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
Identify and explain all steps that need to be taken to put effective office procedures in place.
LO3
Understand and explain how to put those procedures into practice and to
maintain high standards.
LO4
Demonstrate the skills necessary to deliver a quality service to clients.
LO5
Have practical knowledge of precedents and procedure required to assist in
the delivery of legal services.
LO6
Apply their knowledge to solve practical and ethical dilemmas in a legal
office environment.
LO7
Demonstrate an ability to maintain and interpret a client ledger card.
LO8
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%)
(i) Daily Records
• Keeping an office diary(manual and digital)
• Ensuring daily incoming telephone calls records (email notification)
• Monitoring incoming emails
• Keeping an outward post record
• Registered/ recorded post records(significance re service)
• Document exchange-recorded delivery re deeds
• Library/precedent bank
(ii) File Records:
• Establishing and Maintaining a client Register Establishing and Maintaining a file Register
• Procedure for opening a new file
• Keeping fax and email records on file
• Telephone memos
• 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
Chinese walls
Conflict of Interest –esp. in family law
• Disclosure of conflict of interest
• Ethics-dealing with a different firms client
Undertakings (5%)
• Giving them and accepting them and recording them.
Statutory Obligations Under Solicitors Act(& Other Statutory Obligations) (15%)
• Execution of a will
• Witnessing a will
• Staples, paperclips, damage
• 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 an average conveyance
• Booking Deposits
• Pre contract enquiries
• Subject to Contract/Contract Denied
• Execution of a contract and exchange
• Objections & Requisitions on Title
• Rejoinders
• Completion
• Stamping and E-stamping
• Registration-Land registry & Registry of Deeds-Forms
• Land Direct – E-conveyancing
Banks & Building Societies (10%)
• Drawing Down title Deeds
• The loan Pack
• Spousal consent-independent advice
• Solicitors Undertaking
• Cheque requisition
• Cheque Drawdown Scheduling and return of deeds
• Personal guarantees
• Deeds of Confirmation