College Programs

The next intake will begin in September 2010 pending enrollment

Description

The Law Clerk program is a diploma program offered in partnership with St. Lawrence College. Graduates will gain valuable learning and accreditation to perform effectively as law clerks, legal assistants, policy researchers/developers, by-law and compliance officers, justice administrators and a range of other community based positions.

Program delivery and learning opportunities are consistent with the philosophies of FNTI and its commitment to serving the needs of First Nations people through provision of relevant, community-based post-secondary programming.

An advisory committee, which includes Aboriginal lawyers, ensures that the program meets the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training's requirements and program standards, and that delivery and curriculum are culturally appropriate and relevant. As well, this program is endorsed by the Indigenous Bar Association.

Students are registered with St. Lawrence College and FNTI.

Employment Opportunities

This program has been developed to respond to the needs of individuals who are employed, or aspire to be employed, with Aboriginal law firms, First Nations governments, political-territorial organizations and other Aboriginal organizations.

As First Nations people assume greater control over their political, social, cultural and economic affairs, Aboriginal lawyers and community leaders are dealing with a broad range of complex and challenging legal issues. Jurisdiction, Aboriginal customary law and Indigenous culture and philosophies present unique challenges and approaches and influence the management of legal issues in First Nations.

Graduates of this program will have the skills, knowledge and experience to effectively participate in the management of legal issues in First Nations communities as well as qualified to become a researcher, policy development/analyst, restorative justice, land claims research, by-law officer, legal assistant and law clerk.

Graduates will receive a certificate from FNTI and a diploma from St. Lawrence College following the completion of the program.

Program Schedule

This is a full-time program, using a combination of intensive-mode and distance education delivery that will take two years to complete.

Intensive-mode delivery sessions will be four days in length and held approximately every four weeks.

Courses will be delivered over five consecutive semesters covering nearly two calendar years.

Next Intake

The next intake is tentatively scheduled for September 2010 at a location to be determined.

Admission Criteria

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is required for admission. However, applicants who do not possess an OSSD may apply as a mature student. Mature learner guidelines are determined by the partner institute. Please contact program personnel for details.

Applicants should also possess:

• A Grade 12 English credit.
• Writing and research skills.
• Computer and keyboarding proficiency.

Additional Requirements

Applicants will be required to complete and submit the following documents:

• Application for Admission Form.
• Original transcripts from secondary and/or post-secondary education.
• Resume.
• A letter from your sponsor confirming tuition sponsorship.
• A letter of interest that discusses interest in the program, while at the same time identifying research and writing skills.

A laptop computer with the following minimum specifications is a requirement for this program:

Laptop running Microsoft Windows
Word 2007
Wireless network card

Alternative Means of Gaining Credit

A process for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is currently being developed for a number of courses in this program. The PLAR process may enable learners to be granted credits for courses based on evaluation and assessment of prior learning, skills and experiences. Call for more information.

Note: Application may be made for transfer credits from relevant post-secondary programs completed.

Cost

Tuition is $500 per course, and includes the cost of required textbooks and resource material.

Additional Costs Related to the Program

Learners and/or funding agencies are responsible for all costs associated with intensive mode delivery, including but not limited to travel and accommodations for each delivery session.

Contact Information

For an application package or more information, please contact:
Buffy Hill, Registrar
Phone: 613-396-2122 or 800-267-0637 Ext. 187
Email: buffyh@fnti.net

Courses / Program Requirements
YEAR 1 (three semesters)
FNTI300 Communications I - Research and Writing
FNTI301 First Nations Governance and Issues With Crown Relationships
FNTI302 Word Processing For Law Clerks
FNTI304 Litigation
FNTI305 Real Property and Property on Reserve
FNTI306 Communications II - Advocacy
FNTI307 Criminal Law
FNTI310 Field Placement Law Clerk
FNTI311 Legal Drafting I: Law and Policy Development
FNTI312 Research for Land and Specific Claims
FNTI313 Small Claims Court Procedures
FNTI314 Trusts and Estates

YEAR 2 (two semesters)
FNTI315 Basic Bookkeeping Applications for Law Clerks
FNTI316 Employment Law and Grievances
FNTI317 Corporate Procedures and Financing (With On-Reserve Context)
FNTI318 Legal Drafting II: Laws, Policies and Compliance
FNTI319 Basic Tax Principles
FNTI320 Family Law
FNTI321 Research Assignment
FNTI323 Ethics