Credit Points 10

Coordinator Jennifer Whelan Opens in new window

Description Access to Justice Clinic is an experiential learning program in which students work for 12 days a semester at the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic (WSUJC). Students work under the supervision of the Clinic Principal Lawyer and Clinical Director to gain practical lawyering experience while critically reflecting on the role of law and of lawyers in advancing social justice. This subject provides students with an invaluable opportunity to use and reflect on their study of law in an interactive, legal service environment working on advice, casework, policy or project work. The specific placement activities/ opportunities will align with clinic projects each semester and therefore cannot be advised in advance. Places are limited and enrolment is based on proximity to graduation.

School Law

Discipline Law, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 4 subject

Pre-requisite(s) LAWS 2015 AND
LAWS 2004 AND
LAWS 2013 AND
LAWS 2003

Equivalent Subjects LAWS 4001 - Clinical Legal Placement

Restrictions

Students must have successfully complete 160 credit points of Laws subjects before enrolling in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain experience of, and understand, law and the legal system in Australia via participation in a legal practice - working for clients who are usually financially or otherwise disadvantaged.
2. Develop a contextual understanding of the law and legal process by exposing you to real clients with legal problems.
3. Provide you with an opportunity to enhance the resources of the clinic.
4. Develop your awareness of the professionalism and role of lawyers practising in the legal system and provide an opportunity to examine your understanding of legal ethics and legal responsibility in a legal environment.
5. Enhance your written communication skills.

Subject Content

1. Observe and participate in various aspects of practice and solving real legal problems.
2. The practical application of law and ethics to facts
3. Social justice lawyering in practice (obtaining relevant information from clients/ making client records/ file notes/drafting advice/ Legal information sheets.
4. Domestic legal mechanisms for law reform
5. Social justice lawyering and the role of the lawyer: critical perspectives
6. Social justice lawyering and the role of the lawyer: lessons from the field

Special Requirements

Legislative pre-requisites

Students will need a working with children’s check if working with minors during their placement