The University of New South Wales

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Clinical Program - Employment Law - LAWS2305
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Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 16
 
 
EFTSL: 0.33333 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 16
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisites: LAWS6210; LAWS2311
 
 
Fee Band: 3 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

The Employment Law clinic requires students to undertake work for real clients while providing the student with opportunities to analyse the effect of the law in practice. Through their work for disadvantaged clients on case, education and policy files students develop their understanding of substantive and procedural law and ethical issues in the area of employment. Students undertaking this Clinic will be working in a legal practice at Kingsford Legal Centre on employment law matters. They will be required to attend the Centre two days a week, 9am to 5pm, attend a weekly seminar of two hours and undertake evening and daytime public advice sessions. Students will be responsible for files under the supervision of the clinical supervisor. Students will conduct interviews with clients, make strategic decisions about conduct of the file, undertake research, draft all documents and where appropriate undertake advocacy in court or tribunals for the client. A daily tutorial and regular lectures provide opportunities for discussion and analysis of students' experiences and for instruction and development of ethical issues, employment law, legal procedure and skills. You will undertake project work relating to legal issues. You are encouraged to think critically about the legal system through one to one supervision by clinical supervisors.


Recommended Prior Knowledge

None

Course Objectives

  • To develop your critical appreciation of the law and legal system in Australia through participation in a legal practice working for clients who are financially or otherwise disadvantaged
  • To enhance your contextual understanding of the law and legal process by exposing you to real clients with legal problems
  • To provide you with a detailed understanding of the legal aid system and develop your understanding of issues of access to the legal system for the Australian community
  • To develop your awareness of the role of lawyers in practice in the legal system
  • To develop your understanding of ethics and responsibility in a workplace setting
  • To introduce you to the importance of developing basic lawyering skills to a high level of proficiency including communication, interviewing, drafting and negotiation
  • To develop your ability to see beyond a casework approach to legal problems by providing opportunities to participate in campaign and education work
  • To encourage you to see the law as a vehicle which can be used to protect and develop human rights

Assessment

Students receive one of two results for this subject - Satisfactory Completion or Fail:
  • Students are interviewed on a one to one basis for assessment in week 6 and week 12
  • Students undertake a self assessment in week 5. This will be discussed in the second assessment interview
  • Students are assessed on performance in relation to the assessment criteria
  • Students do a case presentation on a case or interview they have worked on at the Centre
  • Students are required to show thorough performance and application to the client and project files, a willingness to think critically about the legal process, and a willingness to adapt their manner and conduct according to the needs of the particular client or legal problem

Course Texts

Prescribed
Reading materials for this course are purchased at the Kingsford Legal Centre.

Recommended
Reading materials for this course are purchased at the Kingsford Legal Centre.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.