LAW-20060 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

LAW-10039 (Legal Essentials)

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module gives an insight into the practice of civil litigation and the operation of the Civil Procedure Rules. It will enable you to draft basic documentation in civil proceedings and advise on costs and alternative methods of dispute resolution. You will acquire a foundational level of understanding of key stages in civil claims and defences to equip you to understand how this practice operates in a law firm as either a paralegal, solicitor or member of CILEx. If you are an aspiring barrister, you may find the module provides an insight into litigation before you pursue further study at postgraduate level. We develop skills in client interviewing, negotiation, drafting and advocacy throughout the module. Additionally, by undertaking this module, you will be eligible to apply for the Small Claims Legal Advice Clinic in your final year.

To provide a practical understanding of the legal process and documentation involved in the litigation process. To provide an insight into alternative methods of dispute resolution. This will incorporate various legal skills and professional conduct which are essential for work in this area at a junior level in a law firm. Students have indicated this is an area of interest to them, as have employers.
Students who undertake this type of practice based activity are generally considered to develop their analytical skills by the application of the law and attain higher grades as a result of experiencing an alternative way of analysing the law.
It is also an area specifically identified as part of the reform of the route to qualification as a solicitor. The Solicitors Regulation Authority has made it clear an understanding of this area is essential for those aspiring to become solicitors.
Additionally, completing this Level 5 module will unlock for students the potential of further (experiential) learning within the Small Claims Legal Advice Clinic during Level 6.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Give examples of alternative methods of dispute resolution; their advantages and disadvantages: 1,2
Critically analyse both claim and defence: 1,2
Evaluate the process by which a claim and a defence are progressed and advise on the tactical considerations throughout: 1,2
Give examples of the evidence required to progress a claim successfully: 1,2
Advise on costs implications at commencement and during a claim and or defence of a claim either in writing or orally: 1,2
Identify and evaluate the professional conduct issues which may arise and act appropriately to maintain professional conduct standards: 1,2

Study hours

Introductory lecture: 1 x 2 hours = 2 hours
Synchronous delivery of targeted online classes in Learning Units: 9 x 1 hour = 9 hours
Asynchronous anticipated and ad hoc podcasts to respond flexibly to student needs: 1 x 1 hour = 1 hour
Self study time will be spent on working through the learning units to prepare for the workshops. This will involve (re)listening to asynchronous lectures and podcasts, directed reading of textbook chapters, directed reading of procedural provisions, considering client&"39;s instructions and preparing notes for the workshops. This will be required for each workshop. 9 x 5 hours = 45 hours
Workshops: 9 x 2 hours = 18 hours
Revision Lecture: 1 x 2 hours = 2 hours
Independent study including preparing and completing assessments = 73 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment