The Office and Practice of a Notary Microcredential

Discover the Role and Responsibilities of a Notary Public: An Essential Course for Practitioners

An initiative by the Queensland Society of Notaries during its centennial year (2022), this microcredential has been developed in partnership with Bond University's Faculty of Law, and Professor Peter Zablud, author of the main text on notarial practice in Australia, Principles of Notarial Practice.

The syllabus has been approved by the Master of Faculties in London, who is the authority responsible for overseeing the regulation of Notaries Public appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is worth, noting that all notaries in Queensland proudly receive their commissions directly from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

This microcredential will introduce practitioners to the office and work of a Notary Public, including an understanding of notarial acts in public and private form and the notary’s rights, obligations and duties in daily practice.

The course is limited to 25 learners and delivered as a two-day, interactive. in-person workshop. Practitioners will be assessed on the basis of their active participation in the workshop and completion of a paper following the workshop.

I found the course content to be comprehensive and was most impressed with the oral presentations. They provided invaluable practical advice with regard to the general practice of a notary.

2023 participant, Brisbane

I most enjoyed attending the workshop and benefiting from the clear and interesting lecturing styles and experiences of the presenters, Prof Peter Zablud and Michael Bula, for their vast knowledge of Notarial Practice from an academic perspective and their practical experience.

2023 participant, Brisbane

Despite the time I have been a Notary, I found there were a number of practice pointers that will assist me in improving some aspects of my notarial practice as a result of my participation in the course.

2023 participant, Townsville

I enjoyed the collegiate nature and relaxed presentation style.

2023 participant, Townsville

Choose where you learn

Palm Cove

Join us and a small cohort of your peers in charming Palm Cove. A peaceful, beachside village, Palm Cove is located just 25 minutes from the Cairns airport. Peppers Beach Club and Spa will provide a luxury backdrop for our two-day workshop, hosted by Prof Peter Zablud and Michael Bula, for a unique blend of professional development and tropical indulgence. Take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to turn your professional growth into a rejuvenating tropical getaway. 

Enrol for Palm Cove now

Brisbane

Conveniently located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, this two-day workshop hosted by Prof Peter Zablud and Michael Bula will be held in the comfort of Bond University's teaching and collaborative learning spaces, located at 433 Boundary St, Spring Hill. 

Enrol for Brisbane now

  • The course will be delivered as a two-day interactive workshop and you must be available to attend the workshops in-person.

    You will be assessed on the basis of your active participation in the workshop and completion of a 1000-word essay following the workshop.

    Course outline:

    The course is comprised of 15 modules:

    1. The Office of Notary
    2. The Civil Law Tradition
    3. Introduction to the Notarial Act
    4. Notarial Acts in Authentic Form
    5. Notarial Acts in Private Form
    6. Identification
    7. Oaths, affirmations and declarations
    8. Copy Certification
    9. Authentication of Australian Notarial Acts for production abroad
    10. Professional Conduct
    11. Fees and Costing
    12. Professional Practice
    13. Powers of Attorney
    14. Foreign language documents
    15. Practising in the Digital Environment

    The syllabus for this course has been approved and endorsed by the Master of Faculties in London, who is responsible for the administration of Notaries Public appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

  • Brisbane Workshop

    • Two full days on the 2nd and 3rd of August, 2024 
    • Located at Bond Brisbane, 433 Boundary St, Spring Hill, QLD
    • Cost includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

     

    Palm Cove Workshop

    • Two full days on the 6th and 7th of  September, 2024 
    • Located at Peppers Beach Club and Spa, 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
    • Cost  includes morning tea, a buffet lunch in Pepper’s La Mesa restaurant and afternoon tea.

    Accommodation can be booked directly with the venue, starting at approx. $375 per night, including breakfast (special event rate). To book, simply download the Peppers Beach Club and Spa accommodation booking form (Excel), and email your completed form to [email protected]. We recommend booking your accommodation upon enrolling for the course as September is a busy holiday time in Northern Queensland. 

    The closest airport is Cairns Airport. If flying in, we recommend arriving on the 5th September and staying until the 8th September, or extend to enjoy the sights and activities around Palm Cove, including:

    • The Great Barrier Reef
    • The Daintree Rainforest
    • Flames of the Forest
    • Hartley’s Crocodile Farm
    • Rainforest Habitat Rainforest Sanctuary
    • Raging Thunder Hot Air Ballooning & White Water Rafting
    • Skyrail
       

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancellation by Bond University
    The University reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses at its discretion.
    In the event that a course is cancelled, participants will be advised no less than 15 days prior to the course starting and refunded in full.

    Cancellation by Participant
    If you to cancel your enrolment in a course, cancellation fees will apply as follows:
    •    More than 120 days prior to the start of a course – you are eligible to request a full refund.
    •    More than 91 days prior to the start of the course – you are eligible to request a 70% refund
    •    More than 61 days prior to the start of the course – you are eligible to request a 50% refund
    •    More than 31 days prior to the start of the course – you are eligible to request a 30% refund
    •    Cancellations within 30 days of the start of a course are not eligible for a refund.
     

  • This course has been designed for:

    • Current Notaries Public 
    • Legal practitioners seeking admission as a Queensland Notary Public

    Course prerequisites

    Learners should hold a legal qualification, e.g. LLB or JD.

  • Upon completion of the course, you should be able to:

    • Describe the role and responsibilities of a Notary Public, including their duties as a public officer, their obligations to maintain the confidentiality and impartiality of their work, and the types of legal documents they are authorised to notarise.
    • Explain the regulatory framework for notarial practice in Queensland, including the relevant laws and regulations governing the appointment and conduct of Notaries Public, and the procedures for obtaining a Notarial Commission from the Court of Faculties in London.
    • Apply practical skills and techniques for notarial practice, including verifying the identity of signers, administering oaths and affirmations, certifying copies of documents, and notarising deeds and other legal instruments. They will also be familiar with the ethical principles and best practices that govern notarial practice, including the importance of maintaining accurate records, protecting the privacy of clients, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

    Upon successful completion of the workshop and paper, you will: 

    • Earn 12 CPD points as part of your legal practice CLE requirements in Queensland.
    • Receive a digital Certificate of Achievement in recognition of your new skills.
    • Become a Fellow of the Society of Notary Publics Queensland - only applicable to those who are a Notary Public.

The course will be delivered as a two-day interactive workshop and you must be available to attend the workshops in-person.

You will be assessed on the basis of your active participation in the workshop and completion of a 1000-word essay following the workshop.

Course outline:

The course is comprised of 15 modules:

  1. The Office of Notary
  2. The Civil Law Tradition
  3. Introduction to the Notarial Act
  4. Notarial Acts in Authentic Form
  5. Notarial Acts in Private Form
  6. Identification
  7. Oaths, affirmations and declarations
  8. Copy Certification
  9. Authentication of Australian Notarial Acts for production abroad
  10. Professional Conduct
  11. Fees and Costing
  12. Professional Practice
  13. Powers of Attorney
  14. Foreign language documents
  15. Practising in the Digital Environment

The syllabus for this course has been approved and endorsed by the Master of Faculties in London, who is responsible for the administration of Notaries Public appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a specially qualified legal practitioner who holds a unique public office of trust and fidelity within the legal system and who, among other things, has the internationally recognised power and authority to verify and authenticate original and copy documents for use outside Australia, anywhere in the world.

Learn more

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