The aim of this module is to develop a knowledge of how to manage and run an efficient legal office thereby facilitating optimum delivery of legal services to clients.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the basics of practice and procedure involved in managing an efficient legal office and the rationale behind those procedures.
LO2
Demonstrate the skills necessary to deliver a quality service to clients.
LO3
Have practical knowledge of precedents and procedure required to assist in
the delivery of legal services across the main areas of a legal practice.
LO4
Apply developed knowledge to solve practical and ethical dilemmas in a legal
office environment.
LO5
Demonstrate a knowledge of the procedures involved in utilizing the
Services of 3rd party institutions/bodies for eg. The Land Registry,
Revenue Commissioners, Banks etc.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Maintaining Records: (25%)
Daily Records, Service of documents, Document exchange-recorded delivery re deeds, Library/precedent bank
File Records:
• Time sheets
• Expenditure record
• Note of undertakings
• Significance of up to date filing of all incoming correspondence Keeping a file duplicate of outgoing correspondence correctly dated
(iii) Archiving:
• Procedures for closing files
• Storage of closed files
• Disposal of files
• Shredding/daily/ annual
(iv) Deeds
• Maintaining a deeds register
• Release of deeds-scheduling and receipt Storage
(iv) Wills
• Maintaining a wills register
• Release of wills-scheduling and receipt
• Storage
Client Confidentiality & Ethics (15%)
Data protection-the clean office Conflict of Interest
• Disclosure of conflict of interest
• Ethics, Guide to Good Professional Practice
Undertakings (5%)
Giving, accepting and recording them.
Statutory Obligations Under Solicitors Act(& Other Statutory Obligations) (15%)
Execution of a will Witnessing a will
• Steps in administration of estates
• Ascertaining Assets
• Applying for Inland Revenue Affidavit
• Applying for Bond
• Applying to High Court for Grant
• Distribution on Inheritance, including capital taxes.
Practical Conveyancing: (10%)
Steps in a conveyancing transaction
• Booking Deposits
• Pre contract enquiries
• Subject to Contract/Contract Denied
• Execution of a contract and exchange
• Objections & Requisitions on Title
Completion
• Stamping and E-stamping
• Registration-Land registry & Registry of Deeds-Forms
• Land Direct – E-conveyancing
Spousal consent-independent advice