Skip to main content

Unit information: Clinical Legal Studies in 2020/21

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Clinical Legal Studies
Unit code LAWD30005
Credit points 20
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Mr. John Peake
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

Membership of the Law Clinic or Human Rights Clinic; membership of the Law Clinic is guaranteed for those students taking this Unit

School/department University of Bristol Law School
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

To provide students with practical legal skills applicable to practising law in the relevant thematic fields, to include: ethics, ADR, court structure and lawyering, legal aid, access, submission of pleadings, costs, enforcement and conducting interviews. - To provide students with real-life experience of drafting legal briefs, commenting on draft or existing legislation or legal documents at the national and international levels, as appropriate. - To enable students to select a particular thematic area on which they will critically reflect. The objectives of the unit will be to provide students with an understanding of the application of law in practice; an appreciation of the concept of professionalism and ethics necessary for a legal career; an ability to bridge the gap between the academic study of law and the practical application of law.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit a successful student will be able to:
• Understand the application of law in practice and demonstrate an ability effectively to communicate with clients, lawyers and non- lawyers
• Appreciate and apply alternative methods of dispute resolution
• Demonstrate an awareness of the advocacy techniques which are appropriate for national tribunals and courts and some international tribunals and courts
• Apply a range of practical skills and knowledge base necessary to provide advice and advocacy in the chosen field
• Appreciate the concept of professionalism and ethics in line with appropriate standards
• Demonstrate an ability to bridge the gap between the academic study of law and the practical application of law

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a variety of asynchronous and synchronous activities

Assessment Information

1 x summative assessment: coursework with a specified word count (100%)

The assessment will assess all of the intended learning outcomes for this unit.

Reading and References

  • A Practical Approach to Civil Procedure – Stuart Sime 21st edition (OUP)
  • A Student Guide to Clinical Legal Education and Pro Bono – Kerrigan/Murray (Palgrave Macmilllan)
  • A Practical Approach to Alternative Dispute Resolution – Blake Browne & Sime (OUP)
  • Legal Ethics – Jonathan Herring (OUP) 2017

Feedback