Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:25 PM AWST

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Manage and analyse a legal matter file

Manage and analyse a legal matter file

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFDPL018
State Code
OEE32
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/10/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/11/2022
Field of Education
080901 - Secretarial And Clerical Studies
Original Release Date
28/11/2022
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the conduct of a legal matter file under the instruction of a qualified legal practitioner.It includes initiating preliminary file activities and carrying out a conflict of interest test to open a file. It also includes determining appropriate processes and steps to facilitate running a file, contacting relevant persons about the file, then facilitating file administration and closure.This unit applies to Defence personnel who are required to provide paralegal support services.All aspects of legal practice may be subject to a range of legislation, rules, regulations and/or codes of practice relevant to different job roles and jurisdictions.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.Persons undertaking this unit apply a well-established, sound, theoretical knowledge base in the provision of administrative support to legal professionals.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Initiate preliminary file activities
  • 1.1 Liaise with legal officer to discuss new legal matter file, and to plan and prioritise preliminary work
  • 1.2 Obtain details of legal matter from client in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.3 Clarify matter with legal officer and client, and document agreed mutual expectations
  • 1.4 Prepare initial file documentation in accordance with organisational procedures
2 Carry out conflict of interest test
  • 2.1 Carry out conflict of interest check in accordance with organisational and legal procedures
  • 2.2 Record on preliminary file notes results of conflict of interest check and discuss and resolve any areas of potential conflict with legal officer
3 Open legal matter file
  • 3.1 Locate, access and extract relevant information for initiating files in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Select and brief support staff to assist, in consultation with legal officer, as required
  • 3.3 Forward to client, on behalf of legal officer, confirmation of instructions, details of those working on the matter, a summary of work to be performed and associated timelines, in accordance with organisational procedures
4 Manage a legal matter
  • 4.1 Plan work, assign staff and allocate resources to matter in conjunction with legal officer
  • 4.2 Obtain, prepare and submit relevant background information and submit documents to legal officer for checking
  • 4.3 Conduct research to identify and review relevant legislation and cases
  • 4.4 Outline relevant legal requirements clearly to client and answer within the scope of the paralegal's responsibility or refer questions to legal officer for follow-up
  • 4.5 Record progress of matter in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
5 Contact stakeholders about the legal matter file
  • 5.1 Contact stakeholders and obtain supporting information, as required
  • 5.2 Update file notes detailing all activities, actions and outcomes in accordance with organisational procedures
6 Facilitate legal matter file administration and closure
  • 6.1 Package and disseminate file notes in accordance with organisational and legal procedures
  • 6.2 Close and archive file in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBB82 DEFDPL009 Manage and analyse a legal file Unit of competency