LAW 6501 - Foundations of the GDLP
North Terrace Campus - Winter - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code LAW 6501 Course Foundations of the GDLP Coordinating Unit Adelaide Law School Term Winter Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 6 Contact Intensive Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assessment Assessment in this course will include a combination of two or more of the following: letters of advice, drafting, interviewing and advising, practical legal research, demonstration of advocacy skills, online quizzes, multiple choice questions and discus Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Michelle Elliott
As course staff work in the South Australian legal profession all communication should be directed to the GDLP Coordinator, Michelle Elliott in the first instance - michelle.elliott@lawsocietysa.asn.au
The GDLP Coordinator will contact the appropriate course staff as necessary.
Course Supervisors
Kate Crocker: Interviewing and Advising
Cathy Mayfield: Legal Writing and Drafting
Lorna Hartwell: Practical Legal Research
Greg Rooney: Negotiation and ADR
Julie Van der Velde: Taxation
Advocacy Team:
Helena Jasinski: Civil Trial Preparation
Carrie Demertzis: Open and Closing Addresses
Kos Lesses: Examination in Chief and Cross Examination
CourseCoordinator (UA Law School): Adam WebsterCourse Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from .
This course will be taught intensively. Full details of seminars and activities are made available on MyUni course website
prior to the course commencing.
Students are required to attend all seminars as detailed on the .
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course you should be able to competently:
1. Writing Letters
• identified the need for, and purpose of, the letter.
• written the letter in plain English that conveys its purpose clearly and could be understood by the person to whom it is sent, acting reasonably.
2. Legal Writing
2.1 Communicating effectively
• identified the purpose of a proposed communication, the most effective way of making it, and the content of the proposed communication.
• presented thoughts, advice, and submissions in a logical, clear, succinct and persuasive manner, having regard to the circumstances and the person or forum to whom they are made.
2.2 Cross-cultural awareness
• identified and appropriately dealt with verbal and non-verbal aspects of cross-cultural communication
3. Interviewing and Advising
• prepared for the interview properly, having regard to relevant information available before the interview and all known, relevant circumstances.
• conducted, participated in conducting or observed, the interview, using communication techniques appropriate to both the client and the context.
• ensured that the client and lawyer have both obtained all the information which they wanted from the interview in a timely, effective and efficient way, having regard to the circumstances.
• ensured that the lawyer and client left the interview with a common understanding of the lawyer’s instructions (if any) and any future action that the lawyer or client is respectively to take.
• made a record of the interview that satisfies the requirements of law and good practice.
• taken, or participated in taking, any follow-up action in a timely manner.
4. Legal Drafting
• identified the need for, and purpose, of the document.
• devised an effective form and structure for the document having regard to the parties, the circumstances, good practice, plain English principles and the relevant law.
• drafted the document effectively having regard to the parties, the circumstances, good practice, plain English principles, and the relevant law.
• considered whether the document should be settled by counsel.
• taken every action required to make the document effective and enforceable in a timely manner and according to law (such as execution by the parties, stamping, delivery and registration).
5. Practical Legal Research
• establish a strategy to undertake systematic legal research
• use paper and electronic resources to efficiently research legal and factual problems involved in a matter
• keep your research up to date
• present the results of your research
6. Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• prepared, or participated in the preparation of the client’s case properly having regard to the circumstances and good practice.
• identified the strategy and tactics to be used in negotiations and discussed them with and obtained approval from the client, or been involved in or observed that process.
• carried out, been involved in or observed, the negotiations effectively having regard to the strategy and tactics adopted, the circumstances of the case and good practice.
• documented any resolution as required by law or good practice and explained it, or been involved in the process of explaining it, to the client in a way a reasonable client could understand.
7. Facilitating early resolution of disputes
• identified the advantages and disadvantages of available dispute resolution options and explained them to, or been involved in explaining them to, the client.
• performed in the lawyer’s role, or been involved in or observed that performance, in the dispute resolution process effectively, having regard to the circumstances.
• documented any resolution as required by law or good practice and explained it, or been involved in explaining it, to the client in a way a reasonable client could understand.
8. Advocacy
• observed the etiquette and procedures of the forum.
• organised and presented in an effective, strategic way:
- factual material;
- analysis of relevant legal issues; and
- relevant decided cases.
• prepare and present a submission to a senior member of the legal profession taking into account the instructions given and advocacy skills to examine the use of a case concept and presentation styles
• made submissions effectively and coherently in accordance with law and good practice.
9. Taxation
• develop an understanding of the taxation areas which underpin other GDLP courses: Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duty (SD) and Goods and Services Tax (GST).University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1 to 9 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1 to 9 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1 to 9 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1 to 9 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1 to 9 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1 to 9 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1 to 9 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1 to 9 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
No textbooks are assigned for GDLP courses.
Seminar resources and readings are available on MyUni ONLY. Students must bring electronic devices to seminars to access seminar materials.
Due to an emphasis on current legal practice other materials may be added after the course outline has been posted. Students
are required to check MyUni regularly (at least weekly) to keep up to date.
Recommended Resources
Most course resources are provided to students ONLINE via MyUni. Relevant law can be accessed online via:
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/
http://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/index.aspx
http://www.austlii.edu.au/
Due to the emphasis on current legal practice, other materials may be added after the course outline has been
posted. Students are required to check MyUni regularly (at least weekly) to keep up to date.Online Learning
The course is supported by the MyUni course website. The website contains the following resources:
1. Course information – including seminar schedule and assessment outline.
2. Course materials – such as lecture presentations, seminar materials, readings and resources.
3. Assessment – items of assessment and online submission.
4. Grade centre – where students’ results for assessments are entered.
MyUni will also be used to post announcements. Students are expected to check MyUni regularly (at least weekly) to keep up to date.
Students should also regularly check their 成人大片 email.
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Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The course will be taught intensively. Online lectures are supported by activities such as face to face interactive problem-solving seminars and practical exercises.
Students MUST come prepared for seminars, namely having listened to online lectures, undertaken prior reading and developed draft responses to the seminar questions. If students have not prepared and / or arrive more than 10 minutes late they may be asked to leave the seminar group.
A reminder that students MUST bring along electronic devices to the seminar so they can access the seminar materials electronically.
Attendance is necessary to ensure that students are part of the interactive and reflective learning environment (which enhances learning outcomes) and provides students with the ability to develop their skills of oral presentation, teamwork and persuasion (valuable to the professional environment). Students are expected to behave in an ethical and professional manner as would be
expected in the workplace environment (compliant with the professional conduct rules and standards).
Students, who due to disability, compelling medical or compassionate reasons, or in exceptional circumstance, are unable to attend the required seminars, may complete alterative work in lieu of attendance. The precise nature of this make-up work will depend on the seminar missed and will be negotiated with the GDLP Coordinator. Students MUST inform the GDLP Coordinator at the earliest opportunity of their absence and where they require this make-up work option. Whilst the best endeavours will be made to prescribe alternative work, this may not always be possible and non-attendance may result in a fail grade being awarded.
Students must attend the seminar class for which they are enrolled.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
In addition to attending seminars it is anticipated that students will do substantial independent work to prepare for seminars and to complete the course assessments. Students are expected to spend about 8 hours per week in private study which includes reading the materials, listening to lecture presentations, conducting research and preparing for seminars. In addition students will need to dedicate time for the completion of assessments.
Learning Activities Summary
A detailed seminar schedule will be posted to MyUni prior to the course commencing.
Specific Course Requirements
The course is based on the rules of the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council (LPEAC) 2004 and Law
Admissions Consultative Committee 2015 which specifies the expected competency standards for entry level lawyers at the point of admission. In order to pass this course you are expected to demonstrate competence in these standards. Consequently, compulsory attendance and active participation in seminars is required in addition to assessment tasks.
The national competency standards include underpinning knowledge and skills in:
· Ethics and professional responsibility
· Lawyers skills
· Problem solving
· Work management and business skills
For further information see: http://www1.lawcouncil.asn.au/LACC/images/pdfs/LACCCompetencyStandardsforEntryLevelLawyers-Jan2015.pdf
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessments will be made available to students, prior to the nominated deadline.
Note: Competence must be demonstrated in all assessment tasks and activities.
Assessment item Due date* Learning Objectives Letter of advice Second week from course commencement 1 - 3 Legal drafting Third week from course commencing 2 - 4 ADR reflection report Third week from course commencing 6-7 Legal research report Fourth week from course commencing 5 Advocacy presentation and case notes Fourth week from course commencing 8 Participation N/A 1 - 9
* Assessment deadlines will be posted on MyUni prior to the course commencing.
Assessment Related Requirements
Detailed information regarding assessment tasks will be provided on MyUni .
In this course, students will also be assessed on the following:
· Attendance (95% rule applies)
· Punctuality
· Workload management and ability to adhere to deadlines
· Display active engagement in practical activities
· Demonstrate respectful behaviour towards others
· Maintaining a high level of confidentiality at all times
· Satisfactory completion of prescribed exercises
· Underpinning national competency standards (as noted in ‘Specific course requirements’)
Unless otherwise stated, there will be no prescribed word limit for assessments. This is because the purpose of the GDLP programme is to facilitate your transition from undergraduate academic law studies to the legal professional
employment environment through the demonstration and practice of professionally-based skills and competencies. In a legal practice it is highly unlikely you will be set a certain number of words or pages for the tasks you are asked to complete.
However, in the majority of assessments guidelines will be provided.
The quality of English expression is considered to be an integral part of the assessment process. Assessment competence will take into consideration: expression, structure, correct grammar, typography, etc.
Assessments will be returned to students within 3 weeks from the due date, unless otherwise notified by the GDLP Program Coordinator through a Course Announcement.
Assessment Detail
No information currently available.
Submission
Submission
Students must retain a copy of all assessments submitted.
Students are to submit assessments online by Turnitin.
Please note: where forms or documents have been outlined in assessment activities for completion these should be downloaded from original sources and completed in an electronic format, if not supplied.
Students will be marked in accordance with the marking rubric.
Resubmission
Students are required to demonstrate competency in all elements of the national competency standards and failure to do so will result in the relevant assessment being marked as non-competent. If the assessment is deemed non-competent students may be offered the opportunity to revise and resubmit the assessment. Students granted a resubmission will have up to 7 days
from the time they are informed by email from the LSSA GDLP Office to resubmit the assessment. In most cases only the
parts of the assessment that do not attain competence will be required to be resubmitted. Only ONE opportunity is provided
for resubmission.
Assessments that do not attain competence on resubmission (fail), per University policy, are double-marked before the results are
released back to the student. The first and second markers discuss what the final result will be.
Extensions
Students MUST apply for an extension prior to the deadline to the GDLP Coordinator.
Extensions on medical and compassionate grounds will be in accordance with University policy.
Late Submission
NOTE: in this course, students are assessed against the national competency standards and professional workplace standards; namely
· Ethical and professional responsibility
· Lawyers skills
· Problem solving
· Work management and business skills
· Punctuality
· Workload management and ability to adhere to deadlines
Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
GS8 (Coursework Grade Scheme) Grade Description CN Continuing FNS Fail No Submission NFE No Formal Examination F Fail NGP Non Graded Pass P Pass C Credit D Distinction HD High Distinction RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
Grade Grade reflects following criteria for allocation of grade: Reported on Official Transcript Fail No Submission No work submitted for assessment FNS Fail Competency not demonstrated F Non-Graded Pass Competency demonstrated NGP Result Pending An interim result RP Continuing Continuing CN No Formal Examination No formal examination NFE
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.Final results for this course will be made available through .
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as CEQ surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at least once every 2 years. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available. -
Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.
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