Legal Assistant
Also known as: Advanced Legal Assistant, Legal Executive, Paralegal
Law clerks perform a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of solicitors, barristers or clerks of court. A lawyer provides advice to clients on a variety of matter and may write and submit documents on their behalf as well as represent them in court or at tribunal hearings.
Duties
- search land titles to check details such as property boundaries and ownership of the property
- attend settlements for the purchase or sale of land
- examine contracts and obtain information about contracts so that solicitors can proceed with finalisation
- fill out legal forms and lodge them with government offices, interview clients and draft clauses for contracts
- undertake company, business name, bankruptcy and other searches
- help maintain bookkeeping records
- prepare statements of evidence by witnesses and briefing papers for use by barristers (this happens when a solicitor's client has to go to court)
- assist clients by providing information on legal processes
- assist prosecuting or defence lawyers in court and arrange for the attendance of witnesses at court
- brief witnesses and take notes of evidence
- assist barristers and senior counsel with case management.
Skills Required
- interest in the law
- good knowledge of English
- accuracy and precision
- able to think logically and clearly.
Salary
$40 000 - $60 000
