National code: BSB50720

Diploma of Paralegal Services

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Develop the skills and knowledge to work in a law firm as a legal assistant or paralegal. Learn to support clients and lawyers across family, property and corporate law. If a law degree is your goal, this course is a strong step in that direction.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Research legal information using secondary sources

  • Apply legal principles

  • Identify and interpret compliance requirements

  • Develop and nurture relationships

  • Maintain and enhance professional practice

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • A nationally accredited qualification at Diploma level

  • Experience liaising with lawyers, legal staff and clients

  • The ability to prepare and fact-check case documentation for lawyers

  • Experience observing a court in session

  • A sound understanding of case law and legal precedents

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

  • You have completed the following units BSBLEG314 Protect information in a legal services environment, BSBLEG423 Conduct simple legal research, BSBLEG424 Support the drafting of complex legal documents, evidenced by a copy of your academic transcript, or

  • Have two years full-time work experience in the legal industry, evidenced through an interview either over the phone or in person

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Completed the Certificate IV in Legal Services

  • High-level literacy skills and a passion for reading

  • Strong digital literacy

  • An interest in legal principles, legislation and the legal process

  • Good organisational skills to identify and find legal documents

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Legal Secretary

Legal Secretaries perform secretarial, clerical and other administrative tasks in support of Legal Professionals, applying knowledge of legal terminology, procedures and documents.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    49%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    3,300 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    41 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,130

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    39 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    High

  • Gender share

    99% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Decline

Other jobs include: legal secretary, legal services support officer, paralegal, executive assistant and office manager.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 3 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Diploma of Paralegal Services does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Diploma of Paralegal Services does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Paralegal Services qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 12 Units of competency, including 5 core and 7 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Apply understanding of the Australian legal system BSBLEG421

  • Maintain a file in a legal services environment BSBLEG422

  • Conduct and apply legal research BSBLEG521

  • Take instructions in a legal services environment BSBLEG534

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.