Legal Administrator (Legal Studies) - Cork College of FET

INTRODUCTION:

This course doubles up as a pre-university option for those wishing to get a degree or for those who want to go straight to work in a legal office. Learn all of the important legal terms, get a grounding in many aspects of the law and get a feel for your future in the legal profession. Students participate in court visits and a law workshop in UCC.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4.
Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement.
CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application. An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

DURATION:

September to May.

FEES:

€300 including QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from €50). See fees & payment for details.

CERTIFICATION

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Legal Studies 5M3789.
QQI Component Maths 5N1833 (available as option in the evening for learners requiring Maths for progression).
Morrison’s Island Campus Certificate in Practice Evolve.

COURSE CONTENT

Audio Transcription - 5N1549

Transform verbal and audio materials into text in the form of written or typed work incorporating the use of an audio transcription software package. Conquer punctuation, grammar, spelling, sentence construction and proof reading.

Family Law - 5N3786

Develop an understanding of a particularly sensitive area of legal practice which requires both legal practitioners and administrators to display knowledge, empathy and attention to detail.

Business Law - 5N2091

Explain the nature of contract and the essential features and terms of a valid contract. Explain what constitutes breach of contract and the available remedies. Reflect on the role and impact of EU legislation on Irish business activity and work practices and on the Irish consumer. Examine the main provisions of employment legislation and explore the area of consumer protection and consumer rights.

Communications - 5N0690

Acquire the writing skills needed for the workplace, learn to speak fluently and coherently in a professional setting, develop interpersonal skills and have an understanding of the impact of ICT on society.

Spreadsheet Methods - 5N1977

Produce a spreadsheet that meets a simple design specification and is fit for purpose. Learn a range of spreadsheet features such as data and cell formatting techniques, conditional IF statements, financial, date and time functions. Generate a variety of types of graphs from spreadsheet data. Automate routine multi-step tasks through the creation, execution and management of simple macros.

Legal Practice and Procedures - 5N1394

Understand the role of the constitution in the Irish legal system, legal terminology and the structure of the Irish court system. Describe proceedings in a court of law. Explore the impact of European law on the Irish system. Evaluate documents and legislation in your relevant area. Identify main categories of remedies e.g compensation etc.

Text Production - 5N1422

Learn to produce a range of documents to a mailable standard, within a minimum speed of 35 words per minute. Student will gain experience of Legal Evolve (Case Management System) while undertaking this component.

Work Experience - 5N1356

Planning, preparation and reflection on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practise employability skills with a view to future planning.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS

Telephone Etiquette (online) – This workshop gives the learner the knowledge and skills to develop excellent telephonic skills. The content includes understanding what telephone etiquette means, how to receive calls including the five parts and how to Acknowledge callers. Additionally, handling telephone complaints and ending calls is also covered. A record of achievement from Morrison’s Island Campus is issued on successful completion.

FAQs

Is this course a full-time day course online or in-person?

This course is a full-time day course. It is delivered on-site within the classroom. It is not delivered online.

Is there a part-time course?

There is no part time course. The Night College offers many modules. Details regarding the night courses may be found at https://ccocnightcollege.ie and the email address nightcollege@ccoc.ie may be of assistance also.

Is there an interview for this course?

There is no interview. After you apply you will be sent an Application Form to fill out and return. You may be offered a place but this place is conditional on meeting the course requirements.

How many days per week is the full-time course?

For the full-time day course, teaching occurs from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 9.00am to 2.00pm on Fridays. Classes are of one hour duration.

However, class timetables vary and may be scheduled over 3, 4 or 5 days. Starting times may be later than 9.00am and finishing times may be earlier than 5.00pm.

Individual class timetables are not available until Induction (usually 1st or 2nd week in September).

When do exams take place?

Normally exams take place at the end of the academic year – end of April/beginning of May. However, some exams do occur during the academic year. There are also assignments/projects/Skills tests done throughout the year.

How long is the full-time day course?

The duration of the full-time day course is one academic year, typically form mid-September until mid-May. The college closes for Mid-term, Christmas and Easter holidays as determined by the Department of Education and Skills.

What are the fees for this course?

€300 including QQI examination fees (€50) Medical card holders exempt from the €50. NON- EU FEE €3,654 + course fees above.

How many people are likely to be in my class?

There are usually between 20-30 students assigned to a class-group, but it depends on demand each year.

Is work experience / placement organised by the college or do I have to find my own?

Work Experience/Placement is mandatory for this course. Students are generally required to source their own work placement. It is for 2 weeks usually in January (will be confirmed at the start of the year).

Can I use my results to get into other colleges?

Yes you can. Full details on progressions can be found HERE.

Upon completion of the course and the successful achievement of the Certificate in Legal Studies, where can employment be secured?

As a graduate of this course you can pursue careers in a range of area including legal secretary, legal researcher, paralegal work and general administration.

Does the course offer a student visa for international students?

No. Please note that it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they meet Immigration and Visa requirements prior to applying for a place on a course. Post Leaving Certificate courses, such as this HCA course, are not eligible to obtain a study visa to enter the state. Further details are available at www.icosirl.ie.

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE

Students will undertake a block placement of two weeks in the administrative offices of a legal firm. Work placement is a highly valued component of the student experience here at the college. An excellent opportunity for you to gain insight into the world of work. Students are encouraged to source their own Work Placement but you will be supported by the Work Placement team should you need assistance to do this.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

Some of our popular progression opportunities include:

Morrison’s Island Campus: Progress to one of the Morrison’s Island Campus Advanced Business Specialisms, subject to entry requirements being met.
UCC: Law (CK301)
UCC: Law and Business (CK307)
UL: Criminal Justice (LM028)
UL: Law PLus (LM029)
SETU (Waterford): Law (SE404)

Excellent progression opportunities other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrison’s Island locations. Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES