Course description
General information
By the end of the course, the successful candidate will achieve two separate qualifications: ILEX Legal Secretarial Diploma and OCR Advanced Text Processing.
These well-recognised qualifications provide students with the secretarial skills and IT knowledge essential within a legally oriented organisation, however, the skills and qualifications acquired could easily be transferred to any office environment. Students will gain valuable skills and knowledge relating to the advanced production of documents within the areas of Probate, Conveyancing, Litigation (civil and criminal), Family and Corporate law. Advanced audio typing is included; as is a comprehensive range of computer-based skills.
The OCR Text Processing Certificate at advanced level will be completed choosing two subjects from the following range: mail merge; word processing; text production and business presentations.
Course content
Legal text processing: in this unit you will develop the skills to produce advanced legal documents in the areas of Conveyancing, Criminal and Civil Litigation, Family, Probate and Corporate Law.
Business Skills in the Legal Environment: this section covers aspects of legal practice, maintaining effective working relationships, contributing to the co-ordination of administration services; researching, preparing and presenting information; maintaining and developing a paper-based information system, which will include database skills.
A range of topics relating to the accurate preparation and production of a variety of documents, both external and internal to an organisation; preparing and producing documentation for meetings; interview and negotiation skills.
Audio skills: audio work is an important skill which is widely used in legal offices. You will have the opportunity to develop these skills at your own pace to an advanced level.
OCR Advanced Text Processing: this is a separate qualification covers word processing and text production - essential skills necessary in a modern office. Keyboarding/touch-typing: this is a VITAL skill for a secretary/administrator. Students are taught to touch type and encouraged to develop these skills.
Teaching and assessment
Students will complete two assignments at the end of each module. These are internally marked by tutors and externally verified by City & Guilds to ensure that delivery of the course meets nationally recognised standards. There is an externally set and marked proof-reading test. OCR text processing qualifications are externally examined.
Progression
With this qualification students enhance their opportunity of securing employment in a variety of environments including solicitors, courts, banking, insurance and large commercial concerns which operate their own legal departments, as well as local government.
