The Community Law Clinical Program is a 6 unit elective course.

This is a clinical program based in a community legal practice environment. During the course students work for one full day a week at Canberra community Law where they provide legal information and undertake casework under the supervision of solicitors.

The course objectives are to: 

• contextualise the study of law and student learning in a wide range of other law courses;
• guide and support students in identifying, developing and applying ethical legal practice skills;
• develop students' critical understanding of legal practice approaches, the roles of lawyers in relation to individual clients and social justice issues; and
• encourage, promote and validate student aspirations to promote access to justice and equality before the law.

Course topics include:

• introduction to public interest law;
• professional responsibilities;
• legal practice skills - legal writing, interviewing, casework skills, advising;
• substantive law in relation to tenancy, Social Security and Disability Discrimination; and
• law Reform.

Students must apply to undertake this course. Please go to Law Professional Experience for application information.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe and critique how advanced knowledge and skills acquired through the study of law relate to a legal practice setting, assisting individual clients and working for social justice,
2. Reflect on their personal motivation for studying law, their goals and career aspirations,
3. Demonstrate a reflective and ethical approach, together with the ability to apply broad theoretical and professional knowledge, in performing paralegal tasks,
4. Demonstrate substantial improvement in their practical legal skills particularly relating to work routines, communication with a variety of audiences, interviewing, writing, and legal research principles and methods,
5. Describe and critique a range of legal practice approaches having regard to the legal needs of individual clients,
6. Analyse the predicament of individual clients having regard to the operation of the law and the legal system,
7. Describe and critically assess a range of strategies to improve justice / social justice outcomes,
8. Identify concrete and achievable ways in which they can promote access to justice and equality before the law,
9. Plan and execute a written research project, with some independence.

Research-Led Teaching

This course provides student with a unique opportunity to undertake research on an issue that will be of practical use and application to Canberra Community Law. Students are encouraged to select a research topic that will provide them with a deeper understanding of a legal issue that has arisen during their on-site learning. The course convenor, Radhika Chaudhri, has worked in the community legal sector, has an ongoing role as a community legal educator, and a continuing research interest in social justice and domestic violence.

Recommended Resources

Ross Hyams, Susan Campbell and Adrian Evans, Practical Legal Skills (4th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2014).

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties

Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations

Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration

Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties

Distribution of Grades Policy: Effective from Winter Session and Second Semester 2018 (and until further notice), the interim scaling guideline applies to all courses in the LLB (Hons) and JD programs. Please see: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading

Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for details on weekly classes and any announcements and updates relating to the course.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	ANU Week 1 / Clinical Week 1 Onsite Orientation - 9am - 4.30pm Monday and Tuesday (22 and 23 February)
2	ANU Week 2 / Clinical Week 2 Onsite Seminar - Thursday 4.30pm - 6pm
3	ANU Week 3 / Clinical Week 3 Onsite Seminar - Thursday 4.30pm - 6pm
4	ANU Week 4 / Clinical Week 4 Onsite Seminar - Thursday 4.30pm - 6pm
5	ANU Week 5 / Clinical Week 5 Onsite Tutorial - Research Project discussion Thursday 5pm - 6pm
6	ANU Week 6 / Clinical Week 6 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection and Case Studies - Thursday 5pm - 6pm	Feedback: Mid-semester interviews during onsite days with the ANU convenor and the onsite convenor
7	ANU Break / Clinical Week 7 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection and Case Studies - Thursday 5pm - 6pm
8	ANU Break / Clinical Week 8 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection and Case Studies - Thursday 5pm - 6pm
9	ANU Week 7 / Clinical Week 9 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection and Case Studies - Thursday 5pm - 6pm
10	ANU Week 8 / Clinical Week 10 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection and Case Studies - Thursday 5pm - 6pm
11	ANU Week 9 / Clinical Week 11 Onsite Tutorial - Reflection + Research Chat - Thursday 5pm - 6pm
12	ANU Week 10 / Clinical Week 12 Onsite Tutorial – Reflection + Course Overview -Thursday 4.30pm - 6pm Research paper presentations - Friday 9.30am-1pm	Research paper presentation
13	ANU Week 11 / Clinical Week 13 Onsite
14	ANU Week 12 / Clinical Week 14 Onsite Research papers due	Research papers due

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Onsite Attendance and Participation	50 %	28/05/2021	01/07/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Seminar and Tutorial Participation and Attendance	0 %	28/05/2021	01/07/2021	1,2,5,6,7,8
Presentation of Research Paper	10 %	14/05/2021	17/05/2021	7,8,9
Research Paper	40 %	24/05/2021	01/07/2021	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students must complete 1 onsite session per week between Clinical Week 2 and Week 14 in accordance with the schedule published on Wattle. Students rostered on a public holiday should arrange a substitute onsite session. Each onsite session runs from 9am-4pm on a weekday. At enrolment, students accepted a place to undertake onsite work on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. Students are expected to undertake their onsite day accordingly.

Assessment Task 1

Onsite Attendance and Participation

Details of Task: Students must complete 1 onsite session per week between Clinical Week 2 and Week 14 in accordance with the schedule published on Wattle. Each onsite session runs from 9am-4pm on a weekday. Interviews will be held between each student, the ANU convenor, and the onsite convenor, just prior to the mid semester break during onsite days. These mid semester interviews will provide students with an opportunity to receive interim feedback on their performance as against this assessment task.

Nature of Task: Compulsory. A student who attends less than 12 onsite sessions, without exemption based on special circumstances, will receive an NCN for the course. Where special circumstances apply, make-up days may be required.

Weighting: 50%

Release Date: Ongoing Assessment

Due Date: Ongoing Assessment

Estimated return date: At course completion via Wattle

Assessment Criteria: Onsite participation will be assessed using the Onsite Checklist. The mark will be based on overall assessment by the onsite Coordinator in consultation with the Course Convenor. The indicators of good practice are not weighted and will not be marked individually. Where a student has not had an opportunity to demonstrate a skill, that skill will not be part of the evaluation.

Onsite Checklist:

GENERAL

• initiative with designated tasks - including appropriate balance between the need for initiative against other limitations e.g. role & personal limitations
• adherence to onsite policy & procedures
• problem solving skills - analysis of options/actions required
• identifies potential risks and adopts appropriate risk management strategies
• reliability & integrity
• observed boundaries between the roles of students and Canberra Community Law (CCL) staff in assisting clients
• professional in dealings with a range of people, including CCL staff, fellow students, other practitioners, departmental officers
• commitment including attendance & punctuality
• teamwork and contribution to effective working environment
• cultural awareness/competency

CASEWORK

• approach to the matter – planning and strategy
• analysis of client issues and identification of relevant law/next steps where appropriate
• effective working relationship with clients – rapport, adherence to role and boundaries, sensitivity to client needs
• work planning & time management - completing work in a timely way and meeting deadlines
• research skills e.g. initiative, efficiency, thoroughness and problem solving
• legible file notes kept, clear, accurate and succinct write up of interview notes
• files maintained in compliance with the National Risk Management Guide e.g. all contacts recorded, accurate, detailed, legible file notes kept, file notes and correspondence secured in chronological order
• written communications (letters, faxes) - appreciating purpose, clarity, layout, plain English, grammar and tone
• verbal communications (clients / others) – appreciating purpose, appropriateness of language, clarity, negotiating skill
• appropriate use of precedent material
• legal submissions on substantive issues e.g. clarity, relevance, accuracy and persuasiveness

ANALYSIS AND REFLECTION

• critical reflection on legal practices adopted by CCL
• critical reflection on issues affecting CCL clients including power imbalances and structural inequalities
• identification and analysis of professional and ethical issues
• critical reflection on social justice issues identified from onsite work

Assessment Task 2

Seminar and Tutorial Participation and Attendance

Details of Task: Seminar and Tutorial Participation and Attendance. Students will be expected to attend the two day orientation seminar, and the seminars and tutorials held on Thursday afternoons (see the details under Class Structure and Content above) .

Nature of Task: Compulsory. Failure to attend and participate in the two-day orientation seminar, a minimum of 3 seminars and 3 tutorials and the research paper presentation seminar will result in an NCN for the course unless special circumstances exist. In addition, students will be expected to give a 10 minute reflective presentation at a tutorial on a case study that they have worked on during their onsite experience, followed by 10 minutes of questions. A roster for the tutorial presentations will be organised in Week 1.

Weighting: 0%

Release Date: Ongoing assessment

Due Date: Ongoing assessment

Estimated Return Date: At course completion via Wattle

Assessment Criteria: No assessment rubric will be used in relation to seminar participation. This component of the assessment will be a holistic assessment of student engagement and contribution, including the extent to which the student demonstrates genuine and critical reflection and engagement with seminar content and readings together with the extent to which the student contributes examples/insights from onsite experience and skills development. Useful indicators are:

General participation

• Questions asked, comments made during seminar presentations.
• Quality of explanation of the legal issues involved in a clients' matters
• Report on any non-legal issues involved eg issues of mental health, family situation etc
• Understanding of client’s situation, evidence of empathy and understanding.
• Connection between individual client experience and systemic problems or wider issues.
• Listening to other students, and constructively contributing to discussion.

Reflective presentation

• Demonstration of preparation for class 
• Demonstration of reflection upon content/material
• Understanding and application of relevant law and concepts 
• Effectiveness of verbal communication and delivery (volume, tone, precision, clarity) 
• Effectiveness of structure and clarity of oral presentation
• Effective use of visual aids in presentation (or effective decision not to use visual aids)

Assessment Task 3

Presentation of Research Paper

Details of Task: Presentation of Research Paper. Details of the Research Paper are set out below at Assessment Task 4. This presentation is an opportunity for students to present their research and receive feedback before finalising their papers.

Nature of Task: Compulsory. Non-completion of this task will result in a 0 for this assessment task.

Weighting: 10%

Release: Students may begin work in Week 1

Due Date: Between 9.30am and 1pm on Friday 14 May 2021. Due to the nature of the task, late presentations (without an extension) will not be accepted.

Time Limit: This will be a 10 minute presentation and facilitation of a 10 minute discussion. The 20 minute session will be recorded.

Estimated return date: At course completion via course WATTLE site.

Assessment Criteria: Feedback on the presentations will use the following criteria:

• Demonstration of preparation for class
• Demonstration of reflection upon content/material
• Understanding and application of relevant law, policy and concepts 
• Effectiveness of verbal communication and delivery (volume, tone, precision, clarity) 
• Questioning and critical approach to class content/material
• Effectiveness of structure and clarity of oral presentation
• Effectiveness of response/s to questions
• Effective use of visual aids in presentation (or effective decision not to use visual aids)

Assessment Task 4

Research Paper

Details of Task: Research Paper

Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to complete this task will result in a score of ‘0’ for this assessment item.

Weighting: 40%

Release: Students may begin working on their project from the first week.

Due Date: 5:00pm Monday, 24 May 2021 via Turnitin. Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, although late penalties will apply.

Word Limit: 2,500

Estimated return date: At course completion via Turnitin

Assessment Criteria: The research paper will require students to develop a research topic in consultation with the onsite coordinator and the ANU convenor and to conduct independent research. The topic and the research will investigate a theme, issue or policy that is related to the course. Essays must include a bibliography that is excluded form the word count. This item is assessed using the following criteria:

• Research of primary legal and scholarly secondary sources
• Understanding and discussion of relevant law
• Critical evaluation of material (including recognition of alternative perspectives)
• Creative and original approach
• Quality of practical recommendations or resources provided
• Relevance of the work to Canberra Community Law
• Effective use of words and word limit to address key issues
• Expression and written communication including use of legal terminology, spelling etc
• Structure including logical development of content/material
• Effective use of headings
• Referencing (eg bibliography) and compliance with AGLC

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students