Writing and Communication for Legal Professionals

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Abstract

This subject provides students with a foundation in legal research and professional legal communication skills in civil and criminal law in Australia. Students learn written and spoken communication skills including drafting legal documentation and the art of persuasion, argumentation and negotiation. Students are also introduced to legal research skills.

Syllabus

Introduction to communication skills within the legal professionNegotiation skillsLaw reportsStatutory interpretationDrafting, including rules of grammar, syntax and punctuationLegal adviceLegal researchPrecedentCitationAdvocacyTeam work processes and skills within the legal practiceDeveloping reflective professional practice

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to draft legal documentation encompassing the diverse documents required for legal practice;

be able to apply the rules of grammar, syntax and punctuation in the drafting of legal documentation;

be able to demonstrate oral presentation skills for professional practice, including advocacy and negotiation skills;

be able to demonstrate oral and written skills to communicate effectively with regional, rural, remote and culturally diverse clients;

be able to plan and apply effective strategies in legal research to locate legal precedents and interpret and justify findings;

be able to use legal citation conventions in legal writing;

be able to work in groups to solve problems, prepare written documents, and prepare and present their findings to diverse audiences;

be able to reflect critically on the student's own professional practice, including their communication skills, listening skills and professional communication style;

be able to demonstrate oral and written skills to communicate effectively with regional, rural and remote Indigenous people, and others with culturally diverse backgrounds; and

10.

be able to demonstrate an understanding of Aboriginal kinship structures and its impact on written and oral communication for legal professionals.

Assumed knowledge

Nil

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible

Learning activities

LAW116