Internships and Law Practice

Unit code: LLW4008 | Study level: Undergraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
City Campus
Online Real Time
LLW3009 - Lawyers' Ethics and Professional Responsibility; and
6 Level 1 Law Units
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

All Victoria Law School students who commence their degree in 2019 or later are required to engage in a legal placement through their course of at least 150 hours (clinic, legal firm or other equivalent legal external organisation), under an approved external professional supervision program. Students will undertake a range of work activities as required by the external host, which can include: legal research, application of the law, assisting with client interviews, as well as an understanding of ethical considerations in the context of legal practice and the law. Students are expected to develop an understanding of how to approach legal problems in the context of real life situations by synthesising their existing legal knowledge and applying it in a technical and practical manner. Aspects of human rights, justice and equitable access to the law may be some of themes that students can cover. The skills developed and understandings gained in this unit are essential for Victoria Law School students at VU in the practice law, in policy and law reform as well as in the attainment and support of social justice for all.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Independently undertake complex legal research, apply it to legal facts, while critically analysing legal principles and the relevant law.
  2. Demonstrate an ability to identify and respond in an appropriate manner to strategic and ethical implications of different legal approaches to particular problems;
  3. Effectively communicate (both orally and in writing) supported legal advice, information, as well as options that incorporate both ADR and adversarial approaches to legal problem solving;
  4. Demonstrate practical legal skills including interviewing, counselling, negotiation, advocacy and drafting.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 20%
Evidence of 150 hours of legal placement including Journal of Placement Reflection
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
Class or Online Presentation of one legal aspect of placement
Assessment type: Research Paper
|
Grade: 40%
A contemporary issue faced in legal practice

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