Job Title: Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Job Summary
The Remote Paralegal/Legal Assistant is responsible for providing essential, high-level legal and administrative support to the principal lawyer(s) in an Australian practice. This role involves managing the full life cycle of client files, preparing key legal documents, conducting legal research, and ensuring all processes strictly adhere to Australian legal procedures and deadlines.
Job Description
Legal Document & File Management
- Drafting Documents: Prepare, review, and proofread standard legal documents, including but not limited to:
- Letters of Demand and Legal Correspondence
- Pleadings and Affidavits (for Litigation/Debt Recovery)
- Contracts, Agreements, and Deeds (for Commercial/Property Law)
- Visa Application Forms and Submissions (for Migration Law)
- Case File Management: Maintain, organise, and update physical and electronic client files with strict adherence to confidentiality and firm protocols.
- System Utilisation: Accurately enter and manage data within the firm's case management software (e.g., Actionstep, Leap, Migration Manager, or PEXA for conveyancing).
- eFiling: Manage online filing of documents with relevant Australian courts, tribunals, or government departments (e.g., eLodgment, Land Titles Office, Department of Home Affairs).
Research & Investigation
- Legal Research: Conduct primary and secondary legal research on Australian case law, legislation, and regulations relevant to ongoing matters.
- Policy & Precedent: Research and summarise recent changes in Australian law and policy to assist the lawyer in providing up-to-date advice.
- Evidence Gathering: Assist in the discovery process, including compiling, analysing, and indexing evidence and supporting documentation.
Client & Stakeholder Liaison
- Client Communication: Serve as a professional point of contact for clients via phone, email, and video conference to obtain necessary documentation, provide updates, and schedule appointments.
- Stakeholder Liaison: Communicate effectively with third parties such as Barristers, Government Agents, Court Registries, Opposing Counsel, and Conveyancers.
- Diary Management: Manage the Principal Lawyer's calendar, schedule court/tribunal dates, meetings, and client consultations, ensuring all deadlines are met.
Administrative Support
- Manage invoicing, time recording, and trust account requests (where applicable and with proper supervision).
- Format, redline, and prepare final drafts of complex documents.
- Conduct general administrative tasks to support the efficient operation of the remote legal practice.
Job Qualification
- Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) or a recognised Paralegal/Legal Studies qualification is highly desirable.
- Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of demonstrable experience as a Paralegal, Law Clerk, or Senior Legal Assistant, with a preference for experience working with Australian legal systems, legislation, and procedures.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Expert-level skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for advanced document drafting and formatting (e.g., using track changes, redlining, creating Tables of Contents/Authorities).
- Proficiency in a legal Case Management Software (e.g., Actionstep, Leap, Clio, Migration Manager).
- Familiarity with online legal research platforms (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw AU, or free resources like AustLII).
- Communication: Exceptional professional written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, grammatically correct, and legally accurate correspondence.
- Confidentiality: Absolute integrity and the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential client information in accordance with professional ethical standards.
