The focus of this course is on civil litigation. Students learn the steps for opening and maintaining a litigation file and also learn about the Alberta court litigation stages and procedures. Familiarization is built with different types of damages and claims as well as with the procedures for proving a claim. Students gain experience preparing all relevant documents (for pre-trial and trial proceedings). Proceeding to trial is also covered, along with the procedure for actions (in Provincial Court and Civil Division). Mediation and settlement are introduced.

Students are introduced to the incorporation and organization of an Alberta company. There will be an overview of the Alberta Business Corporation Act, the Alberta Companies Act, the Societies Act, the Canada Business Corporations Act and the Canada Corporations Act. Guidelines and procedures for selecting a corporate name are covered. Student understanding of corporate by-laws and corporate structure is built, along with the typical requirements of corporate meetings, minutes, resolutions and the duties of directors and officers. Students use legal precedents to prepare articles of incorporation and corporate by-laws. Experience is gained with routine filings and resolutions. Students learn how to set up and maintain corporate records in compliance with the new Business Corporations Act and Corporate Securities.

In this foundation course, students learn about wills and estates planning, estate succession, testacy, intestacy, requirements of a valid will and execution procedures. There is an introduction to the roles of the Executor and Trustee. Students learn about the Notice to Beneficiaries, Living Wills, Power of Attorney and Representations Agreements. Assets, inheritance, and estate inventory are also presented. The course provides an overview of The Wills Act and the Administration of Estates Act are covered. This course also covers the roles of the Executor and Trustee.

This course covers the day-to-day manual recording of transactions for a legal business organization. This includes general journal transactions, special journals, posting to the general ledgers and subsidiary ledgers, preparing a trial balance, payroll registers, operating a petty cash fund, and reconciling bank statements. While students with be learning generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP), during this module, students will become familiar with accounting practice with particular attention to the treatment and maintenance of Trust Accounts.

This course introduces the family court system in Alberta. Students become familiar with Provincial and Supreme Court documentation and procedures used to bring issues of marriage, separation, divorce, custody / access, child welfare, adoption, maintenance and property to resolution using the legal system. The Domestic Relations Act and the Divorce Act are covered. Students gain experience in completing a contested divorce file. Child Support guidelines are also covered.

This course advances student understanding and knowledge of the differences between reporting and non-reporting companies. Students analyze agency relationships, liabilities, and methods of securing financial transactions and acquiring assets. Different types of financial arrangements, the nature of security, credit devices, priorities, and assignments are covered. There is also a review and consolidation of the structure of businesses, their creation, and the requirements for their transfer. The procedures involved in various commercial transactions, from the opening of a file to the closing, are presented. Students become familiar with typical documentation dealing with a variety of commercial transactions: commercial leasing, commercial financing of real and personal property, and commercial sales.

In this introductory course, students learn about the nature, purpose, scope, sources and basic principles of criminal law. The Criminal Code of Canada and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms are discussed. Students review the basic elements of a criminal offence and the practical procedures utilized throughout a client’s arrest, trial, sentencing, and appeal. Jurisdictional issues are presented, along with the process for jury election. There will also be a discussion of evidence. This course, also covers interviewing techniques and investigation procedures with regards to criminal offenses, examination techniques (direct and cross) the creation and maintenance of a criminal file. This course also includes the gathering of information, obtaining a retainer, completing documentation, billing and reporting. There is also a review of law of evidence and the evidentiary statement.

Research and analytical skills are developed in this course. Students gain an understanding of research design, data gathering, analysis and reporting. The studies of primary and secondary research materials are covered, along with how to correctly cite sources, case law, statutes, regulations and legislation. Students will prepare a legal research memorandum, read case briefs and legal documents, use encyclopaedias, annotated reports, law reviews and case comments. Internet research is also covered extensively, along with how to locate decisions and statutes. Students also learn about how laws and statutes are made (first reading, second reading), hone their legal reasoning and legal problem solving skills.

This course provides students with an overview of Canadian insurance law including the structure of the industry, insurable interests, valuation, subrogation, contribution and indemnity and duty to disclose. Agents’ duties and responsibilities, form and formation of the insurance contract and the claims process and Alberta Auto Insurance issues are also covered. This course also focuses on personal injury practice and relevant substantive law and procedures required to manage a personal injury file.

This course presents the laws and procedures related to debtors’ and creditors’ rights. Students learn about builders’ liens, applicable statute law and provincial legislation. The procedural rules to bring a simple debt action, file a debt action and file of writ of enforcement are overviewed. Students review the means of enforcing a judgment and realizing on personal property security. Both Provincial Court and Supreme Court procedures are analyzed. Students learn about the process for garnishing wages and bank accounts.

In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

• How people find jobs
• Employer expectations
• Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
• Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
• Transferrable skills
• Thank you letters
• Effective telemarketing
• Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
• Individual counselling and coaching

Students will be placed in actual work places related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee in order to gain the valuable real world experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory.