Course description:
The course is designed to demonstrate the operation of theoretical and doctrinal law in a legal environment. Students are placed for one day per week in a legal office, supervised by a legal practitioner, and participate actively in all aspects of the work at the office, including client interviewing, community education, and case work. The course also offers placements at legal advice clinics run by Courts, and at the Legal Outreach Service. The program builds on students' experiences on placement, examining issues such as lawyer/client relationships, legal ethics, professionals and professions, justice access, and the role of legal system in society.
Course Aims:
Course outcomes:
These outcomes will provide students with a number of the Program Graduate Attributes for the Bachelor of Laws, including:
- Advanced and applied understanding of the operation of theoretical legal principles in a practical legal setting.
- A critical understanding of the role of the lawyer and the legal profession in the provision of a just and accessible legal system
- Appreciation of the importance of justice access in ensuring the continued credibility of the legal system and a just society
- Critical and practical appreciations of the strategic and ethical dimensions of law and legal practice in both a personal and a broader social context
- Advanced legal practice skills and theoretical understanding in dealing with clients in legal practice, including the capacity to analyze and apply different theoretical models of client centered practice.
- The capacity to exercise judgment and make informed and considered decisions in a legal practice environment.
- The capacity to work effectively and reliably in a professional environment, both individually and as a member of a team
- The refinement and development of research and analytical skills of a high order.
- the refinement and development of oral and written communication skills of a high order.
- Communication Skills: The continuing development of good inter-personal and communication skills is widely recognised as important for all graduates. This course specifically seeks to develop students‘ abilities to engage in a wide range of written and oral communication activities, in the day to day clinical work on placement.