Credit Points 10

Coordinator Rebecca Dominguez 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), which is the university’s community legal service. Students work under the supervision of the Director / Principal Solicitor and Clinic lawyers / clinical supervisors to gain practical lawyering experience and develop crucial professional skills, 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 and / or project work. The specific placement activities and 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 fees 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 JUST 4001 - Clinical Legal Placement

Restrictions

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

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this subject, students will be able to: 

1. Develop an understanding of law, the Australian legal system, and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through direct experience in a legal practice serving disadvantaged clients.
2. Analyse the impact of the legal system on individuals and communities through direct engagement with client cases.
3. Create evidence-based legal information resources to support the activities and research impact of the Justice Clinic and its community partners.
4. Examine the role of lawyers in practice, including professional self-regulation, legal ethics and legal responsibility.  
5. Demonstrate professional communication skills in relation to work performed for the Justice Clinic.

Subject Content

1. Observe and participate in various aspects of legal practice, legal research, and solving real legal problems.
2. The practical application of law and ethics to facts
3. Critical analysis of the operation of the law, policy and the legal system, including the operation of the law in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
4. Domestic legal mechanisms for law reform
5. Professional communication and interpersonal skills
6. Social justice lawyering in practice, including reflective and client-centred legal practice.
7. Social justice lawyering and the role of the lawyer: critical perspectives
8. 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