Paralegal Practice Program

This program is designed to give you job-ready skills to work under a lawyer in law firms, NGOs, corporate legal departments, or to support your own business/legal needs.

Advanced 3month, self paced 188 lessons English

About this course

Knowledge to Gain & 10 Documents You'll Learn to Draft

Knowledge you'll gain:

1. Structure and sources of South African and comparative legal systems

2. Application of customary, civil, and common law principles

3. Legal research methods and case analysis using IRAC

4. Ethics and professional conduct for paralegals

5. Court procedures and legal correspondence basics

6. Contract fundamentals and client intake processes

10 documents a paralegal student will draft:

1. Letter of demand

2. Basic legal summaries and memos

3. Case briefs

4. Client intake forms

5. Affidavits

6. Simple contracts and agreements

7. Pleadings support documents

8. Legal correspondence to clients and opposing parties

9. Filing and court document checklists

10. File notes and case management reports

Syllabus

What you'll learn

Module 1: Foundations of Law & Legal Writing

Unit 1.1: What is Law? Sources of Law in South Africa 1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you will be able to: 1. Define law and explain why it matters in daily life. 2. Identify the 5 main sources of law in South Africa. 3. Explain how the Constitution ranks above all other law. 4. Find a section of legislation and a case on SAFLII

Unit 1.1: What is Law? Sources of Law in South Africa 20 min
3. Case Study 15 min
4. Practical Activity – 30 minutes 45 min
5. Key Terms 15 min
6. Assessment 60 min
Assignment 60 min
South Africa’s 5 sources I listed come from its history and Constitution 10 min
Why it’s not the same everywhere: 10 min
Unit 2.2: Comparing Legal Systems in Africa

Module 2: South African & Namibian Legal System

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you will be able to: 1. Distinguish between civil law, common law, and Islamic law systems. 2. Explain how SA and Namibia inherited a mixed legal system. 3. Analyze how customary and Islamic law interact with common law in SA and Namibia. 4. Use case law to show where these systems clash and how courts resolve it

2. Core Lesson: Three Legal Families in Southern Africa 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 45 minutes 40 min
5. Key Terms 45 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 2.3: Courts, Jurisdiction, and Legal Professionals – SA & Namibia 45 min
4. Practical Activity – 30 minutes 40 min
5. Key Terms 5 min
6. Assessment 110 min

Module 3: Civil Procedure & Drafting – we’ll start drafting summons, particulars of claim, and affidavits with templates you can use immediately.

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. List the 7 stages of a civil case from start to finish. 2. Explain the purpose of each stage. 3. Identify documents filed at each stage. 4. Spot when a case is ripe for settlement or default judgment.

Unit 3.1: Stages of a Civil Case – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 40 minutes 30 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 3.2: Drafting Summons, Particulars of Claim, and Defences 45 min
5. Practical Activity – 60 minutes 60 min
6. Key Terms 10 min
7. Assessment 40 min
Unit 3.3: Motions, Applications, and Affidavits – SA & Namibia 30 min
5. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
6. Key Terms 10 min
7. Assessment 110 min
Unit 3.4: Default Judgment, Summary Judgment, and Settlement That’s where students learn how to win cases fast when the other side doesn’t defend. 45 min
4. Practical Activity – 45 minutes 30 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 3.5: Execution of Judgments and Garnishee Orders 45 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 60 min

Module 4: Criminal Procedure Basics is next. It starts with Unit 4.1: Arrest, Bail, and First Appearance.

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Explain the legal requirements for a lawful arrest in SA and Namibia. 2. Describe the bail process and factors courts consider. 3. Outline what happens at a first appearance in Magistrates’ Court. 4. Advise a client on their rights after arrest.

Unit 4.1: Arrest, Bail, and First Appearance – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 40 minutes 40 min
5. Key Terms 5 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 4.2: Plea, Trial, and Sentencing – SA & Namibia 30 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 60 min
Unit 4.3: Appeals, Review, and Post-Conviction Remedies – SA & Namibia 30 min
4. Practical Activity – 45 minutes 15 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 30 min
Next: Unit 4.4: Youth Justice and Diversion – how the system handles accused under 18. 30 min
4. Practical Activity – 45 minutes 15 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 110 min

Module 5: Contract Law & Drafting is next, starting with Unit 5.1: Formation of Contracts.

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Identify the 5 requirements for a valid contract. 2. Distinguish between offer, invitation to treat, and counter-offer. 3. Explain when acceptance creates a binding agreement. 4. Draft a basic offer and acceptance clause.

Unit 5.1: Formation of Contracts – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 5.2: Terms, Conditions, and Standard Form Contracts – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 5.3: Sale, Lease, and Suretyship Agreements – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 60 minutes 60 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 5.4: Drafting Tips, Common Mistakes, and Client Instructions – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 6: Labour Law Basics

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Distinguish between an employee, independent contractor, and casual worker. 2. Identify the minimum rights in SA Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Namibian Labour Act. 3. Draft the essential clauses for an employment contract. 4. Advise a client if their contract is unfair or unlawful

Unit 6.1: Employment Contracts and Rights – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 110 min
Unit 6.2: Unfair Dismissal and Disciplinary Hearings – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 6.3: Unfair Labour Practices and Dispute Resolution – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 5 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 6.4: Contracts, Policies, and Workplace Discipline – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment

Module 7: Criminal Procedure Basics

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Distinguish between arrest with and without a warrant. 2. Explain the bail process and factors courts consider. 3. List the constitutional rights of arrested, detained, and accused persons. 4. Advise a client on what to do immediately after arrest.

Unit 7.1: Arrest, Bail, and Rights of the Accused – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 15 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 7.2: Plea, Trial, and Evidence – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 7.3: Sentencing, Appeals, and Review – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 7.4: Youth Justice and Diversion – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 8: Civil Litigation Basics

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Distinguish between High Court and Magistrate’s Court jurisdiction. 2. Draft a simple summons and particulars of claim. 3. Explain the purpose of pleadings and how they shape the case. 4. Advise a client on where to sue and what to include in pleadings.

Unit 8.1: Summons, Pleadings, and Jurisdiction – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 8.2: Discovery, Pre-Trial, and Trial Process – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 8.3: Judgments, Appeals, and Execution – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 8.4: Small Claims and Alternative Dispute Resolution – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 9: Ethics and Professional Responsibility

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Explain the duty of client confidentiality and its limits. 2. Distinguish legal professional privilege from general confidentiality. 3. Identify when you must or may breach confidentiality. 4. Advise a client on what information is protected in litigation.

Unit 9.1: Client Confidentiality and Legal Professional Privilege – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 9.2: Conflict of Interest and Client Care – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 9.3: Advertising, Fees, and Misconduct – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 9.4: Candour to Court and Pro Bono Obligations – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 10: Legal Writing and Drafting

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Draft clear, enforceable contract clauses without legalese overload. 2. Write client letters that explain advice in plain language. 3. Structure a legal opinion that answers the question and gives risk advice. 4. Edit any draft to cut waffle and spot ambiguity.

Unit 10.1: Contracts, Letters, and Opinions – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 10.2: Pleadings and Affidavits – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 10.3: Opinions, Memos, and Legal Research Writing – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment
Unit 104. Practical Activity – 50 minutes.4: Email, Correspondence, and Professional Tone – writing that protects you and gets results. 45 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 11: Practical Skills and Ethics in Practice

By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Set up and maintain a client file that meets legal and ethical standards. 2. Handle trust money correctly under SA and Namibian rules. 3. Communicate with clients to manage expectations and avoid complaints. 4. Spot the early signs of a file going off track.

Unit 11.1: File Management, Trust Accounts, and Client Care – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 11.2: Time Management, Deadlines, and Dealing with Difficult Clients 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 11.3: Legal Research, Precedent, and Using Technology in Practice – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 11.4: Billing, Fee Structures, and Professional Conduct in Practice – SA & Namibia 25 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min

Module 12: Advanced Litigation and Practice Management

1. Learning Objectives By the end of this unit, you’ll be able to: 1. Prepare a matter for trial so you’re not caught out on the day. 2. Advise clients on settlement vs litigation using risk analysis. 3. Set up basic systems to run a small practice without dropping the ball. 4. Spot when a matter should be referred to counsel or another specialist.

Unit 12.1: Trial Prep, Settlement Strategy, and Running a Practice – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 12.2: Evidence, Witness Handling, and Advocacy Basics – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 12.3: Drafting Pleadings, Applications, and Contracts at an Advanced Level – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
Unit 12.4: Ethics, Complaints, and Protecting Your Practicing Certificate – SA & Namibia 20 min
4. Practical Activity – 50 minutes 50 min
5. Key Terms 10 min
6. Assessment 120 min
That wraps Module 11 and Module 12 15 min

Here’s the breakdown for SA and Namibia Paralegal Practice information

Train to support legal professionals with practical paralegal skills in 3-6 months, fully online

Here’s the breakdown for SA and Namibia Paralegal Practice information 45 min
2. 10 documents you can legally draft as a paralegal company 60 min

Final Practical Assessment Checklist

Before you submit, make sure you can do all of these without looking at notes:

Mock Quiz: Modules 7–12 Mixed 90 min
Mock Quiz 2: Trust Accounts & Ethics Only 90 min
: Drafting & Pleadings 90 min
Final Practical Submission: Last-Minute Checklist 60 min

Certificate

Earn a verifiable certificate.

Finish every lesson and pass any quizzes — your ASPG-branded completion certificate is issued automatically to your dashboard.

Unique certificate number
Downloadable PDF
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