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LAW4803 Clinical Externship
Supreme Court of Victoria Externship
Synopsis
Students participating in this clinic will work with judges of the Supreme Court of Victoria,
faculty members and other judicial staff in Judge’s Chambers at the Supreme Court of
Victoria.
Students will attend the Supreme Court of Victoria for one full day each week over a 12
week period.
This opportunity is offered first and second semesters only – it is not available over summer
semesters.
Prerequisites
For students who commenced their LLB (Hons) course in 2015 or
later:
LAW1111; LAW1114; LAW1112; LAW1113; LAW2101; LAW2102;
LAW2112; LAW2111
For students who commenced their LLB course prior to 2015:
LAW1100 OR LAW1101 and LAW1102 orLAW1104; LAW2100
OR LAW2101 and LAW2102; LAW2200
OR LAW2201 and LAW2202; LAW3300
orLAW3301 and LAW3302.
In addition, preference for a placement in this clinic will be
given to students who have completed LAW4328, LAW4330,
LAW5216 or LAW5218.
Selection
Places in this unit are intended to provide a route for high-performing law students who have
completed Professional Practice from prior clinical periods and for other appropriate
students. Places are very limited and entry will involve an interview with a staff member from
the Faculty and the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Students will be initially selected for interview on the basis of the completion of an
application form. The Supreme Court is specifically looking for students •
•
•
with interpersonal skills;
who demonstrate self-motivation and independence;
with the ability to produce materials (including advice for a judge, when requested, on
a point of law) that is very specific and precise and that includes a very clear
recommendation or conclusion.
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In addition to the above requirements, a determination is made on whether students are
accepted for interview on the following basis:
a) Whether all the other prerequisites have been completed.
b) How close the student is to completing their degree. Preference is given to
students in the final year of their degree.
c) How many hours of paid or volunteer external work the student is doing. If a
student is doing more than 20 hours per week of external work, then normally they
would not be accepted into the unit. Students may be contacted to discuss this
further regarding flexibility.
d) The number of other units being taken with Clinical Externship. If the student is
doing more than three other units as well as Clinical Externship, normally they would
not be accepted into the unit.
Overview
This externship program will include the following activities:
a) Assisting judges and other judicial staff in Judges’ Chambers at the Supreme Court
of Victoria with
I.
drafting speeches
II.
preparing case summaries; and
III.
legal research;
b) Assist Judges’ Associates in other legal and administrative duties in Chambers and
Court.
The Workload
Attendance is required at one full day session per week at the Supreme Court of Victoria,
210 William Street in Melbourne on specific day to be agreed for the duration of the
semester.
In addition to weekly attendance, students will be required to spend up to 9 hours per week
in research, case preparation and consultation with their supervisor.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task
Value
Due Date
1. Oral Presentation
60%
Between 19-23
October 2015 as
advised.
2. Research paper
(1000-1500 words)
20%
23 October 2015
3. Performance of
Responsibilities during
Externship
20%
23 October 2015
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