Grande Prairie’s Legal Secretary program goes online in January

“Legal assistant jobs in Alberta”. Type that into your computer search engine and you’re likely to turn up a long list of opportunities.

The employment prospects in this wide-ranging field prompted Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) to take its Legal Secretary Specialist Diploma program online. The program launches in January, 2012 through eCampusAlberta.

“We wanted to open up the program to students who are not able to attend face-to-face classes in Grande Prairie,” says Loren Jacula, GPRC’s Chair of Office Administration.

Employment opportunities for graduates of this program are not confined to law firms. Many work in the professional, scientific and technical services communities. Other significant employers include corporate legal departments, real estate and insurance companies, court offices, and government services such as land title offices.

Jacula says students can expect to earn the Legal Secretary Specialist credential in one to three years, depending on the course load they take on. Students with an Office Administration certificate from GPRC or another eCampusAlberta member institution may qualify for advanced standing. Several eCampusAlberta members offer certificates and diplomas in office administration.

Program content covers legal vocabulary and office procedures, completion of a legal precedent manual and Microsoft Office Professional software. As well, the program offers a practicum. Students already working in a related setting may be able to complete the practicum at their place of employment.

Instructor Cara Leaf has developed some of the courses for eCampusAlberta delivery. She says including opportunities for student interaction was a priority.

“We’ve created law office ‘practice forums’ where students can discuss authentic legal office scenarios,” Leaf says. “Learning takes on more meaning when the students share and discuss with others. These forums allow students to test ideas that may be new to them, reinforcing that an idea has significance and is worth retaining.”

In addition, says Leaf, “We’ve used Flash Media, StudyMate and Respondus software to create learning activities that bridge the gap between concept and practice.”

Learn more about the Legal Secretary Specialist diploma program offered by Grande Prairie Regional College.