LPI311 - Introduction to Legal Procedures

Subject Title
Introduction to Legal Procedures

Subject Description
This course is the introduction to and the foundation of a student's studies in the legal area of specialization. It is a combined theory and practical applications course which covers the introduction to the legal office environment, roles and responsibilities of support staff in a law office; legal ethics; formatting of legal correspondence, accounts, and memoranda of law using the latest version of Microsoft Word  and PCLaw Software; and general legal office procedures.

Credit Status
LPI 311 is a required credit for all School of Office Administration students enrolled in the one-year Legal diploma program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe procedures and practices in the Law office and demonstrate an understanding of the use of, and style for, punctuation, numbers, and quotations in producing legal documents

2. Prepare, maintain, and understand the procedures for client records.

3. Identify and describe correspondence prepared in legal offices, and follow verbal and written instructions, using precedents, to prepare legal letters

4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of basic legal office accounting procedures, including legal fees, dockets, disbursements, and bank account types.
 
5. Distinguish between statute law and case law, and prepare memoranda of law and letters incorporating citations

6. Calculate and prepare client accounts using dedicated legal accounting software

7. Demonstrate an understanding and ability to prepare documents such as agreements, affidavits, declarations, notarial certificates, and releases.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.