Legal Practice and Dispute Res Dispute Resolution Advocacy — 76052 Offered: Spring 2022
Assessment: A1 - Reflection of Negotiation Task Participation (20%) A2 - Seminar Presentation (50%) A3 - Client Advice on Dispute Resolution Process (30%)
Brief Overview: This subject deals with the jurisprudence of dispute resolution, and the theory, dynamics and essential characteristics of the major dispute resolution processes. This knowledge allows for the formulation of critical, creative, strategic and effective strategies for resolving a wide range of disputes. The subject focuses on the role of lawyers in dispute resolution processes; advising clients on, and preparing clients for, suitable dispute resolution processes; the institutionalising of dispute resolution processes; the nature of disputes and the theoretical, ethical and practical issues. A two-day intensive weekend workshop enables students to practice and develop their negotiation and mediation skills and understandings through simulated role-plays and exercises. This subject develops students’ oral and written communication skills through the use of participatory, student-led seminars and reflective practice. Please note: 70104 Civil Practice or 70517 Equity and Trusts is a prerequisite for this subject.
Disruptive Technologies And The Law — 76105 Offered: Autumn 2023
Assessment: A1 – Seminar attendance and presentations (20%) A2 – Research Essay (40%) A3 – Take Home Exam (40%)
Brief Overview: New technologies are constantly evolving the ways we interact with the world. Blockchain, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are just some disruptive technologies you will examine throughout this subject. This subject primarily focuses on how new technologies alter relationship dynamics which subsequently creates new ways for laws to be broken. It also focuses on how lawyers can use new forms of technology to further efficiency in their practice and how the rapid introduction of innovative technologies can outpace effective legal regulation which lags behind. The technological revolution is among us and the modern lawyer needs to be tech-savy and adaptable. This subject will equip you with the necessary technical and problem-solving skills required in the contemporary legal field. Please note: 70102 Foundations of Law is a prerequisite for this subject.
Strategic Litigation Clinic — 76095 Offered: Summer 2022/2023
Assessment: A1 – Seminar Participation(20%) A2 – Strategic Litigation Plan (60%) A3 – Reflective Log (20%)
Brief Overview: Eager to pursue social change through utilising the law? Strategic Litigation goes beyond using law to advocate for individual rights and remedies. This subject provides students with an opportunity to develop skills to work in strategic litigation generally, as well as apply knowledge in areas such as advancing indigenous justice. This subject provides students with knowledge and real world practical experience in strategic litigation for Indigenous clients and nations. Through working on strategic litigation cases derived from real world experience and developing strategic litigation plans, including in practice groups, students gain practice based, cross-cultural skills in legal advocacy for indigenous communities. Please note: 70104 Civil Practice is a prerequisite for this subject.
Student Contribution: Vincent Collins This subject is excellent for any students wanting a more hands-on elective. The elective mostly runs over the summer semester and was honestly one of my favourite electives. The content is relevant for any law students interested in a career in social justice or litigation more generally. I think it would suit varying levels from those who have recently commenced their degree to those coming toward the end of it. The assessments are largely focused on group work and participation in seminars. I really enjoyed the subject because it allowed students to develop their own real-life strategic litigation plan. Seeing this come to fruition and knowing that it may actually be carried out in the Australian legal system was a very worthwhile experience. I would advise students to pick this subject if they are passionate about social justice issues and if they enjoyed Administrative Law.
