Law Clerk Diploma Program at Centennial College Is One-of-a-Kind

Being able to list experience on your resume upon graduation from your college program is essential in having an edge on the competition. If your interest lies in the Law Clerk field and you want that work experience aspect, your only choice is Centennial College. As Patty-Ann Sullivan, the coordinator and faculty member in this Law Clerk Diploma offering explains, “The most unique feature of this program is we are the only college that offers a four-day-per-week work placement and allows students to have experience to put on their resume.” As a direct result of this unique aspect, Patty-Ann explains possible post-graduation outcomes for students of Centennial College’s Law Clerk offering. “As noted by the name, a Law Clerk is really an assistant to the lawyer. So students are going to work in a law firm … alongside a lawyer in various areas of the law. Some of our students work in the government, and they may have become familiar with the government because of their work placement. Other students work for corporations, in the legal department of those corporations.”

Patty-Ann offers great insight into the very practical nature of the Law Clerk program but let’s take a look at some of the finer details. Firstly, it is important to note that the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO) accredits this offering. Secondly, aside from the work placement feature, students also obtain a balance theory of law and hands-on practice that gives them the knowledge of rules and procedures of law and government, proficiency in speaking and writing English language, knowledge of clerical procedures, and effective personal and customer service. In addition, an emphasis on practical, career-oriented assignments ensures that students are learning about specifics of the field in courses such as: Current Issues in Canadian Law, Computers for Law Clerks, Legal Research and Writing, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Corporate Law, Government Boards and Agencies, Wills and Estates, Debtor-Creditor/Landlord Tenant Law, and more.

Graduation from the Law Clerk program is only possible with a minimum GPA of 2.0, a minimum C grade average, a minimum C grade in COMM-170, and a minimum keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute. Graduates may enter the field or pursue further education. As such, qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow them to apply academic credit towards further study. The Law Clerk program’s partners are Athabasca University, Algoma University and University of New Brunswick.

Those interested in attending the Law Clerk offering are required to have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.