James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA1107 - Contemporary Practice: The New Lawyer

Subject Description

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. The subject will also consider the important issue of digital disruption and its effect on the legal profession.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the role of the lawyer and the practical skills required by a lawyer in a contemporary legal practice
• Present oral, written and digital communications appropriate to a legal context
• Apply critical reflection to a client interview context
• Identify and apply the principles of dispute resolution and the various dispute resolution processes
• Identify and apply the principles underpinning digital disruption, emotional intelligence, the philosophy of the law and the concept of privilege

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (25%) - Individual
• Blog - (25%) - Individual

Note that 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.

Availabilities