OverviewAbout this course
Develop the skills and knowledge to work in a law firm as a legal assistant or paralegal. Learn to support clients and lawyers across family, property and corporate law. If a law degree is your goal, this course is a strong step in that direction.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Research legal information using secondary sources
Apply legal principles
Identify and interpret compliance requirements
Develop and nurture relationships
Maintain and enhance professional practice
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Diploma level
Experience liaising with lawyers, legal staff and clients
The ability to prepare and fact-check case documentation for lawyers
Experience observing a court in session
A sound understanding of case law and legal precedents
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
You have completed the following units BSBLEG314 Protect information in a legal services environment, BSBLEG423 Conduct simple legal research, BSBLEG424 Support the drafting of complex legal documents, evidenced by a copy of your academic transcript, or
Have two years full-time work experience in the legal industry, evidenced through an interview either over the phone or in person
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Completed the Certificate IV in Legal Services
High-level literacy skills and a passion for reading
Strong digital literacy
An interest in legal principles, legislation and the legal process
Good organisational skills to identify and find legal documents
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Legal Secretary
Legal Secretaries perform secretarial, clerical and other administrative tasks in support of Legal Professionals, applying knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and documents.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
49%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
3,300 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
41 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,130
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
39 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
High
Gender share
99% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Decline
Other jobs include: legal secretary, legal services support officer, paralegal, executive assistant and office manager.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study3 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Paralegal Services does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Paralegal Services does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Paralegal Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 5 core and 7 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Apply understanding of the Australian legal systemBSBLEG421
Maintain a file in a legal services environmentBSBLEG422
Conduct and apply legal researchBSBLEG521
Take instructions in a legal services environmentBSBLEG534
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community
Info sessionsWant to know more?
There are a total of 3 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.
You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Foundation Skills, English Language and Auslan