• it is essential that the practical implications of the relevant state legislation in regard to own behaviour, legal practitioner behaviour and client rights are understood and applied • key personnel/sections of a firm and their functions are accurately referred to, in all administrative tasks, written information and in responding to enquiries • a firm’s policies and procedures are understood and followed • work is undertaken within specified court deadlines • correct usage of different types of documents/forms is demonstrated • the purpose of different types of documents/forms can be articulated • selects and uses grammatical structures and vocabulary appropriate to the purpose of the document/form • varies written and spoken language to meet requirements of audience and purpose • reads and interprets client’s file to select appropriate information for inclusion in document/form • documents/forms produced are correct • format requirements are correct • relevant enclosures are prepared and attached in the correct manner documents/forms are correctly prepared for lodgement or delivery • where instructing others to carry out work, instructions provided are clear and provide sufficient background information and adequate explanations is given • clients or co-workers questions can be answered or are referred to a relevant person where knowledge gap or legal limitation exists • timelines set are realistic and take into account processing time • client’s trust account monies can be accessed according to a firm’s policies and procedures and used to pay fees • correct processes, as designated by supplier, are followed for the lodgement and receipt of certificates • all action is recorded in the file notes • time spent is recorded against the appropriate file for invoicing purposes as per firm’s policies and procedures • purpose of certificates can be explained • all work is conducted within accepted codes of conduct including those relating to: maintaining confidentiality, use of company property, duty of care, ethical behaviours, privacy, non-discriminatory practice, conflict of interests and compliance with reasonable direction as specified by the relevant state legislation • where gaps in own knowledge become evident, independent research is pursued and legal practitioner is consulted to verify knowledge or assist with research • legal terminology is used appropriately and can be explained clearly to persons without knowledge of such terms |