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 is a capstone unit aimed at developing the practical skills and attributes needed to confidently and ethically commence work in the legal profession. Central to the unit is the theme of developing one's professional self. Students will explore the framework of laws, professional rules and institutions governing legal professional ethics in Western Australia, in the context of both litigation advocacy and commercial practice. This framework will be interwoven through the unit as students extend on their legal drafting and research skills, developed in earlier study, and practice precedent management and application. Through a series of workshops and practical exercises, students will use critical thinking to create and articulate legal and ethical solutions for hypothetical clients, and will build on oral presentation, client communication and career management skills. Students will engage with contemporary challenges and changes to the practice of law, including the evolving role and use of technology. The unit incorporates consideration of the ethical and social justice overlay of professional practice and seeks to prepare students practically, personally and ethically for the professional workplace.

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

Students are able to (1) ethically advise hypothetical clients as to the applicability of substantive law across a range of practice areas; (2) apply understanding of the ethical and regulatory framework underpinning law and legal practice to develop a coherent and plausible argument about the appropriate legal ethical conduct for an Australian lawyer in a given scenario, using relevant legislation, professional conduct rules and judicial decisions; (3) create customised, ethical and appropriate legal solutions for complex fact scenarios; (4) articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, in accordance with principles of correct and plain English drafting, and to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing; and (5) engage ethically and professionally with hypothetical clients, colleagues and peers.

Assessment

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



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Ms Rebecca Faugno
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering, LAWS4102 Criminal Law, LAWS4103 Contract, LAWS4104 Property, LAWS5109 Dispute Resolution (previously LAWS4105), LAWS4106 Torts, LAWS4107 Land Law, LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics (previously LAWS5106) LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts
and LAWS5104 Corporations Law.
Advisable prior study
LAWS5105 Remedies
Contact hours
Two week intensive workshop period: Monday 12 February to Friday 23 February 2024, workshops from 9-4 weekdays. Tutorials (2 hours/week) will run during the intensive period and for the week immediately following.
Note
This unit is taught face-to-face via workshops and tutorials. Workshops and tutorials are not recorded. In-person attendance is required during the intensive teaching block.
Texts

GE Dal Pont, Lawyers' Professional Responsibility (Thomsom Reuters, 7th 3dn, 2020). 

Selected readings and practical examples for student use will be available on LMS. Students will also have access to electronic legal precedent systems using the Library's electronic collection. 

  • 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.