DEFDPL018 — Manage and analyse a legal matter file

1 Initiate preliminary file activities

• 1.1Liaise with legal officer to discuss new legal matter file, and to plan and prioritise preliminary work
• 1.2Obtain details of legal matter from client in accordance with organisational procedures
• 1.3Clarify matter with legal officer and client, and document agreed mutual expectations
• 1.4Prepare initial file documentation in accordance with organisational procedures

2 Carry out conflict of interest test

• 2.1Carry out conflict of interest check in accordance with organisational and legal procedures
• 2.2Record on preliminary file notes results of conflict of interest check and discuss and resolve any areas of potential conflict with legal officer

3 Open legal matter file

• 3.1Locate, access and extract relevant information for initiating files in accordance with organisational procedures
• 3.2Select and brief support staff to assist, in consultation with legal officer, as required
• 3.3Forward to client, on behalf of legal officer, confirmation of instructions, details of those working on the matter, a summary of work to be performed and associated timelines, in accordance with organisational procedures

4 Manage a legal matter

• 4.1Plan work, assign staff and allocate resources to matter in conjunction with legal officer
• 4.2Obtain, prepare and submit relevant background information and submit documents to legal officer for checking
• 4.3Conduct research to identify and review relevant legislation and cases
• 4.4Outline relevant legal requirements clearly to client and answer within the scope of the paralegal’s responsibility or refer questions to legal officer for follow-up
• 4.5Record progress of matter in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

5 Contact stakeholders about the legal matter file

• 5.1Contact stakeholders and obtain supporting information, as required
• 5.2Update file notes detailing all activities, actions and outcomes in accordance with organisational procedures

6 Facilitate legal matter file administration and closure

• 6.1Package and disseminate file notes in accordance with organisational and legal procedures
• 6.2Close and archive file in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

What does an assessment tool for DEFDPL018 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for DEFDPL018 needs to address all 42 unit components: 6 elements with 18 performance criteria, 15 performance evidence requirements, 9 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for DEFDPL018?

Auditori pulls the current release of DEFDPL018 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for DEFDPL018 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing DEFDPL018 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of DEFDPL018, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.