Professional Skills

What is this subject about?

This subject is about developing your non-legal professional skills, which are fundamental to effectively practising as a lawyer. World class lawyers are often judged to be the best, not simply because of their extensive technical legal expertise, but because of their:

• excellent verbal and written communication skills
• exceptional time management skills
• drafting or negotiation skills, and
• ability to effectively identify and resolve client problems

Skills development is a continual process, as even the most experienced lawyers will have areas of improvement or new skills to acquire. For example, a highly prized skill for entry level lawyers is time management, as employers often highly regard the ability to work efficiently, and manage files in ways that minimise risks for the employer.

What will I learn and what skills will I have the opportunity to practise?

In this subject, you will have an opportunity to learn strategies and techniques that will assist you to enhance and develop your professional skills.

You will be able to practise:

• communicating effectively
• interviewing clients
• writing and drafting
• negotiating and dispute resolution
• representing clients in a simulated court room environment
• problem solving, and
• managing risks for clients

At the end of this subject you will be able to demonstrate competence in:

How will I be assessed?

To demonstrate your competence in the subject you are required to:

• participate in activities and complete all non-assessable coursework to a satisfactory standard, and
• complete the required work in other subjects where you will have the opportunity to practise the skills to a satisfactory standard

The assessment of each unit in this subject will be on a satisfactory or non-satisfactory basis.