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 is an elective offered to students in the Doctor of Judicial Science. The way lawyers and law firms run their business and deliver their services is rapidly changing. It is critical that law graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in future legal practice. This unit seeks to provide students with an understanding of the professional, ethical and business framework within which legal services are provided, and appreciation of how the provision of legal services is continually evolving in response to client need, regulation and technological development. The unit addresses three key themes. First, it explores an understanding of the business of law, including the economics of running a legal practice and the development of ethical business processes and strategies. Second, it considers the role of people and practice management in the delivery of legal services. This includes consideration of how to recruit, engage, upskill and lead staff in an ethical, client-focused and changing legal environment. Third, it considers the role of technology in the transformation of how lawyers and law firms perform legal work and deliver legal services. The unit will provide students with an understanding of the business of law as distinct from the service of law. It will provide students with an understanding of the key concepts of legal project management, leadership, strategy, pricing, business development, transformation + innovation and change management, specifically within a legal context.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply a detailed understanding of the business of running a private legal practice to formulate a competitive business strategy incorporating appropriate legal business processes; (2) analyse and develop the role of professional ethics and people management in the development of legal practice management strategies; (3) create critical strategies for responding to the changing role and possibilities of technology so as to optimise the delivery of legal services; and (4) create clear, concise and persuasive arguments, both orally and in writing, relating to the changing nature of legal practice and the provision of contemporary legal services.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group presentation; (2) participation; and (3) assignment. 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)
- Aaron McDonald and Lauren Ziegelaar
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- Seminars: 5 days (9am - 4pm) January Intensive 28/29 Jan, 4/5/11 Feb 2023. Attendance compulsory
- Note
- Students must attend every day of the intensive period 15,16,22,23,29 January. See the timetable for exact times.
- 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.