LAW4803 - Clinical placement - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Law

Chief examiner(s)

Semester 1: Assoc Prof Ross Hyams
Semester 2: Assoc Prof Ross Hyams
Summer A: Assoc Prof Ross Hyams

Quota applies

The number of places available in this unit is 30

Unit guides

Offered

Clayton

  • Summer semester A 2019 to First semester 2020 (On-campus)
  • Trimester 2 2019 (On-campus)
  • Trimester 3 2019 (On-campus)

Prerequisites

For students who commenced their LLB (Hons) course in 2015 or later:

LAW1111; LAW1114; LAW1112; LAW1113; LAW2101; LAW2102; LAW2112; LAW2111

For students who commenced their LLB course prior to 2015:

LAW1100 OR LAW1101 and LAW1102 or LAW1104; LAW2100 OR LAW2101 and LAW2102; LAW2200 OR LAW2201 and LAW2202; LAW3300 orLAW3301 and LAW3302.

For JD students:

The achievement of at least twelve units or 72 credit points towards the Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) to include: LAW5000, LAW5001, LAW5002, LAW5003, LAW5004, LAW5005, LAW5006, LAW5007 or equivalent.

In addition, students intending to undertake any of the following clinics:

  • Sexual Assault Clinic
  • Family Violence Clinic

must have completed LAW4328 (or LAW5216), LAW4330 (or LAW5218) or LAW5050. In other clinics preference for a placement will be given to students who have completed these units.

Notes

For application & enrolment information please see: https://www.monash.edu/law/home/cle

Synopsis

Students will engage in a legal placement hosted by either an external organisation, or at Monash Law Clinics. Under professional supervision, students will undertake a range of activities involving work for end clients/beneficiaries of that host organisation. These activities may include: legal research and writing; and research on ethical, professional and strategic considerations in the practice and application of the law. Students will contribute to the development of legal solutions to complex problems that occur in the context of the practice culture they experience. Depending on the particular organisation selected, students will develop proficiencies in a particular area of law or jurisdiction. Students may also gain greater understanding of social justice and access to justice issues faced by vulnerable and marginalised populations. The skills developed and knowledge gained in this unit will be useful for:

  • students who wish to practise law
  • students interested in policy, government and social justice career

pathways.

Furthermore, students will be required to participate in a compulsory Seminar Program administered by the Faculty

Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Independently undertake complex legal research and:
    1. Assess and articulate options for clients/beneficiaries, including the strengths and limitations of available legal options;

    2. Pro-actively develop solutions to complex legal problems;
    3. Synthesise large volumes of material, identifying key information relevant to developing legal material to support casework and/or policy

    advocacy material

    1. Recognise and appropriately respond to the strategic and ethical implications of different legal approaches;

    2. Critically analyse legal principles and the legal system, from a variety of perspectives including theoretical perspectives, identifying

    gaps and inadequacies in the provision of legal support to

    clients/beneficiaries

  2. Effectively communicate (both orally and in writing) legal information, principles, arguments, strategies and theories of justice with a wide range of audiences involved in the justice system, be it in terms of individual casework or wider policy advocacy;
  3. Reflect on and assess their own and/or peer capabilities and performance as flexible, adaptable, independent future legal practitioners by having developed skills of self-reflection and self-management, and to independently synthesise this information.
  4. Demonstrate practical legal skills as appropriate to the clinical placement undertaken.

Assessment

1. Reflective e-portfolio - UG: 2000 words total (40%); PG: 3000 words total (40%)

  • Two reflective submissions over clinical period worth 20% each submission - UG: 1000 words each;PG: 1500 words each

2. Video case report - UG: 5-7 minute video ( 40%);PG: 8-10 minute video (40%)

  • A video providing a description and more detailed analysis of legal/ethical issues raised by the student's placement. These issues could relate to a case worked on by the student or a policy matter addressed by the student.

3. Host organization assessment of work performance (20%)

  • Both UG and PG - third party performance appraisal, review and feedback based on a Faculty supplied rubric.

4. Satisfactory completion hurdle requirement -

  • Both UG and PG: Requirement of 100% attendance rate at host organisation (with the exception of special circumstances) and satisfactory participation
  • Both UG and PG: Requirement to attend face-to-face orientation seminar and participate in other online seminars (with the exception of special circumstances).

Workload requirements

For local (within Victoria), students are required to spend the equivalent of one full day per week for 12 - 16 weeks on activities related to their placement. Some placements require attendance on site for a full day while others are more flexible, enabling students to do some of their placement work remotely. For placements interstate (not in Victoria) or overseas, students would be required to spend no less than 5 full days per week for a period of 4 weeks or the equivalent over a longer period at the discretion of the Chief Examiner. Scheduled activities may include a combination of work directed by the supervisor, interviewing and advice sessions, research activities and engagement in on-line activities.

See also Unit timetable information