Legal Administrative Assistant (LAD)
2019-2020
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
The Legal Administrative Assistant degree program prepares students to enter today's high-tech legal office environment. The program provides extensive training in computerized keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheets, database, legal terminology, transcription, and the advanced language arts skills needed to prepare and edit a wide variety of legal documents. Training also focuses on developing and refining the communications, interpersonal skills, and decision-making skills necessary to be successful in a challenging career.
As part of the program, students have the opportunity to enhance career development by integrating both classroom study and work experience through participation in the Office Technology Internship or the Office Technology Cooperative Education program.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have program advising related questions, please contact officeadmin@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| BUS102 | Business Law | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| OFT101 | Keyboarding and Word Processing | 3 |
| OFT114 | Business Communications | 3 |
| PLG101 | Introduction to Law and Paralegal Practice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
LAD ELECTIVE
| Directed Elective | 3 |
| OFT102 | Advanced Keyboarding and Word Processing | 3 |
| OFT222 | Spreadsheet and Presentation Graphics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Year
Fall
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
LAD ELECTIVE
| Directed Elective | 3 |
| OFT212 | Administrative Office Procedures | 3 |
| OFT226 | Database and Calendar Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Spring
| COP202 | Cooperative Education/Internship | 3 |
LA-ELECTIVE
| Liberal Arts Elective | 3 |
| OFT209 | Information Transcription | 3 |
| OFT252 | Integrated Office Applications | 3 |
| | |
| SPE102 | Speech | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE104 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Requirement Notes
Liberal Arts Elective: Students who are not computer literate are encouraged to select CPS100, otherwise, PHI116 is recommended.
OFT101: Students who touch type 35 wpm or more and have knowledge of Microsoft Word 2010 may waive OFT101 and register for OFT102. The credits for OFT101 must be fulfilled with a 3-credit open elective.
LAD Directed Elective: Students must select one (1) of the following Directed electives: PLG104, PLG108, or PLG205.
COP202: Students may be eligible for COP202 exemption. Please see the COP202 Coop Ed/Internship Exemption Form found on the Academic Program Web page for details. If exemption is approved, student must complete a 3-credit open elective.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 60
Program Student Learner Outcomes
- Produce accurate legal and business documents using word processing, spreadsheets and presentation graphics.
- Perform basic accounting functions including computerized software
- Communicate effectively in a legal and/or business environment both verbally and in writing.
- Apply interpersonal skills as they relate to business.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to prioritize situations logically, organize tasks, and have attention to detail, while multi-tasking.
- Apply general knowledge of the legal administrative assistant practice and procedures, primarily focus on the areas of legal terminology and office procedures to work effectively in a legal environment.
- Transcribe legal documents using relevant legal terminology and showing attention to detail.
- Demonstrate proficiency in records management, office equipment and computer technology, office etiquette and personnel management.
Occupational Skills Required
- Keyboarding
- Word processing
- Ability to create and manipulate spreadsheets
- Presentation graphics
- Database management
- Calendar management
- Transcription of notes
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- COP202 - Cooperative Education/Internship
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - -2.1%
- Boston MSA – -2.20%
- Essex County – -2.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $36,900
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $55,600