Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake legal research using secondary sources and under supervision. This includes identifying research requirements and sources of information, applying information to a set of facts, evaluating the quality of the information, and preparing and producing reports.
It applies to individuals who apply a well-established, sound theoretical knowledge base and use a range of specialised, technical or managerial competencies to plan and carry out work in a legal context in accordance with legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to different jurisdictions.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory 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 specific legal data and information requirements | 1.1 Liaise with designated person to clarify specific legal data and information needs 1.2 Prepare research plan and prioritise activities 1.3 Identify resources and technical requirements 1.4 Assign timelines to tasks and delegate tasks where appropriate |
2. Undertake research | 2.1 Identify sources of legal data and information 2.2 Research and identify key information to be extracted |
3. Review research | 3.1 Check information to ensure that extracted details are acknowledged and recorded for copyright and other legal requirements 3.2 Analyse legal data and information for relevance to facts 3.3 Edit and collate legal data and information to fit research and relevant legal and ethical requirements |
4. Prepare drafts | 4.1 Draft document in appropriate format taking into account precedent documents and using appropriate language 4.2 Present legal data and information according to organisation's policies and procedures and legal requirements 4.3 Evaluate draft against previously identified criteria and take action to address identified gaps or deficits 4.4 Liaise with supervisor to review document 4.5 Make amendments where necessary |
5. Prepare final draft | 5.1 Identify key points and prepare executive summary, where appropriate 5.2 Prepare appendices, bibliography and table of contents as required 5.3 Check final draft and present it to supervisor for review and sign-off 5.4 Make arrangements to disseminate report as required |
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 |
Reading | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.3 | Interprets documents to determine legal requirements Identifies and analyses complex texts to assess relevance to research task Compares prepared drafts against criteria to evaluate whether it meets requirements Proofreads documents for accuracy of content, layout, grammar, spelling and punctuation |
Writing | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2 | Documents research plans in accordance with organisational or regulatory requirements Composes and edits texts, selecting appropriate vocabulary, structure and format for audience and purpose |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.4, 4.4 | Explains issues and requirements clearly and obtains information from others by listening and questioning |
Numeracy | 1.4 | Analyses task requirements to calculate the duration of activities |
Navigate the world of work | 3.1, 3.3, 4.2 | Appreciates the implications of legal and regulatory responsibilities related to own work |
Interact with others | 1.1, 1.4, 4.4 | Collaborates with others to achieve required outcomes Selects and uses appropriate communication practices and conventions for the purpose and audience |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 4.3, 5.3, 5.4 | Plans, prioritises, organises and implements tasks to meet organisational requirements, liaising with others when required Systematically analyses information against set criteria in order to decide on amendments needed to draft reports Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks and access information. |
Sectors
Knowledge management – research