Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit involves student placement in a legal environment. The students spend one day per week for one semester or an intensive period over 2-3 weeks in the summer semester, working in a legal environment. The unit objectives are to (1) contextualise the study of law and student learning in other Juris Doctor (JD) units; (2) provide students with a professional practice experience; (3) foster students' ability to identify, develop and apply legal practice skills; (4) appreciate the importance of legal ethics within the practice of law; (5) foster students' critical understanding of approaches to legal practice; and (6) encourage students to critically analyse and reflect upon issues of access to justice and equity within the legal system and the impact of these on social justice.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) consolidate their understanding of the law through application to real scenarios; (2) understand and appreciate the role of lawyers in a practical context; (3) interact directly with real clients in a lawyer/client relationship and/or work with client groups on legal issues of public interest; (4) foster a deep understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities of legal practitioners; (5) develop a critical approach to underlying policy issues impacting upon the practice of law; (6) hone legal research skills; (7) write clear, concise and persuasive legal advice; (8) develop effective and meaningful oral communication skills through client interviewing and working within a legal team; and (9) develop and hone effective time management skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) placement; (2) reflective journal; and (3) seminar participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Tracey Atkins and Meredith Blake
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering and four Unit(s)
LAWS4102 Criminal Law
, LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS4104 Property
, LAWS4106 Torts
, LAWS4107 Land Law
, LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law
Incompatibility
SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship, LAWS5184 Co-operative Education for Enterprise Development (CEED)
Contact hours
This unit involves work experience in a host organisation equivalent to one day per week for 12 weeks. In addition, the unit involves mandatory attendance at an introductory information session (date, time and venue to be advised) and attendance and participation at fortnightly seminars.
Note
Students should refer to this link for information on what is required to apply for this unit: https://ipoint.uwa.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/3172/%7E/application-dates-and-instructions-for-the-jd-legal-internship.

Students who have taken the SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship are not able to take this unit.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.