LLB 843 Professional Practice (8cp)

An introductory program which will provide frameworks and foundations for the other Practice Subjects of the Course. The subject contains eight modules.

Module 1 - Preparatory assignments
In the first two weeks of the program, students undertake a number of assignments in preparation for work that will be covered in the on-campus Intensive Week (week 3). This work includes exercises in conveyancing, drafting and accounting and provides a foundation for the remainder of the program.

Module 2: Professional Responsibility and Competent Practice
This module builds upon previous learning in the pre-requisite University of Wollongong subjects (or their equivalents) to provide an ethical and holistic foundation for the conduct of work in all Legal Practice subjects. It deals with issues of competence, including skills development, ethical behaviour, professional responsibility, quality of service to clients, effective and efficient work practices, avoiding complaints and Professional Indemnity claims, and taking oaths and statutory declarations.

Modules 3 - 7: Problem-Solving - Techniques and Tools
A series of short workshops which will reinforce students' understanding of, and ability to apply, relevant skills and problem-analysis techniques to resolve legal problems or to achieve a client's objective. The material includes:

• Development of a problem-analysis model and the application of problem-solving techniques
• Cross-cultural Communication skills
• Review of dispute resolution skills
• Review of computerised legal information retrieval and research skills
• Review of writing and drafting skills.

Module 8: Professional Experience Program
During the Course, students will spend a period of time in an approved workplace or a professional experience placement, to carry out legal work on behalf of the clients of the workplace or placement office.

All professional experience placements will be undertaken under the supervision or "mentorship" of a qualified legal practitioner, and in accordance with the Professional Experience Guidelines. At the conclusion of the Course, submit a 1000 word paper reflecting on the experience and analysing their own progress in the Course and the principal things learned from it, both in course work and in the workplace component.