Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete a range of common legal administrative duties within the legal system.
It applies to individuals who provide services to support legal practitioners, while under supervision. This unit underpins all units of competency in the Legal Services stream.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify the main roles and responsibilities of key bodies in the legal system | 1.1 Identify the functions of the courts, regulatory bodies and other legal service providers 1.2 Identify the roles of key personnel in the legal industry 1.3 Explain and apply practical implications of relevant legal practice legislation in regard to own activities 1.4 Research identified gaps in knowledge |
2. Identify key personnel/sections within a legal firm and their functions, to complete routine administrative tasks | 2.1 Ensure the key functions of a firm are identified and can be explained 2.2 Identify the key functions of all personnel/sections within a firm 2.3 Identify personnel responsible for authorisation of specific matters (e.g. partner for authorising movement of funds in trust accounts) 2.4 Use the correct names of personnel/sections in administrative tasks according to a firm’s policies and procedures |
3. Produce and despatch legal documentation | 3.1 Ensure purpose of document/form, and the stage of the legal process to which it relates, can be explained 3.2 Access relevant information from the client file 3.3 Access precedent from firm’s bank of forms/routine documentation or draft document according to firm’s procedures 3.4 Attach file/matter number to all relevant documentation 3.5 Self 3.6 Organise self or other person to despatch document in the appropriate manner 3.7 Document all activities, actions and outcomes and record time as required 3.8 File documentation correctly |
4. Organise self or other to apply for certificates | 4.1 Arrange, document/record timelines with designated person 4.2 Identify and locate supplier of certificate 4.3 Identify and advise applicable fees, taxes and rebates to client, if appropriate 4.4 Organise self or other person to apply for certificate using appropriate application forms and processes 4.5 Obtain record of application as appropriate 4.6 Facilitate legal practitioner’s review of self or other’s work 4.7 Organise self or other person to pursue appropriate follow |
5. Use court etiquette appropriate to the various courts | 5.1 Use the appropriate manner of entering into and departing from the courts/tribunals 5.2 Use the appropriate manner of addressing the courts/tribunals 5.3 Use relevant legal language where appropriate 5.4 Identify and research gaps in knowledge of court etiquette |
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 1.4, 5.4 | Uses investigative approaches to build and expand knowledge |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 3.2-.3.5, 4.2-4.5, 5.4 | Interprets textual information from a range of sources to identify requirements Proofreads texts to ensure accuracy of content and format |
Writing | 3.7, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 | Prepares documents using legal terminology in a format and style appropriate to the audience |
Oral Communication | 1.3, 4.1, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3 | Presents information using language and structure appropriate to the audience and context Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding Uses industry-specific vocabulary to address key personnel |
Numeracy | 3.7, 4.1, 4.3 | Calculates and records time allocated to tasks and applicable fees |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 4.6, 5.1-5.3 | Understands own responsibility for adherence to organisational and legal requirements Understands and adheres to protocols associated with own role |
Interact with others | 3.5, 4.1 | Collaborates with others to achieve required outcomes |
Get the work done | 3.2-3.8, 4.1-4.7 | Plans, organises and implements tasks required to achieve outcomes according to organisational requirements |
Sectors
Administration – Legal Services Administration