About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 2 Year Diploma
  • Campus: Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Code: 0425 P0425
  • Delivery Length: 2 Years
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Overview

Are you a critical thinker with a passion for justice who would like to play a key role on an integrated legal team?

As a Law Clerk graduate you will assist lawyers and other legal professionals with all aspects of case management, statutory research and document preparation, with accuracy and a high attention to detail.

Highlights
  • Gain practical experience and connect with industry leaders via a co-op work term.

  • Benefit from hands-on, experiential learning using the latest legal technology.

  • Graduates may apply for membership to the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario.

  • Graduates may pursue further legal studies in alternative dispute resolution or paralegal studies.

Career Opportunities

Employed as a law clerk at:

  • Court office
  • In-house legal department
  • Law office
  • Regional or municipal government office
  • Title insurance company
  • Title search company
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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPA1175 Computer Applications for the Legal Office I 3
LAWS1107 Introduction to Canadian Law and Research 3
LAWS1131 Torts and Contracts 3
LAWS1150 Real Estate Law and Conveyancing I 3
LAWS1182 Wills and Estates 3
LAWS1312 Credit Law 4
Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
LAWS1210 Litigation I 3
LAWS1265 Family Law I 4
LAWS1250 Real Estate Law and Conveyancing II 3
LAWS1233 Real Estate Document Production 3
COMM1110 Writing Fundamentals 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Spring)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPA1275 Computers Applications for the Legal Office II 4
LAWS1310 Litigation II 3
LAWS1365 Family Law II 3
LAWS1350 Real Estate Law and Conveyancing III 3
COMM1221 Business Communication - Law Clerk 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term four (Co-op) (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COOP1452 Co-op Work Term 0
Term five (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
LAWS1301 Criminal Law 2
LAWS1483 Corporate Law 4
LAWS1484 Landlord and Tenant 4
LAWS1485 Legislative Tribunals 3
LAWS1446 Ethics, Diversity and Professionalism 3
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. Support the needs of clients and legal professionals through the use of accurate terminology and professional communication strategies, both orally and in writing.

  2. Complete all work within routine and unexpected time lines and limitation periods within the legal environment.

  3. Use current and relevant electronic and print resources, within the legal environment, to conduct legal research, to assist with file and evidentiary management, to facilitate communication and generate legal documentation, complying with current regulations and procedures.

  4. Research and summarize the presenting legal issues, applying knowledge of substantive law, to support the legal team.

  5. Apply rules of procedure to support best legal practices.

  6. Conduct oneself professionally in adherence to the guidelines of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

  7. Carry out clerical and administrative duties for the operation of a variety of legal environments.

  8. Outline strategies for ongoing professional development to ensure continuing competence as a Law Clerk.

  9. Act equitably and justly with diverse populations*.

  10. Provide support for legal professionals in courts and administrative tribunals within the legal system.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Canadian Politics and Citizenship – Grade 11 (O)
  • Challenge and Change in Society – Grade 12 (M)
  • Mathematics – any Grade 11 (C), (U), or (M)
  • Understanding Canadian Law – Grade 11 (M)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Transportation
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation in order to complete program requirements which may not be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • Program requirements could include co-ops, placements, volunteer requirements, practical labs, field projects, assignments, clinicals, or any other off-campus visits required as part of the program’s curriculum.
Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program. (learn more)

Computer/technology requirements may be subject to change without notice.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Pathways

Explore your pathway options What are pathways? for the Law Clerk (Co-op) program below.

  • From NC to
    Royal Roads University Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies Canada
Did you know?

Applicants with previous postsecondary education will be assessed for transfer credits upon receipt of an official transcript from their previous institution. There is no fee for this service.

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Tuition

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Co-op

A program with a co-op (co-operative education) component means that the curriculum combines an in-class education along with hands-on experience of working a job in the program's field of study.

During co-op work terms students are able to link what they learned in the classroom in a real workplace. Understanding the skills they've developed academically helps create a more meaningful college experience, and means they are better prepared for their career after graduation.

For Students
  • Co-op terms are paid. Earn while you learn!
  • Practice the skills you’ve learned in the classroom.
  • Gain experience in your field of study before you graduate.
  • Develop references and connections.
  • Hone your skills with feedback from your employer.
Learn More About Co-op @ NC
For Employers
  • Low cost with tax credits and other funding available.
  • Hire for peak season, staff coverage, special projects, etc.
  • Help prepare students with career-related work experience.
  • Minimal training required.
  • Proven recruiting strategy for future staff.
Hire NC Co-op Students

I really had no idea what to expect actually working at a law firm. I was worried I would end up hating the job. Instead, I love it. It is incredibly rewarding helping people in various situations. The people I work with are amazing and make sure to take breaks from the seriousness of some matters and have fun in the office. There’s a lot I learned in classes that have been valuable, but even more I’ve learned on the job. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers, as a co-op student we’re not really expected to, and it lowers the pressure coming into the job.

Kim, program graduate

When I hired Kim (Law Clerk program graduate), my office was going through a great deal of change. I did not exactly know how my co-op student would fit in amidst the chaos. To my great surprise, Kim demonstrated great enthusiasm for administrative tasks which alleviated my concern. Eventually, she was able to transition to more complicated files. Within two months, she was demonstrating incredible awareness of client needs and legal challenges in family law. With her support and the foundational education in family law and legal research provided by Niagara College, I was able to add contested family law as an area of practice to my firm. I can’t imagine doing this area of law without her and I am so grateful for her support.

Michael, Law Firm

The Law Clerk program changed my life. I would not have been as successful in my legal pursuits without the amazing in-class instruction and practical co-op experience. The teachers are knowledgeable, supportive and engaging. The course work is challenging and applicable to current legal practice. I highly recommend this program to those interested in a rewarding educational experience and a career in a variety of legal areas as a law clerk.

Miranda Belansky, program graduate

The Law Clerk program at Niagara College gave me the necessary foundation needed to enter this demanding and challenging work environment. The practical skills taught enabled me to enter the workforce with confidence.

Susan Currier, program graduate
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