LAW4803: Clinical Externship

Workload:
Sexual Assault Clinic: Night session at the legal service from 2-9pm one day a week plus a couple of hours file maintenance each week in addition.

Prescribed Prerequisites/Recommended Prerequisites:
Prescribed Prerequisites

LAW4328 or LAW4330.

Assessments:

 * 80% case work throughout the clinical period.
 * 20% essay on a topical area of your choosing.

Recorded Lectures:
N/A.

Past exams available:
N/A.

Textbook recommended?
No.

Comments:
Trimester 3, 2015

I found the unit (much like Professional Practice) to be one of the few experiences law school affords us to act like a real lawyer! You handle your own VOCAT files under solicitor supervision, learn how to follow an entire discrete area of law from start to finish and most importantly assist clients who really need and appreciate your help. The subject matter is not for the faint hearted but if you’re passionate about using the law to benefit victims of crime then you will find it all the more empowering.

In this unit you will learn to draft correspondence with Tribunal members, liaise with counsellors, medical professionals and police on behalf of your client and prepare legal documents for court proceedings. Importantly you will be a supportive figure for your clients in assisting them to obtain the best possible outcome from the VOCAT process.

My biggest tip would be to stay on top of every file and not let anything or any client lag simply because correspondence has halted. The more efficiently we are able to process these claims, the more clients we’re able to assist and the sooner our clients receive the benefit of their court hearings. Remember to stay legal-minded and detail-oriented throughout as this will increase the  success of your applications.

This unit can be difficult to take on with a full course load, particularly as it coincides with undergraduate exam periods so make sure you’ve got the time to really commit to the cause…and don’t leave the essay too late either!