Course Outline: What You Will Cover
The ICI paralegal course has been designed in conjunction with government and industry representatives and helps you learn the skills you need to succeed within the field of law quickly and conveniently.
Our program is designed for those who seek to enter the profession and for experienced paralegals and legal secretaries who wish to improve their skills and upgrade credentials.
1 Apply knowledge of the legal system to complete tasks
- Roles and responsibilities of the courts, tribunals and commissions
- Names of the main courts and tribunals in the legal system and what they do
- Titles, roles and responsibilities of people in the legal industry
- Various areas of law
- Range of legal services offered by legal firms
- Range of legal documentation and how to use it
- How to apply for certificates
- How to act when in a court/tribunal
2 Carry out search of the public record
- Know a range of sources such as electoral rolls, credit files, motor vehicle registration, rate searches, Consumer Affairs records, databases etc.
- Know where to locate sources such as government departments, statutory bodies, Titles Office, Securities Commission, Court library etc.
- How to plan a search
- How to work to timelines such as court deadlines, client needs, case issues
- How to conduct the search including lodging a request, paying costs
- Completing the search including filing expenses, checking information, delivering the information and recording time
3 Apply the principles of confidentiality and security within the legal environment
- Various codes of conduct including duty of care, ethical behaviour, conflict of interest, privacy, maintaining confidentiality etc.
- Types of non-disclosable information such as names, addresses, witness statements, financial information, whereabouts of clients etc.
- Security and confidentiality procedures
4 Handle receipt and despatch of information
- How to process court documents, original documents and served documents
- How to distribute urgent and confidential documents
- Procedures for collecting, sorting, recording outgoing mail
- Delivery methods
- Bulk mailing procedures
- How to organise urgent deliveries
5 Use legal terminology in order to carry out tasks
- An understanding of legal terminology and when to use it appropriately
- Abbreviations for commonly used legal terms
- Extend learning of legal terminology
6 Assist in prioritising and planning activities in a legal practice
- How to work to file-related deadlines
- Make and record appointments
- Diary organisation
- How to meet deadlines
- Follow up meeting outcomes
7 Work effectively in a business environment
- The rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
- Occupational health and safety procedures
- Equal opportunity policies e.g. discrimination issues, reporting procedures, how to resolve disputes
- Workplace terms and conditions
- Issues relating to change in the workplace
- Working in a legal office
- Personal work goals
- Careers in legal administration
8 Produce business documents
- Selecting appropriate software
- Identifying document requirements
- Designing and enhancing document formats
- Producing documents
9 Contribute to effective workplace relationships
- Collecting information from appropriate source
- Developing trust and confidence
- Building and maintaining networks and relationships
- Managing difficulties
10 Maintain records for time and disbursements in a legal practice
- Time sheet records
- How to deal with irregularities and/or uncertainties
- Recording disbursements
- Record keeping of documentation
11 Court documentation
- Delivery procedures for court documents
- Court filing fees
- Drafting and lodging court documents
How Will You Benefit?
- Fast track your career in paralegal services
- Learn the inside secrets of how to become a paralegal pro in months not years!
- Study a paralegal course that was designed in conjunction with the paralegal industry
- Free up valuable time, don't waste time and money travelling to classes
- Study at your own pace whenever and wherever you are
- Have access to a tutor who works in the industry you are training for
- Easy interest free payment plans from as low as £25 per week
Start reaping the benefits by enrolling today!
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Career Prospects
Start a career in a powerful and well paid industry. The ICI paralegal studies course is your stepping-stone toward an exciting career working for in-house legal departments of large companies and private practice law firms specializing in:
- Private
- Administrative Law
- Bankruptcy
- Civil Rights Consumer Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law
- Environmental Law
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Health Care Law
- Immigration Law
- Labor Law
- Litigation
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate Law
- Corporate Legal Departments
- Human Resources Analyst
- Insurance Companies
- Real Estate & Title Insurance Firms
- Banks & Financial Institutions
- Community Legal Services
- Risk Management
Government
- Attorney General's Office
- Various government departments
- Parliament
- Court
This legal course will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the legal industry, skills and knowledge needed to keep pace in a thriving law practice.
It is a comprehensive legal course where you will learn highly advanced practical skills in administration, while gaining crucial knowledge of paralegal systems and procedures for the legal industry.
You will also gain an understanding of the concepts, terminology and documentation specific to courts and legal offices, and develop the skills and experience necessary for effective case research, reporting and preparation of contractual agreements such as wills, probates and leases.
Job outlook
According to the latest government statistics there is growing demand for Legal Assistants and Paralegals. It is forecasted that a 29% increase will occur between 2008 and 2014. Taking the ICI paralegal course can help you become a part of it all! A search of your local newspaper or online job search website will reveal the paralegals are among the most in demand positions in the workplace!
What is a paralegal exactly?
Paralegals are the support staff to the legal profession of Barristers and Solicitors. Support includes paralegal staff, legal secretaries, legal administrative assistants, receptionists, registration clerks, accounts clerks and others.
Legal secretaries develop advanced practical skills in research, reporting and preparation of legal documents and have a thorough understanding of the concepts, terminology and documentation specific to courts and legal offices.
Course Levels Explained
Diploma
Qualifications recognises the graduates capacity for initiative and judgment across a broad range of technical and management functions. Diploma holders typically have personal responsibility and autonomy (semi-independence) in performing technical operations or organising others in the workplace.
Prerequisites
There are NO previous work or education requirements for entry into any course level. Students may enrol directly into the diploma or advanced diploma levels without completing lower ranked qualifications. Graduates can expect higher course levels to result in higher potential salary, positions and skill capabilities.