Level 3 Certificate/Diploma for Legal Secretaries

The qualifications are aimed at candidates who work or want to work as a senior administrator/secretary and who may already possess a basic knowledge and understanding of administration but not necessarily the skills required.  It is particularly relevant for those wanting to develop those skills within the legal sector.

The qualification has a more flexible approach and allows candidates to choose which route to study.  There are two outcomes to this Level 3 qualification, a Certificate or a Diploma.  Each qualification comprises of units and the candidate will need to complete:

• Units 320/321, 322 and 323 for the Certificate
• Units 320/321, 322, 323 and either 324 or 201 plus one unit from 202-210 for the Diploma.

To achieve any of the above qualifications, the candidate will need to pass an externally set proof-reading test as well as a series of assignments.

The qualifications are accredited and included on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

Click on the links below for full details of each syllabus.

Unit 320/321: Legal Word Processing

• Use word processing software features to produce business and complex legal documents
• Transcribe business and legal documents from audio.

Unit 322: Business Skills in the Legal Environment

• Understand the structure of the legal system and the legislation affecting the individual in a legal office
• Understand the use of different information and communication equipment and systems in a legal office
• Understand the importance of continuous improvement within a legal office
• Understand the importance of effective team working within a legal office
• Plan or co-ordinate an event.

Unit 323: Proof-reading in the Legal Environment

• Proof-read legal and business documents.

Unit 324: Legal Information Processing

• Use advanced spreadsheet software features to manipulate and present data in the legal environment
• Use database software to manipulate and present data for the legal environment
• Produce an integrated file using word processing and spreadsheet or database applications.

Unit 201: The Legal Environment

• Explain the purpose of law
• Describe the main sources of English Law
• Explain the operation of the legal system.

Unit 202: Principles of Liability

• Explain the principles of liability in relation to criminal law
• Identify the key elements of a contract and apply contract law
• Explain the legal requirements needed to establish negligence.

Unit 203: Principles of Criminal Law

• Explain the key elements of criminal liability
• Explain the principles of offences against the person
• Explain the principles of offences against property
• Explain the criminal process.

Unit 204: Principles of Debt Recovery

• Explain the structure and jurisdiction of the civil courts
• Explain pre-action
• Describe the documentation required for commencement of a debt recovery action
• Describe the trial process and how a claim can terminate without trial
• Explain methods of enforcement.

Unit 205: Law in the Workplace

• Distinguish between a self employed person and an employed person
• Explain the importance of a contract of employment
• Explain how contracts of employment can be terminated
• Identify the requirements of an effective working environment.

Unit 206: Personal Injury Procedures

• Explain the civil court structure and Civil Procedure Rules
• Explain pre-action matters
• Describe how a civil action may be financed
• Explain how to progress a case through County or High Court
• Explain post-trial enforcement.

Unit 207: Consumer Rights

• Explain the nature of a consumer contract 
• Explain the statutory protection available to the consumer 
• Explain the purpose of damages in consumer protection contracts 
• Explain the role of consumer support organisations. 

Unit 208: Family Law

• Explain the requirements for a valid marriage 
• Explain the breakdown of a marriage 
• Describe ancillary relief in relation to divorce 
• Explain the provisions relating to children following the breakdown of a marriage. 

Unit 209: Probate Practice and Administration

• Describe the basic principles of Will drafting 
• Explain probate procedure in taking initial instructions and formalities 
• Explain how to administer, wind up and distribute an estate 
• Explain basic post grant matters.

Unit 210: Conveyancing

• Distinguish between land and property
• Describe land registration
• Explain the concept of the mortgage
• Describe the legal procedures for transferring land from a seller to a buyer.

There is the option for candidates to study the Legal Information Processing and Proof-reading in the Legal Environment units on their own and on successful completion, candidates will be awarded the Level 3 Award in Legal Information Processing or the Level 3 Award in Proof-reading in the Legal Environment.

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