The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Legal administrative assistants perform the administrative tasks in a law office, such as answering the telephone, managing files, preparing law office correspondence and legal documents, and maintaining the calendar. Legal administrative assistants are in great demand. Qualified legal administrative assistants who have strong skills can find lucrative opportunities with law firms and corporate legal departments, government agencies, and a variety of business and industries -- such as banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and real estate companies. This certificate program prepares students to pursue employment as a legal administrative assistant. Training is provided in legal terminology, law office procedures, legal research, computer technology, machine transcription document preparation, keyboarding, and written and verbal communications.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of this program, using transcription equipment, word processing software, and legal terminology skills, students will prepare legal documents that represent correct format, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and number usage. Applying knowledge of law office procedures, students will demonstrate skills in workplace telecommunications, office and court calendaring, billing procedures, and filing systems.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
Semester 1
15 Units
OFTECH 1 recommended
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Keyboarding Courses" below
This course is designed to review principles of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and number format; improve vocabulary and spelling; and develop proofreading and editing skills. Word Processing software is used to create and revise business documents.
This beginning course explores the foundations of technology as well as current trends and emerging topics in information technology. Students complete hands-on projects in operating systems, web browsers, and web-based office applications. Students will also be introduced to topics such as understanding programming, computer security and social media.
SMC GE Area IV-A 3 units
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
15-17 Units
Through the use of Microsoft Word software, skills are developed in creating, revising, formatting, storing, and printing a variety of business documents. Skills are developed from basic functions and editing tools through intermediate features such as AutoText, columns, custom tab settings, charts and graphs, graphics, envelopes, labels, and headers/footers. Emphasis is placed on professional quality production of documents. Students also learn to increase productivity through the use of automated features and multiple windows. Students develop problem-solving skills through the use of document revisions and trouble-shooting assignments. Additionally, students develop advanced skills in areas of interest ranging from legal applications to brochures and newsletters. Hands-on experience is provided in a microcomputer lab. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS and Expert certification in Word.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
- Skills Advisory: Ability to type 25 wpm
Microsoft Outlook has become a primary means of office communication and task management. In this course the student will learn to effectively use all features of Outlook e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes; create and manage Outlook folders; collaborate with others for scheduling meetings and resources; configure and customize Outlook; and integrate Outlook contacts with other Microsoft Office programs. This class covers the objectives necessary for the MOS certification in Outlook.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1
This course provides students with an overview of the fundamental legal principles pertaining to business transactions and related topics. It also encompasses introductory subjects concerning the U.S. legal system such as the court structure, sources of law, legal reasoning and case analysis. To give students a broad perspective on the various laws and areas impacting business, the following topics are also explored: criminal law, torts, civil procedure, administrative processes, contract law, ethics, constitutional law, agency and the legal principles pertaining to business entities.
This course introduces students to information systems and their role in business. Topics include information systems, database management systems, networking, e-commerce, ethics and security, computer systems, hardware systems, and application software (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation graphics). In this course, students develop computer-based solutions to a variety of business problems.
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units

Semester 3
15 Units
This course is designed to prepare students to perform common tasks required of law office administrative assistants. Topics of study include the law office environment; clerical and administrative duties; computers and office systems; court structure; litigation procedures; substantive law (litigation; family; wills, trusts, and probate; business organization; real estate; and criminal) and legal research. Emphasis is on terminology, procedures, and document preparation.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1 or
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1C or
- Skills Advisory: 35 wpm
This course is designed to develop skill in using transcription equipment to produce dictated legal documents. Students will use word processing software in the production of documents. Emphasis is on legal terminology; document formatting; proofreading skill development. Areas of study include court systems, civil court documents, litigation, family law, probate, business law, real estate law, and criminal law.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1 or
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1C or
- Skills Advisory: 35 wpm
This course includes a detailed study of business applications using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet package. Topics include the commands, formats, and functions of Excel with emphasis on its use as a problem solving and financial analysis tool. Students will also learn to create macros, customize ribbons and tabs, and integrate Excel with other applications and the World Wide Web. Students will also have an introduction to writing Visual Basic code.
- Skills Advisory: CIS 4
- Skills Advisory: CIS 1 or
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units

SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units

Semester 4
15 Units
SMC GE Area II-B Course 3 units
SMC GE Area III Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Elective Course 3 units
Keyboarding Courses (3 units required)
3 Units
This course is designed to teach keyboard mastery by touch, improve speed and accuracy, and use Microsoft Word to create and revise business documents. Proofreading skill development is also included.
This course is intended for students without previous keyboarding instruction. Emphasis is on keyboard mastery, correct keyboarding techniques, and proofreading skills.
Students develop speed and accuracy. Emphasis is on using Microsoft Word to produce letters, memos, tables, and reports.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1A or
- Skills Advisory: 25 wpm
Course content includes keyboard mastery by touch, correct keyboarding techniques, and proper formatting of letters, memos, reports, tables, and other kinds of personal and business communications.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1B or
- Skills Advisory: 30 wpm
This course emphasizes speed and accuracy development, keyboarding technique, and proofreading skills.
Computers are used in all work environments. To function efficiently, computer users must be able to input data on a computer keyboard quickly and accurately. This course is designed to develop the computer keyboarding skills that are required to function in the workplace.
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1
- Skills Advisory: OFTECH 1C