Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2024 (06/01/2025 - 01/02/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This clinical legal education course provides students with the opportunity to engage in supervised legal practice. A range of clinics will be available each semester.
LAWS5180 is a clinical legal education course involving participation inﾠone of the following clinics.
(Please note:ﾠNot all clinics are offered every semester.ﾠFor full details or contact probono@law.uq.edu.au for further information.)
- Townsville Community Law:ﾠhttps://townsvillecommunity.law/
- Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service:ﾠhttps://wbbcls.com.au/
- SunCoast Community Legal Service:ﾠhttps://suncoastcommunitylegal.org/
- TASC Legal and Social Justice Services: https://www.tascnational.org.au/
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is a semester-long, work-integrated (clinical) legal placement. Students should bring to this course an interest in access to justice, and a commitment to learning from their supervisors and peers.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Permission from Head of School
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
LAWS2115 or 3701
Restrictions
LLB(Hons)and LLB(Hons) dual programs.
Quota: Maximum of 8 enrolments for summer semester.
Quota: Maximum of 26 enrolments for semesters 1 and 2.
Course contact
Timetable
Additional timetable information
There is no timetable for this course.ﾠ Students will be advised of clinic times at the orientation session for the course.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
- To develop and implement a social justice framework to legal practice.
- To gain legal practice experience in a public interest setting.
- To develop skills associated with:
- client work;
- legal drafting; and
- law reform.ﾠ
ﾠﾠ 4. To reflect upon and evaluate your own learning and performance in a workplace context.
This course is a pass/fail course. You will not receive a final grade for this course.
To pass this course, you must:
- Attend every clinic session during the semester. If you become unwell, or otherwise need to be excused from a session on compassionate grounds, you must (1) obtain written approval from your clinic supervisor (2) negotiate with your clinic supervisor to make up the time.
- Receive a pass grade from your clinic supervisor for your clinical work.
- Submit and receive a pass grade for your reflective exercises.
- Attend the induction session at UQ in week 1.
- Attend the de-brief session at UQ in week 13.ﾠ
- Submit either a written (150 words) or video (1-2 minutes) testimonial to the UQ Pro Bono Centre by the end of the exam period outlining (1) what you learned from your clinical experience and (2) whether you would recommend clinic to other studen
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate broad knowledge of the relevant areas of law.
LO2.
Effectively interview clients and take instructions.
LO3.
Practise in an ethical manner with due sensitivity to clients' individual circumstances.
LO4.
Provide written legal advice, i.e. research, analyse and write about legal issues relevant to clients in the appropriate format.
LO5.
Manage client files consistent with organisational practices.
LO6.
Undertake effective self-reflection on the practice of law.
LO7.
Research the law relevant to the client's situation.
LO8.
Write letters and work with lawyers to respond to the client’s legal and non-legal (where possible/appropriate) problems.
LO9.
Successfully use a variety of communication technologies to effectively interview clients, including telephone and video link-up.
LO10.
Demonstrate knowledge of the multiple needs of clients across a range of disciplines where relevant (e.g. social work, medicine, psychology, finance).
LO11.
Effectively communicate legal concepts to professionals and students of other disciplines and share knowledge to work towards a common outcome.
LO12.
Understand the concept of cultural competence and identify situations when legal practice is culturally unsafe for Indigenous peoples.
LO13.
Where relevant, work under the direction of an Indigenous lawyer.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Clinical days AND induction and debrief sessions
|
Mandatory |
10 clinical days, 3 days remote follow-up work, induction & debrief |
| Reflection |
Learning Plan & Cultural Competency Modules
|
Mandatory |
Before day 1 of clinic |
| Reflection |
Initial Reflective Journal
|
Mandatory |
End of day 5 of clinic |
| Reflection |
Final Reflection and testimonial
|
Mandatory |
One week after completion of clinic |
Assessment details
Clinical days AND induction and debrief sessions
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- Mandatory
- Due date
10 clinical days, 3 days remote follow-up work, induction & debrief
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13
Task description
Attendance is an inherent requirement of this course. Students are expected to attend all clinical sessions and any induction and debriefing workshops / sessions required by supervising organisations. Students are informed of the dates and times of their particular clinic by clinical supervisors.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Learning Plan & Cultural Competency Modules
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- Mandatory
- Due date
Before day 1 of clinic
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L06, L12
Task description
Prior to the first day of clinic, students must:
1. Submit a personalised learning plan using a template document supplied by the Course Coordinator (details supplied on Blackboard subject site). The learning plan asks students to:
a) Answer some questions about their study of law; b) Undertake a short analysis of their personal strengths and challenges that they consider they bring to the course; c) Articulate their personal learning goals for the course.
The purpose of this assessment is for students, their clinical supervisor and the Course Coordinator to obtain a shared understanding of students' goals for the course.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
2. Complete the cultural competency modules - You can access the courses via Learn.UQ. Log into NOT FOR STAFF OR HDR - UQ Workplace Inductions and Training and then select Core Cultural Training. If you have any problems, please contact us at probono@law.uq.edu.au.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically by email to probono@law.uq.edu.au
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
To be negotiated / determined.
Initial Reflective Journal
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- Mandatory
- Due date
End of day 5 of clinic
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L06, L10, L12
Task description
Students are required to write two reflections on their clinic experience: one mid-clinic, and one at end of the clinic.
For the first reflective journal, students must write 500 words reflecting on their assumptions about clinical placement. This could be done by reflecting on one or more discrete experiences whilst on placement; reflecting on the nature of the client group or legal problems they are dealing with etc.
The purpose of the reflection is professional and personal development. It is not an academic task, as much as an opporunity to consolidate your experiences and your learning, and to think about what this means for you as an emerging practitioner.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically by email to probono@law.uq.edu.au
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
To be negotiated / determined.
Final Reflection and testimonial
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- Mandatory
- Due date
One week after completion of clinic
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L06, L10, L12
Task description
For the final reflective journal, students must engage in a similar exercise to the initial reflection, but must write 800 words reflecting on the entirety of their clinical experience. In this reflection, students should take the time to also specifically reflect on how they have integrated the theory and skills they have learnt during their formal university studies with the practice they are engaging in whilst on placement. Students may also consider reflecting on the practice of law for vulnerable groups in society.
For the testimonial, students must submit either a written (150 words) or video (1-2 minutes) testimonial outlining:
(1) what you learned from your clinical experience; and
(2) whether you would recommend clinic to other students, and why/why not.
This can be done either as an individual or as a group.
Our intention is to publish these testimonials to provide information to students who may be considering taking LAWS5180. If you submit a written testimonial, we will de-identify it before publication. If we would like to publish your video, we will seek your permission first.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy .
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
To be negotiated / determined.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Pass/Fails | Description |
|---|---|
| P |
Course grade description: Clinical supervisors vary in the exact manner in which they assess students' clinical work. However, each clinical supervisor will explain their expectations to students at the organisation's induction session. Please note that the final determination as to whether a student passes or fails the subject is made by the clinical supervisor in collaboration with the Course Coordinator. If a clinical supervisor has concerns regarding a student's performance or progress, the clinical supervisorﾠwill inform the Course Coordinatorﾠimmediately so that steps can be taken to support the student in their clinical placement. Having said this, certain standards must be met in students' written and oral communication and research work for a student to pass. - Students must: demonstrate satisfactory performance in both clinical and research/writing work; demonstrateﾠ development over the semester of relevant legal skills; attend all clinic sessions, and the induction and debrief sessions, unless they have a reasonable excuse (such as illness); demonstrate good communication skills, treat clients with dignity and respect, and treat their supervisors and colleagues with due deference. |
| F |
Course grade description: - Students will fail this course if they: fail to attend any clinic sessions, or the induction or debrief sessions,ﾠwithout reasonable excuse; fail to demonstrate any development of relevant legal skills over the course of the semester; treat any client, supervisor or colleague with contempt, disrespect or discourtesy; fail to complete work set by the clinical supervisor without reasonable excuse. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is exempted for this course
Additional assessment information
PLEASE NOTE: Although the methods of assessment, and the activities engaged in at each clinic, vary, the workload is very similar across all the clinics. All students enrolled in the program work for one full working day per semester week. Students are not expected to undertake work outside of this time (although they may choose to do so under some circumstances). Further, the relative importance of each assessable activity varies between the clinics. For example, the CLAC is very much a casework clinic - students see many clients and do not engage in formal law reform/policy research tasks. On the other hand, students at the PIRC complete no casework but undertake a large and significant research project. The other clinics are varying combinations of casework and policy/research and law reform. While students undertake different assessable tasks of varying importance across the clinics, in practice, the workload is the same in terms of time commitment.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Lecture |
Induction session - compulsory Individual interview with PBC staff member. Time to be advised. Learning outcomes: L06, L12 |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Townsville Community Law Townsville Community Law has provided free, accessible and holistic legal services to residents of Townsville and surrounding communities for over twenty-five years. They provide targeted assistance in priority areas of law for vulnerable and disadvantaged clients in Townsville and surrounding regions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service Wide Bay Burnett Community Legal Service is a generalist community legal service, managed by the HBNC, which aims to address disadvantage across the Fraser Coast, Gympie, Bundaberg and North Burnett regions through the provision of free, quality legal advice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
TASC Legal and Social Justice Services The Advocacy and Support Centre (TASC) provides free legal services and advocacy support to people in Toowoomba, Ipswich, Roma, Rural South West Queensland, Southern Downs, Stanthorpe, Darling Downs, West Moreton, Goondiwindi, and Greater South West Queensland. This placement will be based at their Toowoomba office located on the country of the Giabal and Jarowair people. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Not scheduled |
Practical |
SunCoast Community Legal Suncoast Community Legal Services Inc is an independent, non profit community organisation providing legal advice, referrals and education to those who are disadvantaged living on the Sunshine Coast. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10, L11, L12, L13 |
Not scheduled |
Lecture |
Final de-brief (compulsory session) Individual interview with PBC staff member. Time to be advised. Learning outcomes: L06, L12 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: