• a firm’s policies and procedures are understood and followed • unclear instructions or missing information is checked with instructing legal practitioner • roles and responsibilities of persons involved in matter are understood and adhered to • designated person is kept up-to-date with all actions activities and outcomes • documentation required at different stages of the legal process is identified, prepared and checked • matter and associated legal implications are understood • action is within court and client timelines • instructing legal practitioner’s instructions are adhered to at all times, particularly in relation to: - presenting information to court - submitting requests to court - communicating options to client - initiating legal proceedings - negotiating with opposing party - lodging appeals • court etiquette and procedures are adhered to • non-disclosable information is not communicated and where any doubt exists as to the information’s status it is not disclosed uncertainties and complexities in court are immediately clarified with judge, opposing party or designated person • different rulings, costs, penalties and damages are understood and communicated to client and designated person in appropriate language • client’s questions and queries are answered in clear and simple language • client feedback is sought where appropriate • background research is relevant and thorough and presented in an effective manner • options suggested are within client’s best interests and client’s budgetary capacity • meetings are conducted professionally and courteously • legal procedures, legislative requirements and trust account processes are explained to client in simple language where appropriate • offers of compromise are costed accurately and according to a firm’s policies and procedures, legal requirements and client’s requirements • legal procedures are initiated within agreed timelines • judge is informed of any bona fide out of court negotiations • all activities, actions and outcomes are documented on file notes and time is recorded • financial documentation is prepared on a regular basis and forwarded to client where appropriate • file/matter number is attached to relevant documentation and such documentation is filed appropriately • record of time is processed for client invoicing purposes • 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 |