Published: 7th March 2022.
Written by Jodie Magrath
A Certificate III in Legal Services is the qualification you need to get started in a career in the legal industry. You’ll be prepared to work in an administration role and develop the skills to be an effective team member in a legal environment. Whether you take on a secretarial position or work in a receptionist role, this course will allow you to support other legal professionals and perform a range of legal duties. You’ll learn to carry out administrative work and develop your understanding of the legal system.
The Certificate III in Legal Services addresses a range of subjects to prepare you for work in this exciting field. You’ll learn about the fundamentals of the Australian legal system and be able to carry out legal searches. This course will show you how to examine public records, collect data and lodge documents. The Certificate III in Legal Services covers the use of standard business software and also looks at business writing and communicating with clients and colleagues.
A Certificate III in Legal Services is an ideal course of study for the following careers:
Legal Receptionist
A Legal Receptionist performs a range of administrative tasks at a legal firm or practice. You might greet clients as they arrive or answer phone calls and take messages. Legal Receptionists might respond to emails or deal with client enquiries. You may have to schedule appointments, maintain filing systems and assist with the preparation of legal documents. You might also assist legal professionals with other tasks when required.
Legal Secretary
A Legal Secretary carries out various administrative duties at a legal office. You might support legal colleagues with their duties or assist with legal paperwork. Legal Secretaries answer phone calls and respond to email correspondence. You may also schedule meetings and assist with client enquiries. Legal Secretaries help with legal research and carry out searches of relevant records. You might assist colleagues to prepare for legal proceedings and perform other tasks such as transcribing recorded interviews.
Higher education pathways
A Certificate III in Legal Services is a great way to begin your career in legal services. You may also decide to advance your studies with a Certificate IV in Legal Services or a Diploma of Paralegal Services. You could also specialise your skills with a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies or an Advanced Diploma of Justice.
If you choose to further your studies, you could enrol in a university degree such as a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Legal Studies. This will expand your knowledge of the legal sector and allow you to take on a role with more responsibility. You may be able to use a Certificate III in Legal Services as a pathway to these courses.
Getting started
If a Certificate III in Legal Services is of interest to you, make sure you find out some important information before you decide to enrol. Course providers usually vary in the way they deliver their qualifications, so you’ll need to request information about some key areas. Ask about the duration of the course, costs, any prerequisites and the content the course will cover. Once you have all the information, you can compare details and make a decision about which course is best for your individual needs.