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Introduction to Legal Research and Writing

In this legal writing course, you will learn about the Australian legal system and ethics, develop your research skills, and enhance your legal analysis and persuasive writing techniques.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
30 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

Writing clearly, concisely, and accurately is essential in the legal sector. If you are a legal assistant or a writer wanting to improve your legal writing and research skills, this course is ideal for you.

Introduction to Legal Research and Writing is an online professional development program that provides the skills, knowledge, and tools to succeed in researching and writing legal documentation.

In this legal writing course, you will learn about the Australian legal system and ethics, develop your research skills, and enhance your legal analysis and persuasive writing techniques.

You will also explore key legal databases, the fundamentals of case law analysis and legal problem-solving methodologies for effective legal writing and drafting.

On completion of this course, you will have gained the skills to improve your legal writing skills, conduct thorough research, and communicate effectively through persuasive writing.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Unit - Legal Research and Writing

Unit 1: Understanding the Australian Legal System

  • Australian legal system
  • Structure of government
  • Common law and statutory law
  • Common law principle
  • Role of the High Court
  • Legal institutions
  • Rights and freedoms
  • Legal professionals
  • Federal laws
  • State and territory laws
  • Shared powers
  • Local government
  • Statutory interpretation
  • Common law and legislation
  • Doctrine of Precedent

Unit 2: Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility

  • The role of lawyers
  • Advocacy
  • Legal drafting
  • Fiduciary duty
  • Access to justice
  • Duty to the court
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Professional integrity
  • The practice of law
  • Codes of conduct
  • Ethical considerations
  • Confidentiality and privilege

Unit 3: Introduction to Legal Research

  • Understanding the law
  • Finding applicable laws
  • Primary legal resources
  • Secondary legal resources
  • Legal databases
  • AUSTLII
  • JADE
  • LexisNexis
  • Westlaw
  • Critically evaluating sources

Unit 4: Using Case Law Databases

  • Case law databases
  • Legislative research
  • Legal encyclopaedias
  • Internet research
  • International research

Unit 5: Legal Analysis

  • Introduction to legal analysis
  • Identifying legal issues
  • Analysing the law
  • Applying the law to facts
  • Counterarguments
  • Drawing conclusions
  • Reading and briefing cases
  • Statutory interpretation
  • Analogical reasoning
  • Legal precedents

Unit 6: Legal Problem Solving

  • Identifying legal issues
  • Legal principles and rules
  • Developing legal arguments
  • Applying law to facts
  • Predictive legal writing
  • Researching the law
  • Analysing the facts
  • Analysis and reasoning
  • Supporting your analysis

Unit 7: Legal Writing Fundamentals

  • Effective legal writing
  • Legal writing style and tone
  • Formal and professional language
  • Concise and clear writing
  • Active voice and strong words
  • Logical organisation
  • Citation and attribution
  • Objectivity
  • Writing structure
  • IRAC Method
  • Grammar and Punctuation

Unit 8: Specific Legal Documents

  • Legal memoranda
  • Drafting affidavits
  • Court briefs
  • Drafting contracts

Unit 9: Persuasive Legal Writing

  • Legal advocacy
  • Legal arguments
  • Effective communication
  • Oral advocacy skills
  • Written advocacy skills
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Evidence and facts
  • Ethics and professionalism
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Persuasive strategies
  • Writing appellate briefs
  • Ethics and persuasion

Unit 10: Revision and Professional Development

  • Revising and editing
  • Peer review
  • Continuing legal education
  • Career opportunities
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Estimated Duration
30 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Career Outcomes

Professional Development For:-

  • Legal Secretaries
  • Paralegals

 

I really enjoyed this course in that it was self-paced learning. We were provided with really comprehensive resources in order to help fulfil our learning objectives.
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Lauren
Tanawha, QLD
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
May 2026
I found the course extremely enriching. It was a great learning experience. In a monetary context, considering what I gained from the course I would say it is real value for money. Hopefully will be revisiting this in the near future for further study/additional courses.
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Sanjay
Chadstone, VIC
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
April 2025
My experience was awesome my tutor was excellent on feedback and encouragement.
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Mark
Ravensbourne, QLD
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
November 2024
Even though I didn’t need to access online support from tutors, I really enjoyed the learning process and will look at another course. The workload amount was just the right amount and manageable while working full-time.
Avatarneutral
Chantell
Holgate, NSW
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
October 2024
The ease of completing this course at my own pace and communication from tutors has been greatly appreciated.
Avatarneutral
Kelly
Richmond, NSW
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
October 2024
I enjoyed my time studying with AOC. I found that it was very easy to navigate my learning and also easy to receive very prompt responses to questions. Thank you.
Avatarneutral
B. Scott
Brisbane, QLD
Legal Research and Writing
April 2023
I believe the course was great and there were a number of things that I was able to use and learn. I believe practically that I thought it may be relevant for other areas not just in a law firm. Otherwise, it was well delivered.
Avatarneutral
J. Clough
Currimundi, QLD
Legal Research and Writing
May 2022
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Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
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About Us

At Australian Online Courses, we are passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve their career goals. Since 2008, we have created opportunities for people in Australia and around the world.

Our Difference

What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

Our state-of-the-art eLearning platform means you can study anywhere, anytime. So, enrol today and get the skills and confidence you need to achieve your career dreams, big or small.

Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

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You can enrol online by clicking Get Started on any course page under Enrol & Start Today. Follow the prompts to complete your enrolment as an individual, business, or service provider.

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Course FAQs

Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
  • Improve your employment opportunities;
  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
  • High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.

BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.

Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.

Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.

This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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