ObjectivesThe 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.
Entry requirementsThere 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.
Apply knowledge of the legal system to complete tasks
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roles and responsibilities of the courts, tribunals and commissions
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the names of the main courts and tribunals in the legal system and what they do
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the titles, roles and responsibilities of people in the legal industry
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the various areas of law
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the range of legal services offered by legal firms
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the range of legal documentation and how to use it
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how to apply for certificates
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how to act when in a court/tribunal
Legal Documents & Background Checks
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
Client Services
Apply the principles of confidentiality and security within the legal environment
* the 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
Legal Records
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
Legal Communication
Use legal terminology in order to carry out tasks
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an understanding of legal terminology and when to use it appropriately
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abbreviations for commonly used legal terms
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extend learning of legal terminology
Legal Organisation
Assist in prioritising and planning activities in a legal practice
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how to work to file-related deadlines
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make and record appointments
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diary organisation
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how to meet deadlines
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follow up meeting outcomes
Client Services
Work effectively in a business environment
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the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
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occupational health and safety procedures
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equal opportunity policies e.g. discrimination issues, reporting procedures, how to resolve disputes
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workplace terms and conditions
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issues relating to change in the workplace
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working in a legal office
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personal work goals
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careers in legal administration
Technology
Produce business documents
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selecting appropriate software
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identifying document requirements
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designing and enhancing document formats
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producing documents
Team
Contribute to effective workplace relationships
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collecting information from appropriate source
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developing trust and confidence
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building and maintaining networks and relationships
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managing difficulties
Legal Finance
Maintain records for time and disbursements in a legal practice
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time sheet records
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how to deal with irregularities and/or uncertainties
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recording disbursements
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record keeping of documentation
Legal Process and Procedure
Court documentation
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delivery procedures for court documents
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court filing fees
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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!
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
* Courts
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.
Its 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 2002 and 2012. 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 comprises 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 / Prerequisites
This course leads to the awarding of either a Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma depending on which level you enrol at. The different levels are achieved by the amount of course content and assessments involved within each module at the basic (Certificate), intermediate (Diploma) and advanced (Advanced Diploma) levels. You will be able to learn about what the difference is between the three levels below:
1. Certificate: represents a basic level of operational knowledge with general knowledge. Suitable for basic entry level positions.
2. 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.
3. Advanced Diploma: The graduate is able to apply a significant range of principles and techniques across various contexts and functions. Graduates can expect to be involved in significant judgments, planning, and leadership/guidance functions related to workplace products, services, operations or procedures.
Course Length
The average time within which students complete studies is:
ICI courses allow you to study at your own pace with no assignment deadlines. This means that you determine the pace of the course and within which time period you will ultimately complete your studies in.
* Completing your course with ICI is flexible as you can fast-track and graduate in a matter of months. You complete activities and submit assignments whenever you are ready.
* The maximum time given to complete a program is three years.
Study Mode : Distance Learning
This entire course is carried out via Distance Learning (also known as correspondence learning). Distance learning is ideal if you need to adapt around work, family, or other commitments. It is also extremely beneficial should you simply wish to fast track your studies (and career) and not be locked into a timetable.
Our course content and learning experience ensure that your course is relevant and interesting. Learning, tutorial assistance, assessments takes place whenever and wherever you are in the country or world. It takes place at your own pace on your own terms to fit your lifestyle. As an ICI student, you’ll never endure a pop quiz, spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars travelling, and never be late with an assignment or for class.
Enrolments statistics reveal that students from the following categories are currently taking advantage of the distance learning experience at ICI:
* Government, business & industry employers 32%
* High school leavers 20%
* Individuals looking to start a business or change career paths 18%
* Individuals already in the industry looking to formalise and/or update knowledge and seek a promotion 11%
* Military personal 11%
* Stay at home mothers 8%
Recognition & Accreditation
This course is recognised and accredited by the International Association of Private Career Colleges (IAPCC). The courses offered by ICI are unique as they take a very "hands on" approach. Our courses are not designed to teach you just the "theory" behind the industry - they are written and tutored by industry professionals and will fast-track you into a new career of your choice.
Various government departments and business's have enrolled their own staff with ICI for further training and development and is a strong indicator of acceptance and recognition by employers and industry.
The following is a partial list of companies and government departments which have enrolled staff into ICI courses:
* Ministry of Defence,
* Microsoft,
* Vodafone,
* Navman Technologies,
* Colliers International,
* Mitsubishi Corporation,
* Pearson Education,
* Royal Mail
* Brookfield Multiplex,
* Accor,
* BBC,
* British Airways,
* Barclays Bank,
* HSBC Bank
* American Express,
* RBS
* Workplace Authority,
* Centacare Employment Group,
* MAX Employment,
* Employment Directions Network,
* Calvin Klein,
* Coca-Cola Amitil,
* Shell
* and many more...
Already in the Profession or Industry?
This course and qualification is a great way of consolidating existing knowledge via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), updating your industry skills and contributing towards your professional development. It is also one of the most practical steps you can take towards working towards gaining a promotion or better paid position.
Course fees can be claimed as a tax deduction as long as the course is sufficiently connected to your work activities.
What Do I Get?
All materials essential for course completion are included in the cost of the course fee. Upon enrolment, students receive:
* All required study materials and course notes
* Practical assignment projects with constructive tutor feedback
* Industry based tutor who will service all of your course and career questions and guidance needs
* UNESCO endorsed Student ID card giving students access to thousands of discounts both at home and overseas! Save on transport, accommodation, communications, food, shopping, movies and more!
On successful completion of the course you will receive:
* A graduation certificate officially recognizing your successful completion of studies and qualifications as a paralegal
* Transcripts indicating units completed
* Letter of recommendation and validation for current and future employers
* Post-nominal letters placed after your name which indicate that you hold the relevant qualification. For example: John Smith, DipPL
* Job search assistance: Graduate Career Services Program