LAWS213 2021 Extended Unit Outline 19JUL21 PDF

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Summary

FACULTY OF LAW AND BUSINESS
THOMAS MORE LAW SCHOOL
SEMESTER TWO 2021
LAWS213 COMMUNITY LEGAL ENGAGEMENT: PRO BONO
EXTENDED UNIT OUTLINE...

Description

FACULTY OF LAW AND BUSINESS THOMAS MORE LAW SCHOOL SEMESTER TWO 2021 LAWS213 COMMUNITY LEGAL ENGAGEMENT: PRO BONO EXTENDED UNIT OUTLINE CREDIT POINTS

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PREREQUISITES

LAWS104 Foundations of Law and Legal Research

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they possess the prerequisites for a unit. If a student previously passed LAWS405, please contact the Course Coordinator or the Lecturer in Charge before enrolling in this unit. NATIONAL LECTURER IN CHARGE Name: Mr Ian Lam Campus: Email: Telephone: Office Location:

Preferred Contact:

North Sydney (MacKillop) [email protected] +61 2 9739 2398 Thomas More Law School Level 15. Tenison Woods House 8-20 Napier Street North Sydney NSW 2060 By email (with a reference to unit code, full name, SID) which is usually replied within 24 – 48 hours. Please send a reminder with the initial message if not getting any reply in 72 hours.

TEACHING TEAM If there is any question, please feel free to contact your tutor or your lecturer by email. If it is a general question, you may also ask it at General Unit Discussion Forum at LEO. Tutor Name:

Mr Konrad Bohleke

Location:

Sydney

Email:

[email protected]

Tutor Name:

Mr Joshua Lim

Location:

Melbourne

Email:

[email protected]

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COURSE AND UNIT RATIONALE Course rationale The rule of law, and access to legal advice, are the basis of free, democratic, and just societies which promote personal dignity, thriving communities, and the common good. Law graduates working in legal practice, in business, in government and in the community play an essential role in promoting and upholding the rule of law in Australia and across the world. The Thomas More Law School Bachelor of Laws degree is an accredited degree for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Unit rationale LAWS213 forms part of Australian Catholic University Core Curriculum which comprises three units: UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society; (a) UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World; and (b) A community engagement unit specific to each university program. (c) UNCC100 and UNCC300 are common to most undergraduate programs. The community engagement unit specific to each university program serves to draw the Core Curriculum experience together and offer students an opportunity to live the Core Curriculum in action. LAWS213 falls within this third category. It situates a student’s pro bono placement within an understanding of the ACU mission and calls on students to reflect on their personal mission and the ACU mission in a timely manner. LAWS213 furthers the ACU mission and its commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person and the common good whilst engaging the Catholic intellectual tradition to bring a distinct perspective to the study of law and the pursuit of a career within the legal profession. LAWS213 will provide students with an opportunity to reflect upon the ability of the law to respond to the needs of the marginalised and disadvantaged members of our society and the need for reform of the law or of its administration. LAWS213 will also assist students to develop and reflect upon the values of collaboration, equality, mutual respect and commitment to justice. LAWS213 and LAWP100 LAWP100 Pro Bono Legal Professional Experience 1, is a professional experience unit without credit point. It requires all Thomas More Law School students to complete 80 hours of pro bono legal placement, and submit the required paper work on the designated platform. LAWS213 supports LAWP100 Pro Bono Legal Professional Experience. Ideally, students should complete LAWS213 before commencing LAWP100. However, students may undertake LAWS213 at any time during their degree (subject to availability) provided they have completed LAWS104 Foundations of Law and Legal Research. MODE/ATTENDANCE PATTERN LAWS213 requires students to attend 1 x 2-hour lecture and a 1 x 1-hour tutorial each week. Tutorials commence in week 1 of the semester.

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The mode includes lectures, tutorials, electronic consultation, library tasks and presentations or online lectures and activities. Students will be required to sign up to attend a weekly tutorial. If a student is temporarily unable to attend a tutorial, they should email the National Lecturer in Charge in advance to advise them of this. If circumstances change making a student unable to attend their selected activity time on a longer-term basis, they must find a student in the desired time group who is willing and able to swap with them. Both students should then email a change request to the National Lecturer in Charge. Not every request to change tutorials can be accommodated due to various restrictions and limitations. After all, full-time students are expected, and required to be available to attend classes that commence anytime from 8 am to 8 pm Mon to Friday. Students who have medical or personal reasons requiring allocation into certain tutorials are given priority over changes requested due to work commitments. If a student has not been allocated into a tutorial by Thursday of the week before semester starts, they should resend the request. To ensure that students meet the stated learning outcomes, engagement in all online activities is expected. In online workshops students will interact with other students and develop skills which they will use in their professional experience. Students who do not attend are at risk of not developing these essential skills and of not achieving the required learning objectives for the unit. Information regarding missed classes and supplementary examinations can be found below in Assessment Strategy and Rationale. DURATION 12-week semester. Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings and assignment preparation. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (LOs) LAWS213 requires the development of attributes including knowledge of the doctrinal foundations of the law and legal skills as included in the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs). LAWS213 has been designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to practice law in Victoria and New South Wales. On successful completion of LAWS213 students should be able to: LO1 - Demonstrate ability to work with pro bono partners and to explain the mission, values and functions of the organisations or bodies with which they have engaged, especially insofar as they relate to the provision of legal assistance to those who are marginalised or disadvantaged and to the promotion of social justice, human dignity and the common good (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA5) LO2 - Critically evaluate areas of law where reform of the law or of its administration is needed in order to better serve the demands of social justice, human dignity and the common good (GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7)

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LO3 - Apply the skills and knowledge they have gained during their studies and pro bono/legal professional experience to develop proposals to provide better legal assistance to those who are marginalised or disadvantaged and to promote social justice, human dignity and the common good (GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7, GA9) GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES Each unit in the course contributes in some way to the development of the ACU Graduate Attributes which students should demonstrate by the time they complete their course. All Australian universities have their expected Graduate Attributes. ACU’s Graduate Attributes have a greater emphasis on ethical behaviour and community responsibility than those of many other universities. All units will enable students to develop some attributes. On successful completion of this unit, students should have developed the ability to: GA1 - demonstrate respect for the dignity of each individual and for human diversity GA2 - recognise their responsibility to the common good, the environment and society GA3 - apply ethical perspectives in informed decision making GA4 - think critically and reflectively GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession GA6 - solve problems in a variety of settings taking local and international perspectives into account GA7 - work both autonomously and collaboratively GA9 - demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media CONTENT LAWS213 topics include: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

Understanding the history and nature of pro bono legal work in Australia, Negotiating pro bono placements – the responsibilities of the parties; Review of legal skills; Assessment of the ACU Mission and future legal practice; Research of potential fields and contexts for future legal practice; Practical legal skills – developing your technique: (i) communicating effectively: orally and in writing; (ii) interviewing: listening and questioning; (iii) interviewing: advising; (iv) keeping out of trouble; (v) writing and drafting; (vi) negotiating, mediating and early dispute resolution; (vii) problem solving; (viii) advocacy; (ix) intellectual technology and law;

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(g) (h) (i)

(x) managing risks for clients; (xi) managing work and time; and (xii) resilience and wellbeing in practice; Legal practice and community engagement; Unmet legal needs in the Australian and international communities; and Preparation for legal practice.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND STUDENT FEEDBACK LAWS213 has been evaluated through the Student Evaluation of Learning and Teaching (SELT) online surveys. Changes to the lecture and tutorial content have been made because of student feedback to better meet the learning objectives for this Unit. These changes include updated readings and changes to assessment. SELT surveys are usually conducted at the end of the teaching period. Practical and constructive student feedback is valuable to improve the quality of the unit. Students should ensure that they complete the SELT survey for the unit. Students can also provide feedback at other times to the unit lecturers, course coordinators and/or through student representatives. LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY AND RATIONALE LAWS213 will be taught in online mode and will blend technology and other resources to facilitate and enhance learning and teaching activities. LECTURE CAPTURE LAWS213 lectures will be recorded and made available to students in the beginning of each week. The tutorials will be delivered via Zoom technology. The tutorials will not be recorded. Relevant material will be provided on LEO when appropriate. SCHEDULE Teaching and learning activities will be conducted on topics as indicated in the chart below. Key dates are identified at http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/courses/important_dates. For the most up-to -date information, students should check the LEO unit and note advice from lecturing and tutoring staff for changes to this schedule. Please note that tutorials commence in Week 1 of the Semester. Week

Starting

Lecture

Tutorial content and other information

LW 1

Mon 26 July 2021

Introduction to the ‘Lawyerly Life’ and to Pro Bono Meet the people, Ice- Guest Lecturer: Prof Patrick Keyzer, Dean of the breaking exercise, and Thomas More Law School general introduction Assessment 2 starts from this week: Tutorial Participation

LW 2

Mon 2 August 2021

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ACU pro bono program, and other preadmission requirements - Guest speaker from ACU Engagement, and - NLiC: Ian Lam

Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page

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LW 3

Mon 9 August 2021

LW 4

Mon 16 August 2021

The starting of your Legal Career, self-assessment, preparation for CV/CL & interview - Guest Lecturers: Caroline Ryan, ACU Careers Adviser, and - Tamara Stacey, National Co-ordinator ACU Student Jobs on Campus Professionalism in the workplace & communication as a legal professional - Guest Lecturers: Caroline Ryan, ACU Careers Adviser & Tamara Stacey, National Co-ordinator ACU Student Jobs on Campus

Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page

Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page Assessment 1 Hurdle task due - Friday, 20 August 2021 at 5:00pm (AEST or AEDT)

LW 5

Mon 23 August 2021

Pro Bono practice in Australia legal industry Discussion questions - Guest Lecturer: Prof Patrick Keyzer, Dean of the will be released at LEO weekly page Thomas More Law School

LW 6

Mon 30 August 2021

Possible Pro Bono Legal Placements for students - NLiC: Ian Lam

Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page

LW 7

Mon 6 September 2021

The future of Pro Bono Practice (include use of technology, and issues involved) - NLiC: Ian Lam

Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page

LW 8

Mon 13 September 2021

mental health and well being of a lawyer - Guest Lecturer: Fiona Mather, Psychologist / Student Counsellor

LW 9

Mon 20 September 2021

Legal office practices - critical skills for junior lawyers (1) - NLiC: Ian Lam

Discussion questions Clinical will be released at LEO weekly page Discussion questions will be released at LEO weekly page

Note: 25/09/21 is a Public Holiday in VIC

UA Vacation Week 27 September 2021 – 3 October 2021 Assessment 3 Pre-recorded Group Presentation Due: Friday, 1 October 2021, 5:00pm (AEST or AEDT)

LW 10

Mon 4 October Legal office practices - critical skills for junior lawyers 2021 (2) NLiC: Ian Lam Note: 4/10/21 is a Public -

Student Presentation

Holiday in NSW & QLD

LW 11

Mon 11 October 2021

Legal office practices - critical skills for junior lawyers (3) - NLiC: Ian Lam

Student Presentation

LW 12

Mon 18 October 2021

Revision

Student Presentation

Assessment 4 Reflection due - Friday, 29 October 2021, at 5:00pm (AEST or AEDT)

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND RATIONALE The assessment in this unit focuses on real world tasks that will assist students as they enter the workforce or with further study after graduation. In order to pass this unit, students are required to achieve a final grade of 50% or better as an aggregate score of all points from assessment tasks completed in this unit. Engagement with all online activities is expected. If a student does not submit an assessment task and has approved documentation, they will be given an alternate task to be decided by the National lecturer in Charge. If a student misses an assessment task and does not meet the eligibility criteria, they will receive a score of zero for that assessment.

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Hurdle tasks are those which students must successfully complete in order to pass the unit, but which do not contribute marks towards the final grade. In this unit, students must successfully complete the LEO ‘Child-Safe Organisations’ module in order to receive a pass grade in this unit. This module is a requirement of the course. The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate your achievement of each learning outcome. This unit comprises one hurdle task and three other assessment tasks. Brief Description of Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: Hurdle task This assessment task consists of the completion of the Working with Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults online module. This task requires students to consider human diversity and the dignity of each individual and complete the module and upload the certificate of completion. Submission Type: Individual Assessment Method: Online module Due Date: Week 4, Friday, 20 August 2021 Assessment 2: Tutorial Participation this assessment task consists of presenting and sharing ideas in the tutorials. This task requires students regularly contribute in the tutorial discussion relating to their learnings from the lecture topics. Submission Type: Individual Assessment Method: Reflective Presentation Assessment 3: Group Presentation students will be allocated into groups (4 people each group), and assigned with an area of pro bono legal practice to research and present their findings and recommendations (eg refugee, or aboriginal people etc) to the class. It requires students critically evaluate an area of pro bono legal practice that is needed in order to better serve the demands of social justice, human dignity and the common good Submission Type: Group presentation (including slides/notes/videos) Last edited by IL on 19JUL21

Weighting

0%

20%

30%

Learning Graduate Outcome/s Attributes/ Assessed Generic Skills

LO3

GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7 and GA9

LO1 and LO3

GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7 and GA9

LO2

GA1, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6 and GA7

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Assessment Method: Research presentation Due Date: Friday, 1 October 2021, 5:00pm Assessment 4: Annotated Reflective Statement This assessment task consists of 1500word reflective statement in which students reflect upon new knowledge, experiences, insights introduced in the unit. It requires students to demonstrate a set of career competencies through reflection on the pro bono work lawyers are doing for the community. Submission Type: Individual / Turnitin Assessment Method: Reflective Statement Due Date: Friday, 29 October 2021, 5:00pm

50%

LO1 and LO3

GA1, GA2, GA3, GA4, GA5, GA6, GA7 and GA9

Assessment 1 (hurdle task): Completion of ‘Child-Safe Organisations’ module (online) https://leo.acu.edu.au/course/view.php?id=33781 A hurdle task is a task or activity that is marked on a pass/fail basis and is required to pass the unit but does not contribute to the final grade. Due date

Week 4, Friday, 20 August 2021 at 5:00pm (AEST or AEDT)

Weighting

0%

Length and/or format

Single page completion Certificate of Achievement downloaded from the module and uploaded to LEO in PDF. This assessment provides an opportunity for students to undertake some specific targeted training in working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This is a requirement of students’ undergraduate degree program at ACU. LO3

Purpose

Learning outcomes assessed How to submit Return of assignment Assessment criteria

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Submit this assessment via the appropriate link in LEO. Staff evaluation of the submission will be returned on LEO within three weeks. Staff will assess if the completion certificate is valid.

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Assessment 2: Tutorial Participation in at least 8 out of 12 tutorials (20% of total mark) Due date Weighting

A final participation grade immediately after Week 12. 20%

Length and/or format

As set out in tutorials 1 to 12.

Purpose

This unit specifically requires students to learn about the practice of law and pro bono in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. It will require students to consider real world issues arising in the practice of law and how to deal with and manage those issues. Tutorials allow students to gain an understanding of how to plan their careers and pro bono placements and how to be prepared for such work in p...