Week 3, Post 2 (Monday, April 24 - Sunday, April 30)

Through this program, I have changed from a year 1 office admin to a year 2 graduate legal admin working in the legal field. From research to in-class practice to the whole program itself it made me who I am today which is far better than a year ago.

I am not a fan of blogging. I have a lot of home life on my plate so me being super busy and being in workplace my days were limited from finishing work at 5 getting kids and so on. My blogs being an oh crap on the due date I was not a fan of. Sure it is nice reading what everyone is doing I guess but I would much rather do it in an E Conestoga discussion like the Quest for Wisdom course. Setting up a blog was a waste of time in my opinion, but that's just me.

The career path I have chosen is so far so good, let's just hope this one sticks as this will be my 3rd diploma. I have a tendency to get bored with a career from nursing to QA tech to now law, quite the jumps but only the future knows really.

I have developed my own standards of excellence in some ways. My work reflects me as a person so I want it to reflect me and bad work is not me so being said my standards are high.

Week 3, Post 1 (Monday, April 24 - Sunday, April 30)

At Sorbara Law some examples of oral communication would be exactly that. When assigned tasks we are told orally what to do and we do it.this is done in person or by phone and this counteracts with both employees and clients. Written communication is done through email between staff and clients and at times mailed with clients lets say if a signature is needed, a letter of instruction along with documents are sent out and returned. Although it is not to often. We do you use outlook and  only use the basic mail features nothing else.

A problem in which I encountered was delegation by different lawyers at the same time. I had to figure out which was more urgent to get done and prioritize the work. This was a problem for me in a way because I wish I didn't have to be put in a position in which I had to what it felt to me pick a job, as each lawyers job and assignments are important. It wasn't a big deal to them but it was a little for me.

I currently do not use a To-Do list. I am given a job and it gets done. With Corporate everything is basically structured in order on how things are done so you more so follow that instinct.

I would say my weakness would be proofreading. I always look things over but I have missed a couple things which were not given to me as input into lets say fast company so when I would print out the by-law for example it would be missing a quorum. The lawyers always look over your work so its a definite plus, and then I realize I must get ALL info and ask not expect it, as were only human.

Recommendations I would have would mainly be relax the pressure. law firms of course have pressure but it is not an boss over your shoulder type job. We work on our own an expect to get the job done. since I am in corporate law I don't have any things i would change Erin did an amazing job and I wasn't left with any surprises.

I do recommend that when working with software any of the software that teachers show students how to undo. In corporate there are many amendments, share transfers, and redemption and knowing how to undo previous inputs was helpful.

I do remember Teraview was a pain for undo, and time out, and all that other jazz so that would be my recommendation as we are not perfect and we should have a little help on undo our mistakes. The curriculum is right being that all areas were covered minus criminal. Also the way we learned software and got to prepare our portfolios was a great help.

My courses I preferred were definitely Corporate Law, Real Estate and Family. I enjoyed these because they are factors in my life. Currently in a family law trial, owning my own home, and just corporate knowledge period is enjoyed by myself.

I would have to say I dislikes Wills and Estates, It bored me, and I just picture the law clerk of wills and estates lawyer and elderly woman. I just have this mental image stuck in my head like the smell of great great grandparents house, not a plus for me. I also have written my own will, power of attorney for a friend and it was done an acted upon no problem. I think that class was taken to seriously regarding the drafting of documents but the rest of it I just found a bore.

I will continue to learn and develop professionally by continuing to work and learn to the best of my ability. As they say practice makes perfect!!!

Week 2, Post 2 (Monday, April 17 - Sunday, April 23)

School Related Reflection..........

When asked what resources I am currently using at my placement I would have to say the resources of the firm. I look back at previously completed minute books, precedents for letters and google search for an address when I need to send out mail. Also, the best resources are the minds of the lawyers, I am lucky to have help whenever I am not sure about it, in fact, the all recommend I ask questions as much as possible as that is the best resource to learn and make the firm function effectively.

I currently have not resourced to anything we haven't learned in class, but if I do I will most definitely share it.

The list of responsibilities I submitted prior to my placement are completely accurate and I have no yet been exposed to different responsibilities.

I believe my two strengths would be organization and the fact that if I need help I ask. I do not shy away from asking questions from anyone including the lawyers and this benefits me greatly. My organization is my best strength as it allows me to take a messy file and turn it into a beautifully organized folder which in turns when brought forth to the lawyer makes them happy and it allows questions to be answered easily with everything all laid out and easily found.

Week 2, Post 1 (Monday, April 17 - Sunday, April 23)

Week two, what can I say, I love it. I was giving new opportunities and a new workload and I couldn't be happier. I honestly believe I found my calling in Corporate Law.

Currently, the Software I am using at my firm would consist of Fast Company, Word Perfect, Cyberbahn, Outlook, and all of Microsoft Office. The equipment used in the office is basically everything you would find at staples, and being we just completed the Law program the basics such as folders, brads, printers, scanners, copiers are pretty self-explanatory. although one piece of equipment I was surprised they still used was a type- writer. I don't use it but it is there. I'll have to ask what exactly the role of the typewriter is.

I am using all the legal software learned in my programme pertaining to corporate law. Which includes Fast Company thus far. I use this to start new files as well as amend resolutions, print ledgers and basically anything which is created for a minute book. Articles, Resolutions, ledgers and so on are all created and processed with Fast Company. a new software I am using is Word Perfect which I heard won't be used for too much longer as it is quite expensive to have. although I am getting used to it and don't mind it at all, I have learned a few quick tricks for word perfect to make it easier to work with and print according to documents with headers.

Some Documents I have prepared would be my favourite which is reporting books. A reporting book which is a summarised minute book containing all important documents for our customer. some of these documents are:

• Duties and responsibilities of directors, annual resolutions
• Copy of Articles of incorporation
• Any certificates that have been authorised (depending on the nature of corporation) for example a dentist would need a certificate from dental surgeons of Ontario.
• Any Master Business Licences if required
• Any promissory notes
• NUANS report if needed (name company)
• A copy of initial return
• A copy of Bi-Laws 1 and 2
• All info regarding Directors, Officers and Shareholders which include all registered as well as share certificates

Once this is complete it is then bound, organized and attached with a reporting letter which is then mailed out with the reporting book to the client. I am currently on my 8-10 reporting book. I have done reporting books for an amalgamated company, as well as an incorporation for No. companies to a new corporation with a name.

I also was given direction to mail Initial Return to the Ministry which is all done on a letterhead envelope with a formatted precedent to input info and print. This is then left in mailing tray which is picked up and mailed by an employee. One of the Lawyers also had me send out accounts which I had to conduct a letter using a specific precedent and follow the same mailing guidelines for the previous paragraph above.

I had the opportunity to incorporate a new company!!!! To incorporate a new company, I had to open a new record in fast company. I was given a record number from Erin as well as all the information needed to be input into fast company. Once all required information was input I then had to create the Articles of Incorporation which was emailed to the client as a draft for review. Attached was also a direction which was required to be signed by the client for authority for us to register on his behalf, scanned and emailed back. Once I received of signed direction and approved Articles, I then INCORPORATE MY FIRST COMPANY!!

This is done through Fast Company. First, we open up the Articles and XML export them which takes us to a link which then links us to Cyberbahn (registering company my firm uses). Once information is transferred I had to review all information transferred from FC to Cyberbahn to make sure all was correct and then accept the terms and submit for filing.

This is then saved under client file after the numbered name is given and accepted. It is then Saved. Printed, and a Copy (folder). We then print the invoice fee and put in accounting bag which is collected and charged to account via file number.

Once the company is registered and given a name, I then emailed the client attaching registered Articles of Incorporation with No. name, advised the client to make a copy for the bank for purposes such as opening a corporate bank account. Once the email is complete I then had to contact legal link via email to order a minute book and seal with the Name of numbered company. All emails and correspondence are then printed and kept in the new file I opened for that company.

I have had no accounting responsibilities other than sending out accounts. this is just an account much like the ones we did in class, actually identical which are completed and I am just in charge of creating the account letter, get the lawyer to sign and send away. all accounting is done by another part of the firm who actually does the billing part of it.

I was recently assigned to a specific project, many of them at that, but one in particular. It was a client who Amalgamated 3 companies into one, which involved 2 other companies being a total of 5. this file was huge and I had to go through the documents and activity and create an index by myself and create an incorporation report (reporting book) for this client. I took most of all of the last week with myself and a lawyer working one on one together on it and I am happy to say it is complete.

I have felt comfortable at this firm from day one and the environment has not changed. Each day I am given more responsibility and getting the hang of everything. I am happy to say all that I have done was covered in class and there is nothing I wish that was, as nothing was missed. although we were never showed a reporting book a minute book is the same thing and an incorporation report is just a summarised minute book for the client to take home. some firms have them emailed to the client but my firm likes to give them a physical book as clients are more appreciative of a hard copy than a USB or email.

I believe our 2 years have absolutely made it easy for me to draw on skills learned in office procedures, bookkeeping or legal classes. You don't notice how much you have learned until you actually have to do work. I was quite surprised how much I actually know, and thankful for all the classes I was given. Although interpersonal communications isn't needed in my personal opinion neither is math. Bookkeeping has not been used but I can definitely see that coming in handy in the near future and not just at work, for life in general.

I have had minimal contact with clients unless through email which only happened once thus far pertaining to incorporating the company previously mentioned, but myself being an office administrator for 10 years prior to starting the legal course I had no difficulty, I love working and communicating with clients and making sure they are happy as I expect the same also being a customer in life in general.

Needless to say, it was a busy and amazing week and I cannot wait and see what is in store for next week.

Week 1, Post 2 (Monday, April 10 - Sunday, April 16)

My hours are Monday to Friday 9-5 with an hour lunch. Sorbara being only a 5-minute drive from my house I love the fact that I am able to go home for lunch, make some food, and relax which is very nice. I work on the third floor with 3 other employees, they all seem to work real estate, which includes our guest we had in Corporate class named James. He is a great help when I have questions or need a "hole puncher". I have my own desk with my own computer and was given all new work supplies which were greatly appreciated. I do not have a phone but there are a couple of phones I am able to use if need be. The firm is so organized and I am slightly obsessed as my OCD appreciates it. There are two printers, one coloured and one that does everything you can imagine except print colour. My daily routine is obviously to get my work done. Each day so far I have been given different tasks so as of now I can't really say there is an exact routine in order. Basically, I come in at 9, check my emails and go!

My work is initiated by Erin or she will let me know what lawyer needs me, which my work is then initiated by the Lawyer. I have currently been doing work for two of the corporate lawyers and Erin. My work is initiated verbally unless Erin needs a certain task done, it is then emailed.

This week I particularly enjoyed incorporating my first company. It was to become a numbered company which was done on Fast Company. Once I input all necessary information, it was then incorporated through Cyberbahn. In order to do this, I had to draft the Articles of Incorporation, email the draft along with Direction to the client for approval and signature of direction. I then processed it through Cyberbahn which then provided me with the invoice charge and gave me the numbered name. I then forwarded it to the client via email and opened a physical file. There was much more to it than that but this gives you an idea.

Regarding a phone, as I said I do not have one, as I do not need one. Almost all conversation is done through email and I am so busy preparing incorporation reports, filing and as I said above, Incorporating Companies, when it comes to interaction it is all face to face or email.

SCHOOL RELATED REFLECTION

When asked if I would have preferred an exam instead of the smaller, more frequent test/quizzes/portfolio, I would have to say probably not. Although I wish many things were different in my 2 years of our Legal program that would not be one of them. My life was quite the task outside of school I am embarrassed to say that studying never happened. I only worked on my schooling at school during school hours and never took it outside of the college due to personal home issues, except near the end when my marks needed a serious upgrade. Being said an exam would definitely not be a benefit to me as it requires ample amounts of studying, and with my personal issues, it was infeasible. Given the ability to work in class and with the teacher as each assignment was assigned, made this program a great success for me.

Since I do not learn by writing a test or exam, opening a physical file and having the right instruction, I always succeeded. I also found it helpful when answer keys were placed on the bulletin board as on numerous occasions I went to that board for direction...Thank you, Mrs. Bradley.

Week 1, Post 1 (Monday, April 10 - Sunday, April 16)

My Law Firm is Sorbara Law. I was lucky enough to be offered this placement being the fact it was through our Corporate Law teacher. Being said the area of law which I am working in at Sorbara is Corporate.

Sorbara Law's mission statement is "At SorbaraLaw, our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome in the shortest possible time and at the least possible cost for every client and for every legal matter with which we are entrusted."

Initially, there was no orientation received. During my interview, I was explained what I will be expected to do and my understanding was proven once I was offered the position. I was introduced to the staff (which was over 20 employees) as well as given a tour around the facility. I was shown all the different departments, which at Sorbara include Family Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate, Wills and Estates and Litigation. I am proud to say Sorbara is a big name in the Legal Field and I am honoured to be a part of it.

I was introduced to all of the staff by Erin, and Sorbara being such a huge firm I did not take in all of the names and have only been concentrating on the names of the lawyers I am working for, being said I am currently working for two Corporate lawyers as well as Erin.

There was no manual of office procedures provided to me. Since I was taught in class by Erin herself, and the fact I am currently only a student, I don't think a manual is really needed at this stage and was also told if I needed help to ask. All documents have precedents to follow which are easily sought at through the computer stored in a specific drive.

Currently, nothing has surprised me about the office regarding what I am doing as Erin was an amazing teacher and now being able to focus on one specific area of law, I find it much easier than so many different clients, so many different fields, pertaining so many different classes. Although I must say I am surprised at how friendly, outgoing the staff is. I always have had an impression that some law firms would be strict and that lawyers may act on their higher ranking in society, but not here. Everyone is treated equal and the energy is amazing. Lawyers respect the work a legal assistant puts in and knows that they are the backbone of their work. Like the bulletin board quoted "the lawyer promises the client the world, and legal assistant gets it," at least I think that is what it said.

In conclusion, my impressions of the office environment are absolutely positive. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to work at this law firm and I am learning so much!

All about me!

My name is Tiffany Koehler and I am currently enrolled in the Office Administration Legal Program. I chose this program for the fact that I enjoy all areas of law and learning about them. The rules are always changing and every situation is different.

I am a mother of two and in my off time away from school I enjoy being with my daughters and making memories. Family is very important to me and I cant wait to start my career so I can love what I do and support my family and make memories.