LAW-30102 - 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

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

A practical introduction to skills that are essential for lawyers. The ability to interview effectively and then to present a legal argument formally on behalf of a client. Students will be given an introduction to client interviewing, civil mediation and advocacy.
This class is based on the concept of experiential learning (learning by doing), so is highly practical and interactive within a supportive environment.
This module is about you and how you develop your theoretical and practical understanding of these legal skills. You will be challenged and supported with multiple opportunities for formative feedback on your performance and reflections.

To enable students to develop a wide variety of skills relevant to professional legal practice in a law firm or barristers chambers through an experiential learning model;
To encourage recognition and development of communication skills and enhance their critical analysis capabilities whilst also developing both formal and informal presentation skills;
Introduce and develop skills of client interviewing, advocacy and mediation;
Introduce concepts of professional conduct rules which pervade legal practice and the professional obligations which are on every lawyer whether a barrister, solicitor or paralegal;
To enhance graduate employability through both a reflective approach to skills development but also future action planning personal and professional development.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the ability to conduct a client interview or mediation session by putting their client at ease, carefully questioning and (in interviewing only) providing preliminary legal advice: 1
Analyse the issues both practical and legal in a problem scenario and identify the best method of resolving the problem: 1
Demonstrate an understanding of how expertise in two of the three legal skills (interviewing, mediation and advocacy) may be developed using evidence in support, as appropriate: 1
Articulate the different methodologies affecting the efficacy of the performance in advocacy and/or client interviewing and/or mediation.: 1
Demonstrate a reflective approach to their own personal and professional development: 1
Utilising a variety of different tools, reflect on their own personal and professional development during the module with an emphasis on the legal skills developed: 1

Study hours

6 x pre recorded lectures with preparatory work
10 x 1 hour live online interactive lectures consolidating and preparing for the week ahead
8 x 2 hour practical class workshops where students will demonstrate the skills in a practical context.
118 self directed research, reflection on performances and preparation of practical classroom activities and final assessed portfolio.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment