A Law Clerk Diploma is the Best Way to Ensure Success as a Toronto Law Clerk

If things like court procedures, the court system and jurisdictional rules interest you, then a career as a law clerk may be the route to take. More specifically, in Canada, there are two types of law clerks: trial and appellate. Appellate law clerks are responsible for researching and analyzing complex issues in civil and criminal appeals. They also inform the judge and legal staff of the legal issues of a case prior to oral arguments. Meanwhile, trial law clerks help judges with settlement conferences and discovery disputes. They also review briefs submitted by the parties, perform legal research, verify cited legal authority and draft a variety of legal documents. Both types of law clerks make recommendations regarding the disposition of appeals and may heavily influence a judge’s decision. The position is one of the most sought-after careers in the legal industry. However, to obtain a job and be successful, a Law Clerk Diploma is essential.

At Centennial College, students can study in the two-year Law Clerk Program, which results in an Ontario College Diploma. In order to apply, students must be able to prove that they have 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.

Centennial College’s Law Clerk program is actually accredited by the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO). This accreditation ensures that students are acquiring the skills necessary to practice in this field. Within the program, there is a wide range of courses that focus on career-oriented assignments in conjunction with computer legal software courses. These courses include: Strategies for Business Success, Current Issues in Canadian Law, Family Law, Legal Research and Writing Skills, Government Boards and Agencies and more. The in-school learning is balanced with a four-day-per-week work placement during which students spend time in a law, corporate or government office during the final semester of the Law Clerk diploma program.

In order to graduate and become a Toronto Law Clerk, students must achieve an overall 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. Upon graduation, most Toronto Law Clerks begin their careers by applying for judicial clerkships. Provincial superior and appellate courts hire at least one clerk for each judge. The term typically lasts a year and is a great way to enter the field.

Become a Toronto Law Clerk by Obtaining a Law Clerk Diploma

What is the job of a law clerk? It's a question to which many of us have a partial answer. But one thing is for sure, there is much more to this legal profession than clerical tasks. Skilled law clerks are actually imperative in collaborating with judges throughout the entire litigation process and assisting them in making informed decisions. The position is one of the most sought-after careers in the legal industry. However, before a job can be attained, a Law Clerk Diploma is essential. Upon graduation, most Canadian clerks begin their careers by applying for judicial clerkships. Provincial superior and appellate courts hire at least one clerk for each judge. The term typically lasts a year and is a great way to enter the field.

Centennial College offers an extraordinary opportunity for students to obtain a highly respected and sought-after Law Clerk Diploma. The wide range of law courses that emphasize career-oriented assignments, in conjunction with computer legal software courses, will give you the skills to make you employable in this legal profession. In addition, there is a four-day-a-week work placement in a law, corporate or government office during the final semester of Centennial’s Law Clerk diploma program. Lastly, faculty members are lawyers and other law office professionals who can share anecdotes and personal experiences.

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to this diploma program to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Academic requirements include 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. In order to graduate, law clerk students must achieve: an overall 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.

But what specific skills must a Toronto Law Clerk possess and what tasks does he or she perform? In general, a solid understanding of diverse areas of the law, court procedures, jurisdictional rules and the court system is required. On a daily basis, law clerks research and analyze complicated issues in civil and criminal courts, assist judges in courtroom proceedings and manage exhibits submitted into evidence. They must also be strong communicators to interact with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants and the public.

There is, however, a difference between a trial and appellate law clerk. Trial law clerks help judges with settlement conferences and discovery disputes. They also review briefs submitted by the parties, perform legal research, verify cited legal authority and draft a variety of legal documents. Therefore, superior writing skills are required. On the other hand, appellate law clerks research and analyze complex legal issues in civil and criminal appeals. They also educate the judge and legal staff on the legal issues of a case prior to oral arguments. Law clerks, in general, have great power because they make recommendations regarding the disposition of appeals and may heavily influence a judge’s decision.

For more information visit Centennial College's, Toronto Law Clerk page

Centennial College offers Full-time Program In Law Clerk

In today's competitive job market, employers are seeking to hire graduates that are highly specialized and well trained. You can't afford to waste your time with an education that won’t help you get the job you want. At Centennial College, all our programs are geared for success.

As part of your program, you will not only learn how to use the latest cutting edge tools, but you will also learn how to apply the latest principles from business professionals. To compliment your classroom learning, you will also get hands-on experience in the labs.

Centennial's staff not only believes in providing students with the best possible teaching experience, but also offers the best guidance and career advice.

Program Overview

Centennial College’s Law Clerk Diploma program is accredited by the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO) and provides an excellent opportunity for students to acquire the skills necessary to practice in this field.

A wide variety of law courses, in conjunction with computer legal software courses, will fully prepare you for employment in the legal profession.

A unique feature of Centennial’s program is a four-day-per week work placement in the final semester. This work placement provides invaluable work experience and will allow you to apply your knowledge to real-life legal situations.

Admission Requirements

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to certificate or diploma programs to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Academic Requirements

* Compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent
* Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent

Graduation Requirements

* Overall minimum GPA of 2.0
* Minimum C grade average
* Minimum C grade in COMM-170
* Minimum keyboarding speed of 40 wpm

The qualification requirements and costs for each external accreditation, designation, certification or recognition are set by the granting body and not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies.


Source : Law Clerk Program, Centennial College, Toronto