opportunity for students to consolidate their office administration skills by performing the type of work normally completed by a specialized office administrative professional. These skills include but are not limited to paper and electronic filing, creation of specialized business documents, spreadsheet applications, intermediate financial accounting, and other office responsibilities. Additionally students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals in an office setting by demonstrating appropriate communication skills, working collaboratively within a multi-generational and multicultural team, and acting responsibly while completing assigned tasks within deadlines required for the effective operation of a specialized office environment.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Other Requirements
-
Co-op Work Permit (For All International Students Only - students must have this document with proper remarks to begin their placement. If you have any questions, please email isa@sl.on.ca)
Technical Requirements
Students will be working in computer labs during their regular scheduled classes. In order to attend virtual classes or complete homework outside of on-campus delivery, students will be required to have the following technical equipment at home:
- Windows Personal Computer (laptop or PC) (Mac computers are not compatible with all software applications)
- Webcam and microphone
- Printer
- USB – 16 GB minimum
- 2nd computer monitor, external keyboard and mouse
Placement
Student work placements are designed to provide an opportunity for the student to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to an office. This is considered to be one of the most valuable experiences that the student will have during their time at SLC. Students build relationships, deal with clients, and this can often lead to career opportunities upon graduation.
Students are expected to complete a total of three 2-week placements over the two year program and are prepared by faculty to help secure their own community placements in order to increase their networking and communication skills. All placements are reviewed and approved by faculty. Some placement agencies may require a student to submit a resume and participate in an interview prior to confirmation of placement.
Students will be required to complete a variety of placement training modules, Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality and may be required to complete a series of immunizations and/or CPIC - Vulnerable Sector screening, depending on the placement agency's requirements.
Students will be supervised by a faculty member while on placement and faculty will be in communication with the placement agency throughout the student's placement. The placement agency will complete and submit a final placement evaluation on the last day of placement.
A SLC Student Placement Facilitator will notify the placement agency of any specific requirements prior to securing a placement and will provide placement agencies with the required placement documentation.
Some of the most valuable placements in the Kingston community include St. Lawrence College, Queen's University, law firms, Corrections Canada and a variety of other government institutions, provincial and federal courts and non-profit organizations etc.
Questions:
Email: placements@sl.on.ca
Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement
Fees
2024-2025
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the legal stream find challenging positions in law firms, trust companies, real estate firms, legal departments of large corporations, provincial and federal courts and a variety of local business offices.
Testimonials
Other Information
Programs at St. Lawrence College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Program delivery can be run weekdays, weekends or evenings. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided a St. Lawrence College email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Advanced Standing
Applicants with post-secondary credits may be eligible for direct entry to an upper level of the program (semester or year) depending on transfer credits. Select the applicable level when applying at ontariocolleges.ca and ensure that we receive your official post-secondary transcript for consideration. If you are unsure what level to apply for, please contact the program coordinator.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Melinda Vanzanten
MVanzanten@sl.on.ca
613-544-5400, ext.1946
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.