Paralegal and law clerk: how to train and review the role
Supports advocates and lawyers by drafting documents, doing research, preparing files, tracking court and filing dates, and coordinating with clients and registries. Works in law firms, litigation and claims practices, and legal process outsourcing firms. Reports to an associate or partner.
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business in six short steps and we will come to the first meeting prepared.
Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Usually law graduates not yet enrolled, LLB students, graduates with some legal training, or experienced court clerks. At hiring, test legal writing, reading of orders, attention to dates, discretion with client matters, tidy filing and comfort with registry work. Court clerks bring registry knowledge, so test their drafting and discretion too.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Prepare and organise case files and bundles
- Copy and index documents for filing
- Track hearing dates and filing deadlines on the diary
- Draft simple letters and notices for review
Stage 2
Independent
- Draft pleadings, agreements and notices from templates for review
- Research simple points and summarise orders
- Coordinate with registry, clients and counsel on time
- Keep the case diary accurate
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Handle a group of matters and prepare complex drafts
- Research in depth and present clear notes
- Train new clerks and review their files
- Spot risks such as limitation or missing documents
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Firm process and confidentiality
The partner or associate explains how matters are opened, files kept and client information protected. The joiner reads the file rules and signs an undertaking.
- 2
Diary and deadlines
A senior shows the diary system, how orders are recorded and how dates are set. The joiner updates the diary for sample matters and the senior checks.
- 3
File preparation
The senior demonstrates paginating, indexing and bundling. The joiner prepares a bundle and the senior corrects mistakes. The senior demonstrates paginating, indexing and bundling to the standard the court expects. The joiner prepares a bundle and the senior corrects mistakes.
- 4
Drafting basics
The associate shows templates and clear drafting. The joiner drafts simple letters and notices, and the associate edits with reasons.
First year
- 1
Pleadings and documents
The paralegal drafts from templates and facts, with the associate editing and explaining changes. Repeated mistakes are listed and reviewed.
- 2
Research and summary
The associate teaches how to find the relevant order or provision and summarise. The paralegal writes short notes and the associate checks accuracy and sources.
- 3
Registry and court coordination
A senior takes the paralegal to the registry and teaches filing steps. The paralegal files documents with checking. A senior takes the paralegal to the registry and teaches filing steps. The paralegal files documents with checking, and notes any rejections.
- 4
Client communication
The associate teaches clear updates to clients without giving advice outside role. The paralegal's messages are reviewed before sending. The associate teaches clear updates to clients without giving advice outside the role. The paralegal's messages are reviewed before sending at first.
Towards senior
- 1
A group of matters
The partner gives the paralegal a group of matters with a plan and weekly review. The partner gives the paralegal a group of matters with a plan, and reviews the diary and the file status every week.
- 2
Complex drafting and research
The associate assigns complex drafts and research and reviews the logic and sources. The associate assigns complex drafts and research and reviews the logic, sources and clarity, then explains what to do differently next time.
- 3
Training new clerks
The senior reviews a new clerk's files and drafts and gives feedback, which the associate checks. The senior reviews a new clerk's files and drafts and gives feedback, which the associate checks for accuracy and fairness.
- 4
Risk spotting
The associate shares cases where limitation, documents or service were missed. The paralegal reviews current matters for similar risks. The associate shares cases where limitation, documents or service were missed. The paralegal reviews current matters for similar risks and reports them.
Performance review
A monthly one-to-one with the associate or partner using the diary and sample drafts, and a written half-yearly review. Review a sample of files each quarter for completeness.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Diary accuracy | Check of the diary against orders and filing dates. |
| Draft quality | Sample drafts and the number and type of edits. |
| File completeness | Sample files checked for index, copies and notes. |
| Research quality | Notes checked for accuracy and sources. |
| Confidentiality and conduct | Observation and any concerns on handling client information. |
| Responsiveness | Time taken for requests and client queries. |
Evidence to bring
- Diary and calendar
- Sample drafts and edits
- File checklists
- Research notes
Questions to ask in the review
- Which matter taught you the most?
- Where did a date or document nearly get missed?
- What edits do you see repeated?
- How do you check your research?
- Which tasks take you long?
- What do clients ask that you cannot answer?
- How do you handle many matters together?
- What do you want to learn?
Pitfalls
- Treating paralegals as pure copyists with no feedback.
- No check on the diary, so a missed date is found in court.
- Leaving drafting feedback to the partner's spare time.
- Letting them give advice to clients with no limit.
Questions about this role
They can share facts such as dates and stage of the matter, but legal advice should come from the lawyer. Set the boundary in writing and confirm professional rules with your adviser.
Outsourcing firms handle high volumes of document work with quality checks, while law firms handle matters with more drafting and advice. Use the ladder and adapt the work examples.
Compare the diary with orders and filings on a sample, and review any close calls openly. Accuracy matters more than speed.