Program_Legal Assistant Diploma

Legal Assistant Diploma

Start your career in law as a Legal Assistant. In this two-year program, you’ll develop knowledge and skills in legal terminology and procedures, technology and communication. You’ll graduate ready to work in a law firm or legal department, or you can continue your studies with a Paralegal Post-Diploma Certificate.
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Waitlisted
Next Start date:
Diploma
2 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time On Campus

About the Legal Assistant Diploma

Every great legal team requires a great assistant. Learn the basic components of law and open the opportunity to work in a variety of employment settings as a legal professional.  

From preparing legal documentation to working with clients, highly skilled legal assistants provide assistance to lawyers, judges and the public on a variety of legal matters.  

Throughout this two-year program, you will study a wide variety of Canadian legal systems, including family, criminal and contract law.  

Graduates of this program will enter the workforce prepared to work in the legal profession in a number of industries, providing support to lawyers within law firms, legal departments of corporations and government agencies.  

Work-integrated Learning

You’ll complete a practicum, following the completion of your second year, applying your technical skills in a professional setting.  

Erin Bast_Legal Assistant Testimonial
"As a mature student headed back to the classroom, I was worried about my capability to succeed after so many years of graduating high school had passed. I quickly found that the instructors in the Legal Assistant Program had my best interests at heart. Their encouragement and instructions gave me the knowledge to graduate in the President's Honor Roll in the Class of 2023."
Erin Bast, 2023

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2024
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    -
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NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.  

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the Legal Assistant Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to Legal Assistant must have a minimum of 50% in:   

  • ELA 30-1, or equivalent 

OR 

A minimum of 65% in: 

  • ELA 30-2, or equivalent 

OR 

A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.    

NOTE: Applicants are advised that both COMM 150 and COMM 250 are program requirements, and both must be completed to meet the Graduation Requirements. 

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.  

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Legal Assistant Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

Recommended for Practicum Placements

While not an admission requirement for the program, some practicum agencies and field placements may require Police Information Checks of students working in their organizations. The existence of a criminal record may affect practicum placement and program completion and, therefore, impact future employment prospects. It is each agency's or institution's decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the Police Information Check. Students are advised to consider this before applying to the program.  

Technology

This is a bring-your-own-device program. Students will be required to obtain a laptop for completing course requirements.

Minimum Specifications: 

  • Windows 10
  • Intel Core i5 or equivalent
  • AMD Ryzen processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256GB hard drive
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth

Recommended Specifications: 

  • Windows 11
  • Intel Core i7 or equivalent
  • AMD Ryzen processor
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD

Note: Chromebooks are not allowed as they do not meet the minimum requirements.

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Year 1
$7,526.00
Year 2
$8,628.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$19,120.00
Year 2
$21,650.50

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.     

Program Content

All students in the Legal Assistant Diploma program complete the same 24 courses plus a practicum.  

Graduation Requirements

You must achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 (62%).  

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.