Legal Word Processing

Outcome 1 - use word processing software and audio equipment to create and amend business documents

Practical skills

The candidate will be able to:

1. log onto system
2. access word processing software
3. create new documents to a given house style eg:
   • letters
   • memos
   • notices
   • information sheets
4. format new and existing documents:
   • create and amend headers and footers
   • adjust page setup – orientation, margins, line spacing and justification
   • insert manual and automatic page numbering
5. copy type from manuscript and printed text
6. use text editing functions through the use of the keyboard and/or mouse:
   • delete
   • insert
   • cut
   • copy
   • move
   • paste
7. use text format as required through the application of font attributes:
   • bold
   • italics
   • underline
   • font size
   • font style
   • small capitals
   • centring
8. insert dates and references where appropriate
9. create and format tables:
   • insert, delete and adjust columns, rows and cells
   • apply shading and borders
   • hide or highlight gridlines
   • align cell content ie left, right, centre, decimalisation
10. select and insert symbols:
    • currency
    • copyright ©
    • @
    • accents (language)
    • arithmetic
11. insert and delete page breaks
12. apply automatic or manual numbering to paragraphs at a maximum of two levels
13. adjust paragraph styles using:
    • text alignment
    • bullets
    • line spacing
    • tabulation ie right, left, centre, decimal
    • indentation ie block, hanging
14. use search and replace functions as required
15. create basic document templates with insertion points
16. select standard clauses or phrases and insert into a template
17. follow written instructions and interpret amendment and correction signs
18. use spell checking, grammar and thesaurus facilities to check and maintain accuracy
19. identify and correct legal terminology
20. identify and expand general and legal abbreviations
21. correctly route originals/copies/printouts as required
22. transcribe documents using audio and/or digital equipment
23. follow, interpret and implement audio conventions and instructions
24. produce documents within specific time limits
25. select page orientation ie portrait and landscape
26. name, save and print documents.

Underpinning knowledge

The candidate will be able to:

1. identify short cut keys
2. identify and correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, presentation and consistency errors including legal terminology.

Outcome 2 - use audio and word processing skills to produce legal documentation

Practical skills

The candidate will be able to:

1. identify and use appropriate layouts to create and amend different legal documents eg:
• backsheet
• frontsheet
• brief to counsel
• statements
• deeds (eg lease, change of name, deed of gift)
• basic Wills including codicils
• affidavit
• estate accounts
• particulars of claim
• file and attendance notes
2. present attestation clauses and jurats appropriately
3. correctly display concluding and signatory clauses
4. name, save and print draft and final copies of legal documents.