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A Legal Assistant works with other legal professionals in a court or lawyer’s office. Your daily activities will be varied but could involve helping to prepare legal documents, assisting clients to get ready for a court appearance or gathering information needed for a legal case. You might have to do some research to help with an upcoming trial and will need a strong knowledge of the legal system. Legal Assistants will also have to perform some administrative tasks during their day.
Legal Assistants need to be thorough and have good attention to detail. It’s important that you can follow instructions and work well as part of larger team. You’ll need good people skills and you’ll have to be a good communicator. Legal Assistants will usually be working with many clients at any one time so you’ll need to have good time management skills and be able to multi-task.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Legal Assistant.
Possible job outcomes:
Become a paralegal with the BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services. This nationally recognised business qualification will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the Australian legal system, and delivers the administrative skills you need to support a team of law professionals. The course covers: carrying out legal research, maintaining a legal filing system, writing complex documents, communicating in a legal services environment, and following legal instructions. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in key areas: contract law, tort law, litigation and evidence, property law, criminal law, family law, court procedures and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, entry requirements, and upcoming enrolment dates..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get an administrative role at a law firm or legal office with the BSB40620 Certificate IV in Legal Services. This nationally recognised qualification introduces you to the Australian legal system, while delivering a range of administrative skills and legal knowledge. The course covers: protecting information, carrying out simple legal research, assisting with the preparation of legal documents, communicating in a legal office, maintaining a legal filing system, legal principles of contract and tort law matters, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, elective choices (and their availability) and upcoming enrolment dates..
The nationally recognised 10972NAT Diploma of Justice Studies is the qualification to launch your career in the state and federal police, court services, border security, private investigations, youth justice and more. The course begins with an in-depth introduction to the Australian legal system and the prevailing issues in social justice, crime, and victimology. You’ll then begin learning the applications of criminal law alongside the principles of evidence law. The course also covers evidence gathering, interviewing and investigation techniques, court proceedings, and document preparation. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, justice career outcomes, and training providers near you that deliver this qualification..
Average duration: 18 months.
If you have a passion for social justice how about launching your career with the Certificate IV in Justice Studies. This nationally recognised qualification opens up a wide range of employment opportunities within court services, youth justice, correctional services, law enforcement, and community services. The course covers: Australian legal system, workplace communication, social justice issues, applying regulatory powers, preparing documents and reports, understanding court proceedings, and more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, career outcomes, and enrolment centres in your area..
In Australia, a full time Legal Assistant generally earns $1,340 per week ($69,680 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
While there are 9,100 people in the legal administrative industry in Australia, only a small percentage of these are hired as Legal Assistants. The number of people in this industry has decreased slightly in recent years. Legal Assistants can find work in all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’d like to become a Legal Assistant you could enrol in a Diploma of Legal Services. A Certificate IV in Legal Services or a Certificate III in Business Administration (Legal) would also be suitable qualifications.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within legal services and paralegal. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Legal Services
Legal Administrator
$1,150 weekly pay
Legal Receptionist
Legal Secretary
Barrister
$1,630 weekly pay
Court Administrator
$1,250 weekly pay
Court Officer
Court Support Worker
Investigator
$1,300 weekly pay
Law Clerk
Legal Advocate
$1,635 weekly pay
Legal Assistant
$1,340 weekly pay
Migration Agent
$1,540 weekly pay
Paralegal
Solicitor
Commercial Lawyer
$1,500 weekly pay
Criminal Defence Lawyer
Employment Lawyer
$2,310 weekly pay
Environmental Lawyer
Family Lawyer
$1,830 weekly pay
In House Lawyer
Intellectual Property Lawyer
Judge
Lawyer
Legal Advisor
$1,730 weekly pay
Legal Consultant
Legal Counsel
Magistrate
Media Lawyer
Prosecutor
$1,920 weekly pay
Learn more about Legal Assistant courses in your area.