Students

LAW 551 – Professional and Community Engagement

2016 – S3 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Debra Ronan
Contact via debra.ronan@mq.edu.au
W3A 518
By appointment until 11 December
Tutor
Lisa McLoughlan
Contact via lisa.mcloughlan@mq.edu.au
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
48cp in LAW or LAWS units and permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides the opportunity for students to engage with the legal profession and community through participation in a variety of workplace experiences including, but not limited to, law firms, legal centres, community-based legal organisations and services, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations. The experience may be via clerkship, volunteer work, or internship, and may be undertaken on a weekly or block basis. Students source their own placement, and nominate it for approval by the convenor. Applications for the unit are advertised by the convenor via email.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Identify issues that arise in professional practice and community engagement. In particular the personal and professional demands on, and expectations of, lawyers and public advocates in practice.
  • Identify and distinguish what it is to be a professional, especially in the discipline of law
  • Identify and respond to ethical and regulatory issues appropriately
  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession
  • Develop the practical skills necessary in legal practice, including: • file noting • drafting legal correspondence • preparation of court documents • client interviewing • legal research
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

General Assessment Information

Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked. 

All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit

In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.  Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically via ask.mq.edu.au and should be accompanied by supporting documentation.  Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required. Further policy information can be seen below under 'Policies and Procedures'

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Placement Participation 0% Ongoing
Skills and Goals 5% Week 1 (9/12/16)
Participation Exercises 35% Week 3 (6/1/17)
Research Essay 40% Week 5 (20/1/17)
Reflective Report 20% Friday 27/1/17

Placement Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 0%

This is a pass/fail component. You must pass this component in order to pass the unit

 

To indicate satisfactory attendance and participation, the placement supervisor will certify to the unit convenor that each student:

 

  •  attended each day
  • responded to directions and carried out required tasks

  • participated constructivley in discussions

  • acted ethically, i.e respectfully, with apparent honesty, and was aware of potential conflicts of interest


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify issues that arise in professional practice and community engagement. In particular the personal and professional demands on, and expectations of, lawyers and public advocates in practice.
  • Identify and distinguish what it is to be a professional, especially in the discipline of law
  • Identify and respond to ethical and regulatory issues appropriately
  • Develop the practical skills necessary in legal practice, including: • file noting • drafting legal correspondence • preparation of court documents • client interviewing • legal research
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Skills and Goals

Due: Week 1 (9/12/16)
Weighting: 5%

This assessment involves assessing your own skills, and setting goals for your placement. This must be completed in week 1.

This goal setting exercise  involves the following stages completed on  templates that are on iLearn:

1. Skills Checklist - complete before / after the first seminar. You must have completed a skills checklist prior to setting your goals. 

2. 'My Goals' goal Setting Exercise - complete after the skills checklist, and after the compulsory week 1 seminar.

Skills Checklist and 'My Goals' Submission

The due time and date for this assessment 10pm on Friday 9 December 2016. It should be submitted via the link on iLearn

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and distinguish what it is to be a professional, especially in the discipline of law

Participation Exercises

Due: Week 3 (6/1/17)
Weighting: 35%

This assessment requires completion of set readings and 2 x 1000 word exercises on ethics and regulation of the legal profession. You should commence the readings and exercises in week 2 for submission in week 4

Details of exercises  will be discussed at the  compulsory week 1 seminar, and full details will be provided on iLearn. 

Participation Exercise Submission

The due time  and date for this assessment 10pm on Friday 6 January 2017. It should be submitted via the link on iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify issues that arise in professional practice and community engagement. In particular the personal and professional demands on, and expectations of, lawyers and public advocates in practice.
  • Identify and respond to ethical and regulatory issues appropriately
  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Research Essay

Due: Week 5 (20/1/17)
Weighting: 40%

You will be required to complete a research critique of current practices and / or regulation of the legal profession. Questions will be provided on iLearn. 

OR

 You may nominate your own essay topic. You may identify an issue relating to an area of professional practice that in your opinion needs to be improved. You will prepare a critique of current practices and regulation in the area, suggestions for change, and what you as a practitioner would do in response to the issue. Students nominating their own topic must seek approval from the convenor for their topic before the end of week 3.

Further details of this assessment task will be provided at the compulsory week 1 seminar, and the set questions will be posted on i-Learn.

Research Essay Submission

The due time  and date for this assessment is 10pm on Friday 20 January 2017. It should be submitted via the Turnitin link on iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession

Reflective Report

Due: Friday 27/1/17
Weighting: 20%

This 1000 word assessment task requires you to assess whether you achieved the goals you set for your session 3 placement, and to reflect on your placement as a whole. The assessment is in 2 parts:

1. Assessment of goals, and setting future short and long term goals (5 marks)

2. A personal report that reflects on your placement experience ( 15 marks)

Full details of this exercise, including guidelines and assessment criteria will be discussed at the week 1 seminar, and are on i-Learn. 

Reflective Report Submission

The due time and date for this assessment is 10pm on Friday 27 January 2017. It should be submitted via the link on iLearn

 

 

 

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify issues that arise in professional practice and community engagement. In particular the personal and professional demands on, and expectations of, lawyers and public advocates in practice.
  • Identify and distinguish what it is to be a professional, especially in the discipline of law
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Delivery and Resources

Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/.

PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero.  Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically via ask.mq.edu.au and should be accompanied by supporting documentation.  Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required.

Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked. 

All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify issues that arise in professional practice and community engagement. In particular the personal and professional demands on, and expectations of, lawyers and public advocates in practice.
  • Identify and distinguish what it is to be a professional, especially in the discipline of law
  • Identify and respond to ethical and regulatory issues appropriately
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Placement Participation
  • Skills and Goals
  • Participation Exercises
  • Reflective Report

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Placement Participation
  • Participation Exercises
  • Reflective Report

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Develop the practical skills necessary in legal practice, including: • file noting • drafting legal correspondence • preparation of court documents • client interviewing • legal research

Assessment task

  • Placement Participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Exercises
  • Research Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Exercises
  • Research Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession
  • Apply the cognitive, interpersonal and communication skills necessary in legal practice, including: • the ability to engage in reflection and be self-aware • constructive engagement with work colleagues • willing and collaborative participation in the work environment • effective communication • capacity for critical analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Placement Participation
  • Participation Exercises
  • Research Essay
  • Reflective Report

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify and respond to ethical and regulatory issues appropriately
  • Critique current practices and regulation of the legal profession

Assessment tasks

  • Placement Participation
  • Participation Exercises
  • Research Essay

Changes from Previous Offering

The assessment regime and timing of assessments is the same as in previous offerings of the unit. The requirement of a week 2 meeting with the convenor has been removed

Changes since First Published

Date Description
28/11/2016 Amended Incorrect year dates for assessment due dates: