• a firm’s policies and procedures are understood and followed • unclear instructions or missing information is checked with instructing legal practitioner • instructing legal practitioner’s instructions are adhered to • roles and responsibilities of person’s involved in matter are understood and adhered to • actions occur within agreed timelines • file/matter notes and relevant documentation are reviewed and understanding of matter is demonstrated • where instructing other, instructions are clear with adequate explanation to allow the task/s to be completed • where instructing other, supervision is provided throughout the task in relation to: - providing advice and assistance with resolving problems - ensuring that work is completed within timelines - ensuring that recording of interview is accurate - checking that interview documents are formatted and filed correctly - ensuring that confidentiality and security of information is maintained • documentation required at different stages of the legal process is identified • the advantages and disadvantages of submitting and/or accepting a formal offer of compromise are understood and can be explained validity of offer of compromise in relation to dates of expiry are monitored • offers of compromise are composed in consultation with client and instructing legal practitioner and meet specified requirements • client and instructing legal practitioner’s authorisation to proceed is sought • any difficulties or irregularities are referred to the instructing legal practitioner for approval • non-disclosable information is not communicated and where any doubt exists as to the information’s status it is not disclosed • meetings are conducted professionally and courteously • instructing legal practitioner and client are kept up-to-date will all activities, actions and outcomes • relevant authority is informed of all bona-fide attempts to settle the matter out of court • evidence of an understanding of client’s circumstances is demonstrated • client’s questions and queries are answered in clear and simple language • all activities, actions and outcomes are documented on file notes and time is recorded • file/matter number is attached to all relevant documentation and such documentation is filed appropriately • record of times is processed for client invoicing purposes • costings are accurate • all work is conducted within accepted codes of conduct including those relating to: maintaining confidentiality, use of company property, duty of care, ethical behaviours, privacy, non-discriminatory practice, conflict of interests and compliance with reasonable direction |