James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

LA4014 - Clinical Legal Studies

Available to students enrolled in the second last or last year of LLB studies, on application as a quota applies.

Subject Description

This subject allows students to gain insights into and practical experience in community legal practice. Combining an initial intensive workshop, with weekly placements at a community legal service organisation and small group classes, this subject makes the necessary links between theory and the practice of the law. The subject allows students to build upon their practical legal skills (through advice clinics with clients from the service); develop reflective practice skills; participate in law reform and community law projects and develop an understanding of social justice in a community legal context.

Learning Outcomes

• under close supervision participate in client interviews; evaluate, research and critique possible legal solutions and where required provide follow-up file work and file management
• convey information clearly and fluently, in high quality written and oral form appropriate for professional audiences
• reflect on the efficacy of the law, legal system and the role of legal practitioners and develop a community legal project
• identify, evaluate and action learning opportunities and self-improvements

Subject Assessment

• Written > Project report - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Clinical placement performance 1 - (40%) - 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