LAWS6210 Law, Lawyers and Society Clinical legal education takes students out of the classroom and places them in a legal practice. This enables students to analyse the effect of law in practice, engenders in students an appreciation of the ethical, social and practical complexity of the legal system. Students are required to attend the Faculty s clinic, Kingsford Legal Centre, two full days a week. The clinic is a community legal centre which provides a free legal service to the local community.
Students manage clients files under the supervision of experienced solicitors.
Students take responsibility for the interviewing of clients and the research, drafting and preparation necessary to resolve legal difficulties by litigation or other means. In addition to two days attendance, students are asked to attend evening advice sessions during which they interview people attending for legal advice from the volunteer lawyers. A daily meeting and a weekly class provide an opportunity for discussion and analysis of students experiences, and for instruction in legal procedure and skills. There are regular opportunities to attend Court and Tribunals. Major areas of work in which students will be involved include domestice violence, discrimination, consumer credit, victims compensation, family law, employment law, wills and legal aid and criminal justice issues.