AUSTRALIAN PARALEGALS

Article by Wendy Souter

Australian Paralegals are a growing group of legal assistants forging ahead to make their presence felt and are now gaining the recognition. Uncertain as they may be regarding their position within the marketplace, they are the new voice within the legal profession.


Up until recently, recognised qualifications for Paralegals and Legal Secretaries have been un-cordinated but with the rising need to provide cheaper and better legal services, the contribution from Paralegals has become a significant factor and their educational requirements are now fully catered for. The rise in their importance is growing significantly.


Compared with their UK counterpart, the Australian ‘Paralegal’ may be a new and less well-known title than Legal Clerk, Law Clerk or Legal Assistant. Their role is no less significant as they are providers of legal services who work under the supervision of Solicitors and Barristers. They provide lower operating costs than Solicitors and Barristers and as a consequence, they require specialist legal knowledge to allow them to become fully conversant with legal work.  Paralegals can specialise in Litigation, Conveyancing and work under supervision of qualified lawyers as Litigation Clerks, Conveyancing Clerks et al.  


A recent study reveals the following salaries which can be expected from working as a Paralegal:



Paralegal –         Personal Injury         60,000 – 70,000                  Sydney 

Paralegal –         Public Liability          50,000 – 70,000                   Sydney 

Paralegal Admin Assistant                  30,000 – 40,000                   Sydney 

Corporate Paralegal                             50,000 – 59,000                  Sydney 

Commercial Paralegal                          50,000 – 55,000                  Sydney 

Paralegal, PA                                          60,000 – 70,000                   Melbourne 

Leasing Paralegal                                  80,000                                    Brisbane 

Senior Property Paralegal                  68,000                                    Brisbane

OTC-Australia provides courses for mature students who wish to change or improve their existing career to become part of this rapidly growing profession. Our online courses are convenient, flexible and offer the necessary qualifications in Australian Law. Our modules allow students to start their career without having to complete them all at once.  They can continue to add to their law portfolio by completing modules as and when they wish. 

With the increasing popularity of OTC-Australia's online courses, qualifying in Australian Law has become more accessible, widespread and convenient, so whether one wishes to qualify as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or an Office Administrator, our Diploma or Certificate courses will continue to transform working careers.


LEGAL SECRETARY OR PARALEGAL?

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