 Legally Speaking
Getting her certificate is the perfect fit for George Brown student
Olga Reizman was already working as an assistant with a criminal lawyer when she decided to go back to school.
“I had a friend who was taking the law clerk program through Continuing Education at George Brown College and she suggested I should go back to school so I could have a career in the legal field,” Olga says. “I enjoyed what I was doing as a legal assistant, so I decided to get my certificate.”
The Legal Assistant Certificate provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a legal assistant or to work in an office that requires a basic understanding of the law and its procedures. At George Brown, students examine the fundamental concepts and principles of the Canadian legal system and civil litigation procedures - and produce various documents using legal transcription software.
Olga started taking her classes in the fall of 2006, while continuing to work full-time.
“The flexible hours at George Brown are a huge bonus,” the 26-year-old says. “I was able to finish my program and still have a full-time job.”
After a year in the program, Olga’s full-time status changed when she accepted a new position at Gilbert Wright & Kirby LLP – an entry level position. At her new position, she very quickly used some of the skills she was developing at George Brown.
“Practically speaking, I implemented the skills I learned in Legal Transcription and Rules of Civil Procedure (now called Legal Procedures – Litigation) immediately,” Olga says. “I do a lot of transcription, drafting legal correspondence and taking dictation – so the courses definitely helped right away.”
Her hard work did not go unnoticed – as she earned a promotion within 6 months. Olga also credits her instructors and her classmates for her success – and the success of the program.
“The instructors are all professionals who are working in the field, so I always knew that we were getting the most up-to-date information and were aware of what was going on in the industry,” she says. “Being in class with a variety of people from all sorts of backgrounds was also immensely helpful.”
Olga finished her program this year – and continues to work as a legal assistant.
“I enjoyed the program and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get into the field,” she says. “It not only helped me land my current job, but it has definitely helped me in my position and I’m glad I made the decision to go to George Brown.”
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