Client Advocacy and Communication Skills (7570.5)

The unit will introduce students to some of the advanced formal communication skills required as a lawyer, particularly those required for advocacy. Module s will be selected from the following: - Client interview skills; - Mooting (appeals) including written submissions; - Basic trial advocacy - Pleas; and Tribunal appearances. This unit is co-taught with unit Client Advocacy and Communication Skills PG.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Have an enhanced capacity for the formal oral and written communication skills of the practicing lawyer and a deeper understanding of aspects of substantive law and procedure.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

In order to get the most out of the unit, students will need to do a significant amount of preparation prior to the first day of the program. It is essential that prior to attending:

1. Students are familiar with the case materials in the mock-trial of Rex Bronson. Although students will not be assigned roles as prosecution or defence lawyers until classes begin, early consideration of the facts, the law and the relevant issues will greatly enhance engagement with the unit.
2. Students have researched the elements of the offences that Rex Bronson is charged with  and any possible defences that may be available to him.
3. Students have read the text and considered how it will assist them to prepare the case. Familiarity with the many insights contained within the text will ensure that students are well placed to keep up with unit content and assessment requirements. Students will return to the text to assist with each stage of preparation, but familiarity will make all the difference.

Prerequisites

Entry to the LLB program and the successful completion of at least 48 credit points from the discipline of Law.

Assumed knowledge

Familiarity with the legal system, particularly the Australian system; basic legal research skills, understanding of judicial precedent and statutory interpretation.