Certificate in
Legal Administrative Studies

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Certificate in Legal Administrative Studies

Our career-focused, hands-on program introduces you to a number of different areas of law, developing a wide range of highly transferable skills to ensure your success in the workplace.

You’ll learn how to prepare legal documents and work with our experienced instructors, who will prepare you for a rewarding career in a variety of professional environments.

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Why Become a Legal Administrative Assistant?

Have you ever been streaming your favourite legal drama and dreamed about pursuing a career in law? With our Legal Administrative Assistant program you could turn that dream into reality and be working at a law firm in as little as 8 months of starting the program.

The legal industry is a growing sector, attracting people from all walks of life looking for stable, meaningful employment. There are lots of jobs out there for legal administrative assistants and it is a great stepping stone to a career as a paralegal.

And you don't have to be confined working for private law firms or the court house. The law reaches all industries, giving you the flexibility build your career in any sector you want.

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Who studies Legal Administration?

Whether you're straight out of high school, wanting to rejoin the workforce, or looking to switch careers the Legal Administrative Assistant Program is open to anyone who has an interest in law.

Successful legal administrative assistants are self-starters with good communication skills, strong organizational skills, and exceptional professionalism. They're also patient and compassionate.

Legal assistants use these skills daily to do everything from greeting clients and answering phones to scheduling trial dates and managing a lawyer's calendar.

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Student Success

Skye Milaire

"The LGLA program at KPU helped me prepare for my career by providing me with a firm understanding of legal principles and procedures."

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Need More Info?

Interested in this program but still not sure? Get all your questions answered about the program, courses, fees, how to apply, and more by attending an Information Session. For additional information check out our FAQ.

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Program Details

The Legal Administrative Assistant Program is offered as a full time, cohort program. Your cohort has no more than 35 students, ensuring a supportive environment that allows you to transition into university studies and connect one-on-one with our expert faculty.

We'll introduce you to a number of different areas of law, including family law, corporate law, civil litigation, and wills and estates, and teach you general office procedures, corporate records, and conveyancing.

You'll work with our experienced instructors, many of whom are or have been practicing lawyers. You’ll get hands-on experience, preparing legal documents and court forms using client simulations so you'll feel like you're already working at a law firm. In addition, you'll become knowledgeable in your word processing skills.

The program also features a built-in practicum where you’ll gain real experience and make valuable industry connections. Plus, you can use courses in this program as electives in a number of degree programs, should you wish to further your studies.

Our program commences in the Fall of each year and is offered full time (8 months)  at KPU Surrey.

Program Overview Admission Requirements

Fall 2023 Course Registration

Students in the Legal Administrative Studies Program will register for their Fall 2023 Term 1 courses using Block Registration. Learn more about Block Registration and how to register.

Due to the cohort nature of this program, course times/schedules are predetermined. Students are not able to create their own schedules.

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Career Outcomes

According to the latest WorkBC Labour Market Outlook, Legal Administrative Assistants are listed as a 'high opportunity occupations', with many jobs available. As the industry grows, this trend is set to continue.

Legal Administrative Assistants are among the highest paid office assistants in B.C. and have many opportunities for career progression, such as becoming a paralegal.

We have great connections with the legal industry and the program has a good reputation with law firms. Our graduates have gone on to find employment in a variety of workplaces including law firms, courts, correctional facilities, government offices, and legal departments of various organizations and corporations.

Our Faculty

Many of our instructors are practicing lawyers or having practiced law or are legal professionals. Meet the team!

Alia Somji

Alia joined the School of Business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 2015.  Along with teaching, Alia is a lawyer in private practice and specializes in Family Law and Wills & Estates Law.

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Colleen Formisano

Colleen joined Kwantlen Polytechnic University from Northumbria University in England.  At Northumbria, Colleen was Programme Leader of the Legal Practice Course (Commercial Route) and accrued a total of five years teaching experience.

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Lynda Wendland

Lynda has many years of experience in the law firm environment and initially started her career as a legal assistant, supporting lawyers in a variety of practice areas.

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