Paralegals in Law Firms (From Improving Access to Justice: The Future of Paralegal Professionals -- Conference Proceedings, 1990, Canberra, Australia, P 47-57, 1991, Julia Vernon and Francis Regan, eds. -- See NCJ-129734)

• NCJ Number: 129740
• Author(s): C Dickeson
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Paralegal professionals such as legal executives and managing law clerks can contribute significantly to the work of lawyers if they are trained in the proper skills.

Abstract

The Institute of Legal Executives in Victoria, Australia, aims to produce and encourage proficient legal executives and competent law clerks at a less senior level. Institute members include fellows (legal executives), associates, and students. The institute recognizes that paralegal professionals or legal assistants will become more capable of advanced work and greater responsibilities as they become better trained and experienced. In addition, it is clear that the demand within the legal profession for more legal assistants with adequate training to undertake advanced tasks in law and procedure is increasing. In courts, for example, experienced legal secretaries frequently handle simple files. Paralegal professionals need to be accredited and should have a formal organization to represent their needs and interests. The course structure of the Institute of Legal Executives is outlined in an appendix. 3 references