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 critical study of general commercial practice and conveyancing with an emphasis on practical exercises and drafting. It begins with an intensive course on plain English writing, using various areas of law as a vehicle to teach basic principles of legal writing. The unit includes a consideration of property transactions from inception to stamping, settlement and registration; securities (mortgages and charges); leases; formation, sale and purchase of business organisations (companies and partnerships); duties; and the general drafting of letters and documents in these areas.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) understand the basic principles of legal drafting and be competent drafters of plain language; (2) use, adapt and apply precedents properly; (3) write clearly, concisely and effectively; (4) write letters to clients and other lawyers; (5) understand the Duties Act 2008 (WA) and its application; (6) understand the basic law and procedure relating to primary areas of commercial and conveyancing practice; (7) take instructions in basic commercial and conveyancing matters; and (8) complete simple land and business settlements; and (9) advise a client on available and appropriate business vehicles and the basic implications of choosing a particular structure.
- Assessment
Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include tutorial papers, tutorial attendance and participation and a final examination. Further assessment information is provided in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Assistant Professor Tracey Atkins
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- LAWS1130 Legal Process, LAWS1101 Contract I, LAWS1102 Contract II, LAWS1107 Torts I, LAWS1108 Torts II, LAWS2204 Property I, LAWS2205 Property II
and LAWS2203 Trusts - Advisable prior study
- LAWS3322 Corporations Law
- Contact hours
- lectures/tutorials: approximately 40 hours including formal lectures by senior practitioners and regular tutorials which deal with practical exercises and drafting issues
- Texts
Statute
Duties Act 2008 (WA)
Recommended reading
Asprey, M. M. Plain Language for Lawyers, 4th edn: Federation Press 2010
Students also need to refer to texts and statutes prescribed for related units already completed, particularly property, securities, succession, corporations law and trusts.
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.