LA1107 - Contemporary Practice: The New Lawyer

Credit points:	03
Year:	2018
Student Contribution Band:	Band 3
Administered by:	College of Business, Law & Governance

This subject will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of lawyers in current-day practice together with an introduction to the wide range of attributes and skills, which lawyers need to acquire so as to represent their clients effectively and professionally. Nowadays lawyers are required to be more versatile and adaptable in their handling of disputes on behalf of their clients. Previously court litigation was the predominant way in which disputes were resolved. More recently, the legal system has evolved so as to require, in many instances, the consideration of non-adversarial approaches to dispute resolution before allowing a case to be determined by the Court. This subject will focus on the non-adversarial methods of dispute resolution. It will also focus on putting students in a position where they can develop the necessary interpersonal and communication proficiencies that lawyers require to represent their clients competently. Areas that will be explored include emotional intelligence and the philosophy of law and justice. Further topics comprise the diversity of the roles that lawyers can undertake, including their pivotal function in the area of dispute resolution, and the development of the basic skills and attributes needed by lawyers in contemporary practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the role of the lawyer and the practical skills required by a lawyer in contemporary legal practice;
• Present oral and written communication appropriate to a legal context;
• Engage in critical reflection of a client interview scenario;
• Apply the principles and skills of emotional intelligence;
• Explain the principles underpinning the philosophy of the law and the concept of privilege;
• Determine the appropriate principles and processes to use in a dispute resolution context.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 23-Aug-2018
Coordinator:	Mr Neil Dunbar
Contact hours:	12 hours lectures - 12 x 2 hr lectures 12 hours tutorials - 12 x 1 hr tutorials
Assessment:	assignments (25%); oral presentation (20%); reflective assignment (25%); online multiple choice test (30%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 23-Aug-2018
Coordinator:	Mr Neil Dunbar
Contact hours:	12 hours lectures - 12 x 2 hr lectures 12 hours tutorials - 12 x 1 hr tutorials
Assessment:	assignments (25%); oral presentation (20%); reflective assignment (25%); online multiple choice test (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.