Court and Legal Clerks play a crucial role in providing administrative and operational support to Legal Professionals in Australia. They are responsible for performing various clerical tasks related to the functions of courts, legal practices, and the administration of trusts and estates. However, it's important to note that this unit group does not include Legal Secretaries, Court Reporters, and Legal Executives.

Legal Secretaries are classified under Unit Group 5212 Secretaries, while Court Reporters fall under Unit Group 5321 Keyboard Operators, specifically in Occupation 532112 Machine Shorthand Reporter. Legal Executives, on the other hand, are included in Unit Group 5991 Conveyancers and Legal Executives.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations within the Court and Legal Clerks unit group require a certain level of skill, which is typically obtained through the following qualifications and experience:

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate III, which includes at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some cases, a minimum of three years of relevant experience can be substituted for the formal qualifications mentioned above. Additionally, certain occupations may require additional on-the-job training and/or relevant experience alongside the formal qualification.

Tasks Include:

• Listing actions for hearing and processing documentation for court actions
• Documenting details of court proceedings, actions, and decisions
• Enforcing the law as an officer of the court by executing court orders, such as eviction notices
• Serving legal orders and documents, such as summonses and subpoenas
• Organizing jury and witness lists, and summoning and swearing in juries and witnesses
• Maintaining order in court and hearing rooms, as well as adjacent areas
• Assisting Solicitors in areas of conveyancing, contracts, common law, probate, and other legal practice matters
• Satisfying statutory requirements, establishing beneficial entitlements, and distributing assets
• Maintaining probate and trust files, investing trust funds, and administering accounts

Occupations:

• 599211 Clerk of Court
• 599212 Court Bailiff or Sheriff (Aus) / Court Collections Officer (NZ)
• 599213 Court Orderly (Aus) / Court Registry Officer (NZ)
• 599214 Law Clerk
• 599215 Trust Officer

599211 Clerk of Court

A Clerk of Court is responsible for administering court registry services and performing administrative functions in support of Judges and Magistrates.

Skill Level: 3

599212 Court Bailiff or Sheriff (Aus) / Court Collections Officer (NZ)

A Court Bailiff or Sheriff implements court orders and serves legal orders and summonses as an officer of the court.

Skill Level: 3

Specialization:

• Sheriff's Officer (Aus)

599213 Court Orderly (Aus) / Court Registry Officer (NZ)

Alternative Titles:

• Court Attendant
• Court Officer

A Court Orderly provides operational support to a court or registry.

Skill Level: 3

Specialization:

• Court Usher

599214 Law Clerk

Alternative Title:

• Legal Clerk

A Law Clerk performs specialized clerical work associated with legal practice and law courts.

Skill Level: 3

599215 Trust Officer

Alternative Title:

• Trust Clerk

A Trust Officer administers trusts, estates, and settlements on behalf of beneficiaries.

Skill Level: 3