Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies)

Students who want to open doors to a legal career should consider this two-year degree, which not only provides a professional qualification as a paralegal or in conveyancing but also an admission pathway to becoming a lawyer.

The Associate Degree in Law will allow you to explore the Australian legal system and criminal processes, introduce you to legal research and writing and also equip you with foundational principles in key areas of the law.

This degree offers a fantastic opportunity for you to gain a qualification and start working in the legal profession quickly.

Graduates will be able to work in a range of sectors and fields and gain the experience and financial stability to continue their studies and complete a law degree if they choose.

Career Opportunities

In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance, and conveyancing. This is a recognized educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW.

Professional Recognition

The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), with the Conveyancing major, provides students with the academic requirements necessary to obtain a conveyancer’s license in NSW and is accredited by NSW Fair Trading. For licensing requirements, and details of mandatory additional work experience required to enable registration, inquiries should be made to NSW Fair Trading. Note that each Australian state or territory has its own legislation regulating conveyancing practice, except QLD where only qualified solicitors are legally permitted to engage in conveyancing.

Professional Placement

Students may undertake voluntary legal experience and para-professional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.

Major Areas of Study

This course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in Conveyancing.

Additional information: Some elective units, when studied online, require students to attend on-campus workshops.

Assessment methods

The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit. They may include research proposals, research essays, reports, oral and written presentations, case studies, online and class participation, and examinations. The weighting of assessment marks between assignments and examinations also varies.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including face-to-face lectures and tutorials. Some units offer online activities, classes, pre-recorded and/or live lectures. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

The online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive online pre-recorded and/or live lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

If online students choose to study the following elective units, they will need to attend workshops at either the Lismore or the Gold Coast campus:

• LAW00057 - Conveyancing Law (a one-day workshop, usually Saturday or Sunday)

• LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution (a two-day workshop, usually Saturday and Sunday)

• LAW00216 - Mediation Practice and Procedure (a two-day workshop, usually Saturday and Sunday)