Units 222 Working in the Legal Environment
Level: 2
Accreditation unit reference: T/505/1725
Credit value: 12
Guided learning hours: 104
Unit aim: The aim of this unit is to enable the
learner to develop the knowledge and skills to understand and
operate in different organisational structures and be aware of how
relevant legislation, regulations and procedures apply to the legal
and business environments. The learner will also develop an
understanding of working relationships, effective communication
skills and internal and external customer service.
There are five learning outcomes to this
unit:
Outcome 1: understand the roles and responsibilities
of personnel within a legal office
The learner can:
- describe different departments found in a
legal office and the work undertaken within these
- produce organisational charts showing the
individual roles of personnel within a legal office
- describe main aspects of work carried out
by the different levels of staff within a legal office
- identify the main points included in a
written contract of employment
- describe the individual's employment
rights and responsibilities.
Outcome 2: understand the role and responsibilities
of the legal secretary
The learner can:
- produce documentation according to styles
and layouts acceptable for business correspondence
- describe how to maintain general office
equipment in good working order
- explain the features and uses of a
photocopier
- identify ways of minimising office waste
- describe the basic requirements of copyright legislation in
relation to the copying of documents
- describe the use of manual and electronic
information systems
- describe procedures for maintaining
paper-based and electronic filing systems
- describe different types of media storage devices
- describe procedures for dealing with
incoming and outgoing mail
- identify the advantages and disadvantages of postal
methods
- use methods of communication according to
the organisation's policies and procedures
- describe barriers to effective
communication and how they can be overcome
- perform simple calculations.
Outcome 3: know the relevant legislation, policies
and procedures that apply to the business environment
The learner can:
- state current legislation in terms of
health, safety and welfare of employees and visitors
- describe the role and responsibilities of
the first-aider and/or appointed person in the
organisation
- identify potential hazards and risks in a
given work area.
Outcome 4: understand how to work as a member of a
legal team
The learner can:
- organise and prioritise tasks to manage
own workload in order to meet deadlines
- identify tools to manage own
workload
- explain ways of maintaining a manageable
workload in order to maximise the use of time
- describe circumstances in which deadlines
cannot be met
- explain the importance of creating and
maintaining productive working relationships with
others
- describe ways of communicating within a
team
- describe different channels of internal
communication.
Outcome 5: understand the importance of establishing
and maintaining customer relationships in the legal
environment
The learner can:
- identify different types of internal and
external customers
- explain the benefits of establishing and
maintaining customer/client relationships that promote
business
- describe organisational methods
that create and maintain positive customer/client
relationships
- explain the role of the individual in
creating a positive and professional image to meet customer
expectations
- state the limit of own authority and what
to do once that is reached
- describe procedures for dealing with
customer/client complaints.