Published: 3rd March 2022.
Written by Jodie Magrath
If you’re interested in an administrative career in the legal sector, a Certificate IV in Legal Services can give you the skills you need to succeed. Whether you plan to work at a large law firm or a smaller legal office, this course will give you the administration skills and legal knowledge required. You’ll develop your understanding of the Australian legal system and be able to support other legal professionals in this exciting industry.
The Certificate IV in Legal Services covers a range of topics relevant to working in a contemporary legal environment. You’ll learn strategies for protecting information, carrying out simple legal research and communicating in a legal office. This course will give you the skills to maintain a legal filing system and assist with the preparation of legal documents. You’ll also develop your understanding of the legal principles of contract and tort law matters.
A Certificate IV in Legal Services is an ideal course of study for the following careers:
Legal Receptionist
A Legal Receptionist answers phone calls and greets clients at a legal office or courthouse. You might take on a range of administrative duties and assist legal colleagues with duties such as filing and responding to client enquiries. Legal Receptionists might schedule meetings and appointments and help with the preparation of legal documents.
Legal Secretary
A Legal Secretary coordinates administrative duties at a legal practice or office. You might assist with legal research or help prepare documents for legal proceedings. Legal Secretaries gather necessary paperwork and may transcribe recorded documents when required. You might answer phone calls and respond to client enquiries or make appointments for clients or other stakeholders.
Legal Assistant
Legal Assistants provide a range of support to legal colleagues at a law firm or legal practice. You might interview clients or witnesses and conduct research relevant to upcoming cases. Legal Assistants may help with administrative work and prepare documents and paperwork. You might assist clients involved in court proceedings and maintain client files.
Higher education pathways
A Certificate IV in Legal Services will prepare you for a rewarding career in the legal sector. You might also decide to further your studies with a Diploma of Paralegal Services or a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies. You could also consider specialising your knowledge with an Advanced Diploma of Justice.
If you choose to advance your studies, you could enrol in a university degree such as a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Legal Studies. This will increase your legal knowledge and allow you to take on a role with more responsibility. You may be able to use a Certificate IV in Legal Services as a pathway to these courses.
Getting started
If you’re considering enrolling in a Certificate IV in Legal Services, make sure you gather some important information so you can find the right course provider for your needs. Providers usually vary in the way they deliver their courses, so you’ll need to find out 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 your enrolment.