Course Title: Produce complex legal documents

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: JUST5191C

Course Title: Produce complex legal documents

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6141 - Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice

Course Contact: Callie Harvey

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5772

Course Contact Email: callie.harvey@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

 

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce complex legal documents using a range of advanced functions within at least one software package and integrating functions from at least two software packages.

This unit applies to individuals who apply a broad knowledge of administration tasks in providing support in a legal context. Its application in the workplace will be determined by the job role of the individual and the legislation, rules, regulations and codes of practice relevant to different jurisdictions.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBLEG418A Produce complex legal documents

Element:

1. Establish document design and structure

Performance Criteria:

1.1.Identify requirements of task in line with instructions

1.2.Select software appropriate to task

1.3.Determine document design and structure

1.4.Design and structure document to meet legislative requirements

1.5.Review and update existing precedent documents

Element:

2. Develop precedents for document design

Performance Criteria:

2.1.Develop and use precedents to ensure consistency of design and layout

2.2.Evaluate and amend templates to ensure document requirements can be met

2.3.Recommend improvements to design and/or structure of existing documents and facilitate a review process of suggested improvements

Element:

3. Prepare to produce documents

Performance Criteria:

3.1.Prepare documents using appropriate and available precedent documents according to organisation's policies and procedures

3.2.Enter and edit relevant data

3.3.Use a range of advanced software functions to ensure accurate completion of task

3.4.Check documents for spelling, grammar, numeric data and layout

3.5.Proofread documents for accuracy of content and consistency of layout and style

3.6.Make modifications to meet required specifications

3.7.Manage any difficulties to produce completed documents within agreed timelines

Element:

4. Prepare to print documents

Performance Criteria:

4.1.Print documents as required

4.2.Arrange review of documents with designated person

4.3.Undertake final printing of documents

Element:

5. Save file and exit system

Performance Criteria:

5.1.Save and store document in appropriate directory or folder

5.2.Close file and exit application programs without loss of data

5.3.Make back-up copies of file according to specified procedures

5.4.File and store discs/data according to organisation's policies and procedures

Learning Outcomes



 


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

 

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

 

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

 

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.

 


Teaching Schedule

This course is one of six (6) courses comprising the “Working in a Legal Environment” (WiLE) segment of this program, the details of which are as follows:

 JUST5751

 Practise in a Legal Environment (PILE)

 EMPL7103C

 Undertake Career Planning

 MKTG7986C

 Use Communication to Build Relationships

 OFFC5196C

 Develop Keyboarding Speed and Accuracy

 JUST5191C

 Produce Complex Legal Documents

 BAFI5204C

 Establish and Maintain a Trust Account


The following courses are co-delivered and co-assessed:

  • JUST5751 Practise in a Legal Environment
  • MKTG 7986C Use communication to build relationships
  • JUST 5191C Prepare and produce complex legal documents 

Please refer to the Weekly Schedule and the Assignments tab for more information.

Please note that the weekly schedule is subject to change.

Course Schedule: JUST5751 Practice in a Legal Environment, JUST5191C Produce Complex Legal Documents, MKTG7986C Use Communication to Build Relationships, Semester 1, 2020

Week 

Topic

Assessments

PILE

Prepare Complex Legal Docs

Comm. Skills

Keyboarding
Speed and Accuracy

Maintain Trust Accounts

Undertake Career Planning

1

February 10

Practice Firm

 

 

 

 

2

February 17

Practice Firm

Part A - Paralegals Quiz 1.1 due February 21

 

 

  

3

February 24

Practice Firm

 

Part A- Safe Work Practices Quiz due February 28

 

 Draft Resume due February 26

4

March 2

Practice Firm

 

 

Part A Online Quiz 1 due March 6

 

5

March 9

Practice Firm

Part A- Affidavits & Stat Declarations Quiz 1.2 due March 13

Part B-Speed Test 1 due March 11

 

 

6

March 16

Practice Firm

 

Part B- Speed Test 2 due March 18

 

 

7

March 23

Practice Firm

Part A- Closing a File Quiz 1.3 due March 27

 

 

 

8

March 30

Practice Firm

Part B - File Work Assessment 2 due April 3

Part B- Speed Test 3 on due April 1

Part B - Maintain Trust Accounts Files Assessment 1 due April 3

 

9

April 6

 

Practical Placement

Thursday 1.30-5.00 pm
Practical Placement

 

 

 

 

Mid-Semester Break

10

April 20

Practical Placement

Staff Meeting

Introduce yourself to an employer (Part 1)

 

 

 

 

11

April 27

Practical Placement

Staff Meeting

Introduce yourself to an employer (Part 2)

 

 

 

 

12

May 4

Practical Placement

Staff Meeting

Dealing with difficult clients and colleagues

 

 

 

Careers Portfolio due May 8

13

May 11

Practical Placement

Staff Meeting

Time Management

Part B - Team Meeting Assessment 3 due May 15 

 

 

 

14

May 18

Practical Placement

Feedback Interviews

Part B - Practical Placement Report Assessment 3 due May 22 or seven days after completion of placement.

 

 

 

15

May 25

Practical Placement

Feedback Interviews

  

 

 

 

16

June 1

Resubmission

Resubmission

 

 

 

 

17

June 8

Grade Entry

Grade Entry

 

 

 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In order to demonstrate competency in this unit, you must provide evidence of the ability to:

* ensure that confidentiality and security of information are maintained
* produce and present accurate documents that conform to specified standards within agreed timelines
* use advanced functions of at least one software package or integrate functions of at least two software packages, in document production
* apply knowledge of relevant legislation, rules, regulations, codes of practice and research resources.
 

Context for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

* the internet
* an actual workplace or simulated environment
* workplace manuals and reference materials, such as company policies, procedural manuals, checklists, sources of documentation and sample forms
* background information on courts, their jurisdiction and behavioural requirements
* appropriate technology, such as computers with relevant software
* appropriate texts and people with expert knowledge, such as legal practitioners
* appropriate legislation and regulations relevant to legal context.You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.


Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning effectiveness and final performance in the course.

Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.


Assessment Tasks

To be deemed competent you must successfully complete all assessments.

 

Assessment 1: Quiz 1, 2 and 3

Quiz Paralegal Quiz 1.1 - Due 21 February 2020

Affidavits and Statutory Declarations Quiz 1.2 - Due 13 March 2020

Closing a File Quiz 1.3 - Due 27 March 2020 

 

Assessment 2: File Work

Due: 3 April 2020

For this task you have been appointed as a paralegal with the RMIT Legal Practice Firm. As a paralegal you will be required to complete the necessary file work and trust accounting documentation on a number of different file matters relating to fictitious clients.

To complete the file work on the files you will be required to:

  • Initiate and maintain clients’ files
  • Communicate with clients and co-workers.
  • Consult with internal/external specialists.
  • Prepare, produce and manage legal documentation which accurately reflects the client’s needs.
  • Ensure that all correspondence and documentation meets the RMIT Legal Practice Firm policies and procedures.
  • Use advanced functions in Microsoft word.
  • Seek and incorporate appropriate feedback on the effectiveness of your communications.

 

Assessment 3: Agendas and Meetings

Due: 15 May 2020

The purpose of this assessment is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to plan execute and follow up after organisational meetings. You will prepare, conduct and follow up on two meetings for your legal team. In one meeting you will chair and the other you will transcribe the minutes.

 

Assessment 4: Practical Placement Report

Due: 22 May 2020

The aim of this assessment is to provide you with some general experience working in a legal environment. It is expected that you will be given duties normally assigned to clerical or secretarial staff which may include typing, word processing, drafting simple letters or documents, filing, answering the telephone, photocopying, delivering documents or similar duties.

Part A: Organisational Skills

  • Complete at least 120 hours or 20 days in a legal environment.
  • You are responsible for organising your host employer and ensuring that all the WIL documentation is completed in a responsible and timely manner.
  • If you are using your current employment in a legal environment the completion of WIL documentation is not required.

Part B: Practical Placement Report 

  • You are to prepare a written report of approximately 1,000 words detailing your experiences during WIL and 500 word reflective observations of what you learned and what value you gained from the placement both personally and professionally. Refer to attachment A for the criteria that should be supplied in the report.
  • Students who complete a placement are also required to send a letter of thanks to their respective host employers and attach the letter to the report.
  • The Host Employers evaluation should be attached to your report.

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas.

Other Information

Submission Requirements

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

 

Resubmissions (VET Programs)

If you are found to be unsuccessful (Not satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

 

Penalties for Late Submission 

Late submissions of assignments without special consideration or extension will automatically be considered a re-submission (see above).

 

Extensions, Special Consideration and Adjustment to Assessments

 

Extensions:

Extensions are available for unforeseen circumstances of a short-term nature.

An application form must be submitted to the school at least one working day before the due date of the assessment.

Extensions can be approved for a maximum of one week (seven calendar days) past the due date for an assessment. (Where students need an extension exceeding one week they must instead apply for special consideration.)

 

Special consideration:

Special consideration is available for unexpected circumstances outside students’ control. These include but are not limited to: unexpected short-term ill health, and unavoidable family, work, cultural or religious commitments.

An application for special consideration is made in advance of an assessment wherever possible but will normally be accepted within five working days after the assessment date

For more information, see the Special Consideration page of the RMIT website.

 

Adjustments to Assessment:

RMIT provides several adjustments to assessment for students experiencing ongoing or long-term circumstances. Find the right one for your circumstances here.

 

Changes to the Assessment Scheme

Where a change to assessment approved by the dean/head of school changes an assessment due date, students will be given at least five working days’ notice of the new due date.

 

Feedback

You can expect to receive marks and feedback on in-course assessment work in time to improve your performance in related assessment tasks later in the course.

 

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

Students demonstrate academic integrity in their assessment practices by:

  • engaging with assessment activities in an honest way;
  • providing accountability for the authorship and originality of work submitted;
  • acknowledging the work of others and the re-use of original work.

Academic misconduct is addressed in accordance with the Student conduct policy

Assessment involving research with human participants, their information or their tissue, or animal subjects is carried out in accordance with the Staff ethics and integrity policy.

For further information see the Academic Integrity website.

 

Review and Appeal

A student may request a review of an assessment result or appeal a final course grade in accordance with the Conduct of assessment and appeals section of the Assessment Processes.

 

Grade Criteria

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

The following grades are available for this course.

Vocational education grades:

CA - Competency Achieved

NYC - Not Yet Competent

DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment

  

Course Overview: Access Course Overview