Module: LAW5010-20 The Professional Lawyer - Part 2

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Mark Coombs

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.coombs@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module:

This module, complemented by a ‘Part 1’ module in your first year, has three elements:

• Integration of your knowledge, understanding and skills at a programme (cf. module) level;

• Study to ‘professionalise’ you in terms of your understanding of how law as a business works – critical to maximise your readiness for practice;

• Personal and professional development, significantly developing your efforts in preparation for post-university life.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following graduate attributes:

• Will be employable: Equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in and lead teams;

• Will be creative: Able to innovate and to solve problems by working across disciplines as professional or artistic practitioners;

• Will be internationally networked: Either by studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas;

• Will be critical thinkers: Able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

2.Outline syllabus:

There will be three themes as noted above. Topics covered might include:

Synoptic programme-focussed assessment: During this element, you will consider the level-5 programme-level skills and knowledge, and cognitive and intellectual, Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) which you can find in the programme’s Definitive Programme Document. This integrative task helps you consolidate your learning, demonstrates your development at a course (cf. module) level, deepens your critical understanding of law and provides an ideal, timely opportunity for reflection in practice as a developing professional;

Law as a business: Legal practice; the value of time; billing and WIP; funding of legal services, including public funding schemes; business cases; client care; the ‘lifecycle’ of a client instruction; communications for professionals, including confidentiality; working with and managing others; regulation, insurance and risk; working with data and GDPR, including file management; practice management software; innovation and entrepreneurship;

Personal and professional development: How to be a reflective practitioner; self-assessment 2; developing your professional identity; advanced and international networking; experiential learning; routes from the law: Plan B (C, D and E) – what are your alternatives? Career mapping 2; working with and within ethical and professional frameworks, including conflicts of interest; placements, work experience and other opportunities.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

You will be taught by way of 1x 1-hour lecture and 1x 2-hour seminar each week. Lectures will introduce and explore substantive subjects as specified above. Seminars will include a variety of activities including class discussion, scenario analyses, role-play, written and research exercises and other formative activities.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: ‘Law as a business’ multiple-choice exam (1½ hour)

• % Weighting: 25

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Integrated synoptic portfolio (3,750 words)

• % Weighting: 75