LW5122 - Introduction to the Student Law Office

This module will draw on the knowledge and understanding of legal subjects and legal methods you have encountered in previous levels. Through enquiry and problem-based learning methods you will undertake both collaborative and independent research into a legal issue. You will devise practical solutions to these problems and provide accurate legal advice, developing your legal and professional skills. The module will also prepare you to professionally engage in the real client environment of the Student Law Office through building your understanding of professional conduct and following office procedures and protocols to advance the best interests of the client and ensure compliance with professional duties and ethics.



To facilitate the acquisition of requisite expertise in legal practice, a simulated learning environment will be employed. This immersive approach will prepare you for real-world client engagements, showcasing your capacity for initiative, teamwork, and self-direction in navigating complex legal landscapes.

The University supports you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software. You will develop a working knowledge of professional legal databases and research sources.



This module is designed and will be managed by the Module Tutors who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning. Relevant materials and instructions will be accessible through the module eLP site, maintained by the Module Tutors.



Extensive use is made of the eLP to facilitate discussions between you and the Module Tutors, to provide materials, make announcements and to highlight recent developments and relevant research materials.



You may communicate with the Module Tutors and you are encouraged to make contact if you encounter any difficulties.



Academic support is available through formative feedback from tutors and on summative assignments.



At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme.



The Programme Administration and Student Liaison teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the module. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module with details about the assignment and other issues.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:

You should be able to demonstrate:



The ability to apply and interpret substantive and procedural law in the wider context of a hypothetical legal case.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Develop skills to:



Communicate orally or in writing ideas, information, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences and when required be able to respond to written or oral stimuli including questions and instructions.

To conduct self–directed research including accurate identification of issues which require researching, retrieval and evaluation of accurate, current and relevant information from a range of appropriate sources including primary sources. Be able to propose reasoned solutions supported by critical judgments to those solutions.

Recognise ambiguity and uncertainty in the law and identify potential conclusions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



Demonstrate awareness of ethical principles in legal practice.

Develop intellectual independence by being able to ask and answer cogent questions about law and legal systems, identify gaps in knowledge and acquire new knowledge.

Develop independent thinking skills and curiosity.

Formative assessment



Feedback (oral or in writing as appropriate):



Will be provided in Workshops on the formative tasks that are required for effective workshop participation.



You will also have the opportunity to receive feedback in Workshops and in the supervised time in studio/workshop sessions on an ongoing basis in relation to the tasks which form part of the final assessment and relating to reflective development.



Summative assessment



Your performance will be assessed with reference to a portfolio which you will submit at the end of the module.



This portfolio will contain key pieces of work you have prepared such as research reports and client letters. It will also contain written reflection(s) evidencing your learning and approach to the module.

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The award-winning Student Law Office is an in-house legal advice centre within the University, with state of the art facilities. This internationally respected teaching programme provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their legal skills within an authentic practice environment and includes work on real cases for the public under the supervision of practitioner members of staff, enabling you to develop key employability skills. In preparation for full live client work in the Student Law Office, this module offers the opportunity to undertake simulated case work and develop practical legal skills. To study in the live client Student Law Office you must have taken and passed this module.