College Programs

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.

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 $807 per semester.

Mandatory Curriculum Delivery/Learning Materials Fee is $840 per semester.

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

BLAW 1001 -- BUSINESS LAW: CONTRACT/TORT: Law & the Legal System

BLAW 1002 -- PROPERTY LAW: Real Property & Property on Reserve

BLAW 1004 -- CIVIL LITIGATION

COMM 121 -- COMMUNICATIONS FOR LAW CLERKS: Research & Writing

COMP 3019 -- WORD PROCESSING FOR LAW CLERKS

GENE 12 -- CANADIAN GOVERNMENT: First Nations Governance and Issues with Crown Relationships

BLAW 1009 -- CORPORATE LAW: Corporate Procedures & Financing (with On-reserve Context)

BLAW 1012 -- SMALL CLAIMS COURT PROCEDURES

BLAW 1014 -- CRIMINAL LAW

BLAW 1015 -- FAMILY LAW

BLAW 1019 -- LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING: Communications II: Advocacy

BLAW 3021 -- LEGAL DOCUMENT PRODUCTION: Legal Drafting: Law & Policy Development

GENE 24 -- ETHICS & CRITICAL THINKING

GENED -- BASIC TAX PRINCIPLES

BLAW 1003 -- CONVEYANCING: Research for Land & Specific Claims

BLAW 1010 -- TRUSTS & ESTATES

BLAW 1105 -- LANDLORD & TENANT RELATIONS: Employment Law & Grievances

COMP 3020 -- LEGAL SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS: Legal Drafting II: Laws, Policies & Compliance

BLAW 1020 -- LEGAL RESEARCH PROJECT

INTN 28 -- FIELD PLACEMENT