BWE1501
Assignment 1
Semester 1
DUE: 26 MARCH 2026
, ASSIGNMENT 1
SEMESTER 1, 2026
DUE DATE: 26 MARCH 2026 @ 09:00
Question 1
In terms of the Legal Practice Act, attorneys practising on their own account or in
partnership must be in possession of a Fidelity Fund Certificate in order to be entitled to
practise.
Question 2
The specific ethical guideline of competence and diligence requires that a paralegal
must perform all work with the necessary skill, care and attention expected in a legal
environment.
Firstly, competence means that a paralegal must have the required knowledge and
skills to perform the task assigned. A paralegal may not accept instructions or undertake
work that he or she is not properly trained or equipped to handle. If a matter falls outside
the paralegal’s level of knowledge, it must be referred to the supervising attorney. This
ensures that clients receive proper legal assistance and that incorrect advice is not
given.
Secondly, diligence refers to careful, thorough and timely execution of duties. A
paralegal must complete tasks promptly, meet deadlines and ensure that documents
are accurate and properly drafted. Legal work often involves strict court deadlines, and
negligence may negatively affect a client’s case.
A paralegal must also:
• Pay attention to detail when drafting documents.
• Properly follow instructions given by the supervising attorney.
• Keep proper records and files.
Assignment 1
Semester 1
DUE: 26 MARCH 2026
, ASSIGNMENT 1
SEMESTER 1, 2026
DUE DATE: 26 MARCH 2026 @ 09:00
Question 1
In terms of the Legal Practice Act, attorneys practising on their own account or in
partnership must be in possession of a Fidelity Fund Certificate in order to be entitled to
practise.
Question 2
The specific ethical guideline of competence and diligence requires that a paralegal
must perform all work with the necessary skill, care and attention expected in a legal
environment.
Firstly, competence means that a paralegal must have the required knowledge and
skills to perform the task assigned. A paralegal may not accept instructions or undertake
work that he or she is not properly trained or equipped to handle. If a matter falls outside
the paralegal’s level of knowledge, it must be referred to the supervising attorney. This
ensures that clients receive proper legal assistance and that incorrect advice is not
given.
Secondly, diligence refers to careful, thorough and timely execution of duties. A
paralegal must complete tasks promptly, meet deadlines and ensure that documents
are accurate and properly drafted. Legal work often involves strict court deadlines, and
negligence may negatively affect a client’s case.
A paralegal must also:
• Pay attention to detail when drafting documents.
• Properly follow instructions given by the supervising attorney.
• Keep proper records and files.
