Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain trust monies related to specific files, under instruction of a legal practitioner.
It applies to individuals who work under supervision and use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to provide support in a range of legal service settings. They apply solutions to a range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Check that trust funds are adequate | 1.1 Check relevant sources for information regarding disbursements and costs 1.2 Calculate and reconcile estimated disbursements and costs with available trust funds 1.3 Notify instructing legal practitioner where there are inadequate available funds 1.4 Notify client that further funds are required, where necessary, according to organisation’s policies and procedures |
2. Draw cheques against trust account | 2.1 Complete appropriate requisition form 2.2 Gain authorisation from instructing legal practitioner according to organisation’s policies and procedures 2.3 Inspect cheques for accuracy and correct account source 2.4 Organise instructing legal practitioner to verify and sign cheques 2.5 Keep accurate records of all file-related disbursements and costs |
3. Prepare documentation upon completion of legal matter | 3.1 Collate relevant information and documentation from file 3.2 Reconcile monies remaining in trust account 3.3 Promptly investigate discrepancies or irregularities and take appropriate follow-up action |
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.3 | Gathers, interprets and analyses complex textual information from a range of sources and identifies relevant and key information |
Writing | 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3 | Uses clear, accurate and relevant language to organise, record and update information and complete workplace documentation |
Oral Communication | 1.3, 1.4, 2.2, 2.4, 3.3 | Articulates clearly using specific language and appropriate tone suitable to audience to convey requirements Uses active listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 1.1-1.3, 2.3, 3.2 | Interprets numerical information and applies mathematical calculations to perform banking transactions and reconciliations |
Navigate the world of work | 1.4, 2.2 | Monitors adherence to organisational policies and procedures |
Interact with others | 1.3, 1.4, 2.4 | Selects appropriate mode of communication for a specific purpose relevant to own role Cooperates with others as part of familiar routine activities and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability |
Get the work done | 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.3 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Makes routine decisions and implements standard procedures for routine tasks Recognises and addresses some complex problems of increasing complexity within own scope |
Sectors
Administration – Legal Services Administration