Diploma of Legal Services BSB52215 Course Guidelines
General Information This document provides an overview of the Diploma of Legal Services (BSB52215) qualification offered via the Queensland Law Society (QLS) and its rules of administration. All students should thoroughly familiarise themselves with these guidelines before undertaking the course. Contents 1. Introduction... 1 2. Course completion... 1 3. Enrolment... 2 4. Supervisor... 3 5. Course fees... 3 6. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)... 4 7. Credit transfer... 5 8. Logistics... 6 9. Training Record Book... 6 10. Assessment... 6 11. Completion timeframe... 7 12. Cancellation and refund policy... 7 13. Confidentiality... 8 14. Academic misconduct... 8 15. Complaints handling and appeals... 9 16. Further information and queries... 9 17. Disclaimers... 9 Appendix A Unit Details... 10 Revision Information Version Date Description Author 1.0 15 Dec 2011 Initial draft Josephine Webb 1.1 20 Jan 2012 Revised Josephine Webb 1.2 12 April 2012 Course fees updated Josephine Webb 1.3 21 May 2012 GST information added Josephine Webb 1.3 8 June 2012 Typo fixed Josephine Webb 1.4 20 June 2012 Incentive payment information updated Josephine Webb 1.5 25 July 2012 Cancellation and refund policy updated Josephine Webb 1.6 28 Sept 2012 Cancellation and refund policy updated Josephine Webb 1.7 13 Nov 2012 Federal funding details updated Josephine Webb 1.8 31 May 2013 Part payment option removed Alanna Sinclair 1.9 1 July 2013 Formatting, paragraph 1.6, 2.7, 4.3, 4.4, 13.1, 13.2 and 14 amended Kali Astill 1.10 22 Oct 2013 Formatting, include RPL fees and Credit Transfer Kali Astill 1.11 13 Dec 2013 Update refund policy Kali Astill 1.12 29 Jan 2014 Update RPL policy Kali Astill 1.13 21 May 2014 Supervisor information added. Enrolment, Training Record Book, Lee Deutzmann Complaint handling and appeals, Further information and queries, Assessment updated. Minor formatting. 1.14 7 November 2014 Electives information updated Lee Deutzmann 1.15 27 November 2014 Tutorials information removed. Training plan information amended. Course Helen Johannsen fees information amended. Training Record Book information amended. Completion timeframe information amended. 1.16 9 January 2015 Unique Student Identifier information inserted Helen Johannsen 1.17 9 April 2015 Course code updated: BSB50110 -> BSB52215 Lee Deutzmann 1.18 4 May 2015 Unit codes updated Lee Deutzmann 1.19 6 July 2015 RTO changes Kali Astill 1.20 13 October 2015 Formatting Lee Deutzmann 2.0 14 January 2016 Prices updated Yvonne Breitwieser 2.1 26 February 2016 Prices updated Yvonne Breitwieser V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016
1. Introduction 1.1. Queensland Law Society (QLS), in a strategic partnership with Australian Institute of Management Education and Training ABN 40 009 668 553 (a registered training organisation, number 0049), provides training and assessment in the Diploma of Legal Services (BSB52215). 1.2. The Diploma of Legal Services is a nationally accredited course under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). AQTF is the national set of standards which assures nationally consistent, high-quality training and assessment services for the clients of Australia s vocational education and training system. 1.3. The aim of the Diploma of Legal Services is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to provide support in a range of legal service settings. Completion of the Diploma qualification does not entitle an individual to provide legal advice or to hold themselves out as a paralegal. 1.4. There are no entry requirements for this qualification. 1.5. This qualification is appropriate to individuals in job roles such as: senior legal secretary paralegal conveyancing clerk executive assistant. 1.6. QLS recommends that this course is undertaken by legal support staff who are currently employed in a legal practice and have the support of their supervisor. 2. Course completion 2.1. The course is delivered in a self-study format, primarily in the form of reading materials with review exercises, plus formal assessment exercises. 2.2. In order to successfully complete the course and obtain a diploma qualification students are required to complete a total of ten (10) units as follows: Complete four (4) core learning units: BSBCOM501 Identify and interpret compliance requirements BSBCMM501 Develop and nurture relationships BSBLED503 Maintain and enhance professional practice BSBRES502 Research legal information using secondary sources Complete six (6) elective learning units. At least four (4) of these units must be selected from the units listed below. The remaining two (2) units may be selected from any currently endorsed Training Package or accredited course at the same qualification level. If not listed below, one unit may be selected from either a Certificate IV or Advanced Diploma qualification (including the core and elective units from the V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 1 of 11
Certificate IV in Legal Services offered by QLS). All units must be relevant to the work outcome, local industry requirements and the qualification level. BSBLEG510 Apply legal principles in family law matters BSBLEG511 Apply legal principles in criminal law matters BSBLEG512 Apply legal principles in property law matters BSBLEG513 Apply legal principles in corporation law matters BSBLEG514 Assist with civil procedure BSBLEG515 Apply legal principles in wills and probate matters BSBCUS401 Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability 2.3. There is no prescribed textbook for the course. For all units, learning materials and further readings will be provided. 2.4. Students must successfully complete all assessment tasks in the 10 chosen units. 2.5. Until a student completes all of the required units as outlined in section 2.2, the course will be deemed to be incomplete. 2.6. Once all assessments for the required core and elective units have been successfully completed, and the course fee paid in full (see section 4), a student will be awarded the Diploma in Legal Services. 2.7. If requested, a Statement of Attainment can be issued for completed units prior to full completion of the qualification. 3. Enrolment 3.1. The Diploma of Legal Services is open to application from any individual. 3.2. Students may enrol on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on their employment arrangements. Students may also enrol in a single unit. 3.3. A student is considered to be enrolled for the course only upon completion of the required enrolment form. 3.4. A Training Plan outlining all key details of the training to be completed will be prepared and provided to each student enrolled in the entire course. The Training Plan is tailored in consultation with the employer and student. The units chosen will be those best suited to the individual training needs. 3.5. From 1 January 2015 all students enrolling in the Diploma of Legal Services will be required to obtain a Unique Student Identifier (USI), which is a reference number that gives access to a personal USI account. Any nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training Course or unit that is undertaken from 1 January 2015 will be recorded in the USI account. 3.6. A USI will allow students to have easier, more reliable online access to their record of training history and will also be able to produce a comprehensive transcript of training. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 2 of 11
3.7. Students can create their own USI by providing one form of specified identification and following the steps on the following website: http://usi.gov.au/ 3.8. All students are required to provide QLS with their USI, upon or shortly after enrolment. Students who do not provide a USI will not be entitled to receive a training record or qualification. 4. Supervisor 4.1. QLS recommends that students undertake the course with the support of a supervisor. 4.2. QLS recommends that the supervisor is employed in legal practice or has sufficient knowledge of legal practice to be able to provide ongoing assistance to the student. 4.3. The supervisor s role includes: mentoring and guiding the student throughout their enrolment discussing the student s progress with the student regularly, at least every three months signing and dating the Training Record Book where appropriate to confirm competencies achieved reviewing the student s work from time to time when requested by the student. 4.4. The supervisor must sign a declaration on the Enrolment Form confirming that they understand their responsibilities and agree to abide by these and other relevant QLS policies and procedures for the duration of the student s enrolment. 4.5. The supervisor must sign a declaration on the Assessment Coversheet for every assessment submitted, confirming that to the best of their knowledge the student has completed the assessment of their own accord and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures at the workplace. 5. Course fees 5.1. The course fee for the Diploma of Legal Services is $4,000 plus GST per student. 5.2. Alternatively, students may enrol in an individual unit. Fees for individual units are shown below. All fees will have GST added. Unit Code Unit Name Fee BSBCOM501 Identify and interpret compliance requirements $450 BSBCMM501 & BSBLED503 Develop and nurture relationships / Maintain and enhance professional practice $675 BSBRES502 Research legal information using secondary sources $450 BSBLEG510 Apply legal principles in family law matters $450 BSBLEG511 Apply legal principles in criminal law matters $450 BSBLEG512 Apply legal principles in property law matters $635 BSBLEG513 Apply legal principles in corporation law matters $450 V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 3 of 11
Unit Code Unit Name Fee BSBLEG514 Assist with civil procedure $450 BSBLEG515 Apply legal principles in wills and probate matters $450 BSBCUS401 Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies $450 BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability $450 5.3. QLS will invoice the employer or student for course fees (full or unit) upon receipt of the enrolment form. 5.4. The course fees must be paid within 30 days of the date of the invoice. 5.5. The course material will be sent upon payment of the invoice. 5.6. A student will not be awarded a Statement of Attainment upon completion of the course until such time as the course fees are paid in full and receipted by QLS s Finance department. Please allow 3-5 working days for funds to clear and for QLS to process them. 5.7. The fees payable for an application for RPL are detailed in 6.8 below. 5.8. The fees payable for an application for credit transfer are detailed in 7.3 below. 6. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 6.1. Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) under the conditions set out in the AQTF Standards. Those students with skills and knowledge gained through life and/or work experience or through a formal education program or appropriate training may apply to have those competencies recognised. 6.2. Recognition for these competencies will be granted upon substantiation of that claim in accordance with the requirements of the AQTF and training package or accredited course. 6.3. Students have options in how they wish to have their skills recognised that best meets their needs. The Trainer will discuss options and negotiate a suitable assessment plan with them. 6.4. Competencies already held by individuals can be formally assessed against the units of competency in this Training Package, and should be recognised regardless of how, when or where they were achieved. 6.5. In an assessment-only or RPL pathway, the student provides current, quality evidence of their competency against the relevant unit of competency. This process may be directed by the student and verified by the assessor, such as in the compilation of portfolios; or directed by the assessor, such as through observation of workplace performance and skills application, and oral and/or written assessment. Where the outcomes of this process indicate that the student is competent, structured training is not required. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 4 of 11
6.6. As with all assessment, the assessor must be confident that the evidence indicates that the student is currently competent against the endorsed unit of competency. This evidence may take a variety of forms and might include certification, references from past employers, testimonials from clients, and work samples. The onus is on students to provide sufficient evidence to satisfy assessors that they currently hold the relevant competencies. In judging evidence, the assessor must ensure that the evidence of prior learning is: authentic (the student s own work) valid (directly related to the current version of the relevant endorsed unit of competency) reliable (shows that the student consistently meets the endorsed unit of competency) current (reflects the student s current capacity to perform the aspect of the work covered by the endorsed unit of competency) sufficient (covers the full range of elements in the relevant unit of competency). 6.7. The assessment only or recognition of prior learning pathway is likely to be most appropriate in the following scenarios: students enrolling in qualifications who want recognition for prior learning or current competencies existing workers individuals with overseas qualifications recent migrants with established work histories people returning to the workplace. 6.8. The fees payable for an application for RPL are as follows. These fees do not apply to students who have enrolled in the entire course. Unit Code Unit Name Fee BSBCOM501 Identify and interpret compliance requirements $225 BSBCMM501 & BSBLED503 Develop and nurture relationships / Maintain and enhance professional practice $337.50 BSBRES502 Research legal information using secondary sources $225 BSBLEG510 Apply legal principles in family law matters $225 BSBLEG511 Apply legal principles in criminal law matters $225 BSBLEG512 Apply legal principles in property law matters $317.50 BSBLEG513 Apply legal principles in corporation law matters $225 BSBLEG514 Assist with civil procedure $225 BSBLEG515 Apply legal principles in wills and probate matters $225 BSBCUS401 Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies $225 BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability $225 7. Credit transfer 7.1. Students may apply for a credit transfer, which is a different process from RPL. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 5 of 11
7.2. A credit transfer requires the student to supply evidence showing that you have successfully completed competency units or modules that can be matched directly to the competency units you have selected in your training plan. 7.3. An administrative fee of $100 per unit applies for each credit transfer application. This fee does not apply to students who have enrolled in the entire course. 8. Logistics 8.1. Email will be the primary method of communication between QLS and the student regarding course matters. It is the responsibility of all enrolled students to provide a functional email account and to check their email account on a regular basis during their enrolment. 9. Training Record Book 9.1. Students enrolling in the full course will be issued with a Training Record Book, the purpose of which is to record progress and completion of units. It may also be used to show employers what training has been completed. 9.2. The Training Record Book is an important document that must be kept by the student throughout the training and given to the supervisor or trainer, when requested, for inspection and to have entries updated. 9.3. Failure to maintain and produce this Training Record Book constitutes misconduct under the Vocational Education Training and Employment Act 2000. 9.4. Students should regularly, at least every 3 months, discuss progress with their supervisor or employer and have them update the Training Record Book as appropriate to confirm competencies achieved. 10. Assessment 10.1. All pages of the assessment are to be footnoted with student name, course code and page number. 10.2. All students will be required to sign a declaration for each unit, stating that the assessment is their own work. The student s supervisor will also be required to sign a declaration stating that they have sighted the student s work. 10.3. The submission of a false declaration, as referred to in section 10.2, will amount to academic misconduct and may be subject to the penalties as outlined under section 14 of these guidelines. 10.4. QLS will attempt to mark assessment within two (2) weeks of receiving it, and provide appropriate feedback to the student. 10.5. In the event of a student failing to achieve competency in any unit, they will be provided with remedial information and feedback and requested to resubmit the assessment tasks. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 6 of 11
11. Completion timeframe 11.1. Enrolled full-time students are expected to complete all requirements of the course within 36 months of the commencement of their enrolment. Part-time students are expected to complete the course within 60 months. These are nominal timeframes and students may complete the course sooner if they are able to demonstrate the required competencies. 11.2. It is expected that students will demonstrate reasonable progression through course units during their enrolment, in order to complete the course in the required timeframe. 11.3. As a general guide, it is expected that students will devote approximately 3 hours per week to study during their enrolment period. Additional study may be completed in the student s own time as desired. 11.4. Any student who has not completed the course within the expected timeframes may submit a request for an extension. However the student must be able to demonstrate extenuating circumstances and a plan to complete the course in the requested timeframe. Any requests for extension must be forwarded to QLS in writing at least one month prior to the lapse of the expected enrolment period. 12. Cancellation and refund policy 12.1. The benefit of enrolment attaches to the enrolled student rather than any employer, regardless of who pays the fees. No transfers of enrolment will be granted. 12.2. Enrolment can be cancelled at any time by advising QLS in writing. 12.3. If a student has enrolled in the entire course, the amount of any refund of course fees will be calculated as follows: Student withdraws from the course 90 or less days from the date of confirmation of enrolment 90 or less days from the date of confirmation of enrolment 90 or less days from the date of confirmation of enrolment More than 90 days from the date of confirmation of enrolment but less than 12 months from the date of confirmation of enrolment More than 90 days from the date of confirmation of enrolment but less than 12 months from the date of confirmation of enrolment AND the student has completed* Refund of total course fees No units 90% One unit 50% Two or more units 0% One unit or less 50% Two or more units 0% V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 7 of 11
12 months or more from the date of confirmation of enrolment * including RPL N/A 0% 12.4. If a student has enrolled in a single unit but does not complete that unit, the amount of any refund of unit fees will be calculated as follows: If a student withdraws from the unit within 90 days from the date of confirmation of enrolment: 50% refund of total fees for the unit. If a student withdraws from the unit 91 or more days from the date of confirmation of enrolment: 0% refund of total fees for the unit. If the student has completed the assessment for the unit, no refunds are payable for the unit. 12.5. In the event that no fees have been paid at the time of cancellation, an administration fee of $400 may be invoiced. 12.6. Refunded amounts are calculated on total course or unit fees due, not on amounts invoiced and/or paid to date. Where the amount of course or unit fees paid to date is less than the amount that would be retained by QLS under section 12.3 and 12.4, QLS may, at its discretion, issue an invoice for the amount of shortfall. 12.7. No deferrals or transfers of credit will be granted for the course. 13. Confidentiality 13.1. All content and performance issues relating to students undertaking the course remain confidential between the relevant QLS staff, third party training organisations and the respective student. 13.2. It is the responsibility of the individual student to notify QLS of any special requirements or any change of contact details. 14. Academic misconduct 14.1. All students must conduct their studies honestly, ethically and in accordance with accepted standards of academic conduct. 14.2. Whilst students may participate in group study situations, any final assessment item undertaken must be, in its entirety, the student s own work. 14.3. The following are examples of behaviours that will amount to academic misconduct: The submission of assessment tasks that have not been completed by the student personally. Any form of plagiarism. 14.4. QLS considers any degree of academic misconduct to be a serious matter. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 8 of 11
14.5. The penalty for academic misconduct will be considered at the discretion of QLS and may include (but is not limited to): failure to achieve the requirements for the qualification. disqualification for a period of time from undertaking further units or repeating units. any other penalty that the QLS considers appropriate in the circumstance. 15. Complaints handling and appeals 15.1. If a student or their supervisor is not satisfied with any aspect of the course, including assessment results, they may forward a complaint in writing to the Manager, Learning and Professional Development, QLS. 15.2. On receiving a complaint, QLS will investigate the matter in consultation with the student, their supervisor and the QLS trainer and make a determination as to whether there is any validity to the complaint. Any rectification deemed to be necessary will be documented and actioned and a response explaining what action has been taken sent to the complainant within 14 days. All documentation will be filed for future reference. 16. Further information and queries 16.1. For further information or assistance in relation to any aspect of the course contact: 17. Disclaimers QLS Instructional Designer and Trainer Queensland Law Society, GPO Box 1785, Brisbane QLD 4001 Ph: (07) 3842 5952 Email: learning@qls.com.au 17.1. The Diploma of Legal Services course is an educational program. The instruction given in the written materials and orally in the tutorials is in principle instruction, and is not given in the context of any specific set of facts pertinent to individual students. The instruction is not legal advice and should not be construed as such. 17.2. QLS has the authority, without notice, to revoke, amend and discharge any section outlined under these guidelines when, to do so, would be in the interest of natural justice and educational equity. V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 9 of 11
Appendix A Unit Details Unit Code Competency Summary of Elements Core or Elective Nominal Hours BSBCOM501 Identify and interpret compliance Clarify the scope of operations Core 20 requirements Identify compliance requirements Interpret, analyse and prioritise identified compliance requirements Document compliance requirements BSBCMM501 Develop and nurture relationships Develop professional relationships Build and maintain business networks and relationships Nurture relationships and build on referral business for the long term Core 40 BSBLED503 BSBRES502 BSBLEG510 BSBLEG511 Maintain and enhance professional practice Research legal information using secondary sources Apply legal principles in family law matters Apply legal principles in criminal law matters Model high standards of performance Determine personal development needs Participate in professional development activities Reflect on and evaluate professional practice Identify specific legal data and information requirements Undertake research Review research Prepare drafts Prepare final draft Identify laws related to family law Apply principles of family laws in relation to marriage dissolution, property settlement and dealing with minors Identify and prepare appropriate costing documentation Prepare and dispatch documentation Identify laws related to criminal law Enhance professional practice through application of relevant principles of criminal law Draft and process documents involved in criminal law matters Core 30 Core 40 Elective 60 Elective 60 V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 10 of 11
Unit Code Competency Summary of Elements Core or Elective Nominal Hours BSBLEG512 Apply legal principles in property law matters Define nature of property law Enhance professional practice through application of relevant principles of property law matters Prepare documentation associated with property law matters, including costing Elective 60 BSBLEG513 Apply legal principles in corporation law matters Facilitate file administration Identify laws and principles of corporation law Enhance professional practice through application of relevant corporation law principles to business structures Undertake administrative tasks associated with corporations law BSBLEG514 Assist with civil procedure Identify laws and structures related to civil procedures Assess matter in dispute Prepare and assist in litigation proceedings Assist with interlocutory process BSBLEG515 BSBCUS401 BSBSUS501 Apply legal principles in wills and probate matters Coordinate implementation of customer service strategies Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability Identify laws and principles of wills and probate law Enhance professional practice through application of relevant principles of wills and probate law Prepare and execute documentation Process documentation Advise on customer service needs Support implementation of customer service strategies Evaluate and report on customer service Develop workplace sustainability policy Communicate workplace sustainability policy Implement workplace sustainability policy Review workplace sustainability policy implementation Elective 60 Elective 60 Elective 60 Elective 40 Elective 50 V2.1 Last updated: 26-01-2016 Page 11 of 11