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Proctor : February 2015
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50 PROCTOR | February 2015 While legal practitioners are well aware of the benefits of continuing professional development, this is sometimes overlooked when it comes to the needs of support staff. However, appropriate training for these employees can ensure competent, engaged staff who actively improve the operation and efficiency of the practice itself. Queensland Law Society offers a Certificate IV in Legal Services and a Diploma of Legal Services, both of which are qualifications nationally accredited under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). The courses are delivered in a self-study format, primarily in the form of reading materials with review exercises, plus formal assessment. Participants agree that the courses bring a number of benefits. Cheree Ball, an administration assistant at Cooper Grace Ward, jumped at the chance to undertake the diploma course. “I had completed the New Zealand equivalent over 10 years ago and knew more or less what would be involved,” she said. “I also knew this would be a valuable qualification to add to my CV and assist me in my current role. “The qualification has helped me understand the basic steps and processes, and what my authors are trying to achieve as matters progress. This enables me to look ahead and anticipate how I can assist them along the way. “The most useful part of the course was the fact that my study related directly to my current role. This meant I had a number of people available and willing to assist me, when needed, as well as my QLS trainer, and easy access to other resources.” Cheree said she would recommend the course to others, as it would give them the confidence and knowledge required to progress their legal support careers. Her supervisor, Neil Baker, said the diploma course was an opportunity to formalise skills and experience that team members already had, and its soft-paced nature allowed the program to be carried out over a time that suited the team member’s personal and work commitments. “The training programs generated quite an amount of enthusiasm amongst the participants, which was a very positive thing for the individuals and the firm,” he said. “There was a broader understanding of some aspects of the business which these team members may not have otherwise been aware of had they not completed the program. “The course provided an opportunity for these quite experienced team members and inexperienced team members to receive some development in their particular area of expertise.” Courtney Jones, a paralegal at Connolly Suthers Lawyers, participated in the Certificate IV course. “My supervising solicitor, Bill O’Toole, encouraged me to enrol in the course in the hope that it would motivate me to study law at university,” she said. “I decided to undertake the course because I enjoy learning and am interested in law, and thought it would be a good way to challenge myself and develop my skills and understanding of the different areas of law and legal procedures. Courtney said her research skills had improved and she had been able to apply these to her everyday work. “In particular, the ‘Apply the principles of evidence law’ helped improve my problem solving and also taught me how to look at information and evidence, and distinguish between what is relevant/irrelevant and admissible/inadmissible in different legal matters. “The ‘Implement effective communication strategies’ unit helped to improve my communication skills, while the ‘Establish and maintain a file in legal services’ made me think about the ways that I could improve my file maintenance.” She said she would recommend the course to others. “If you enjoy a challenge, like the law and want to learn, then this course is perfect,” she said. “I also feel that it is a good starting point for those unsure about whether to undertake a law degree at university, as the course provides a good insight into the world of law and helps to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that would be required to complete a law degree.” Bill O’Toole said Courtney had benefited from the course, broadening her knowledge considerably. Details on both courses are available at qls.com.au > For the profession > Your legal career > Legal support staff qualifications. Legal support staff The support team solution Courses lead to competent, engaged staff Queensland Law Society offers accredited courses for legal support staff that will benefit both the participants and your practice. “My study related directly to my current role.” Cheree Ball “If you enjoy a challenge, like the law and want to learn, then this course is perfect.” Courtney Jones back to contents
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