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Global Lawyer (LAWS50071)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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This subject examines the various roles played by lawyers within the international legal order, including as advisers, advocates, negotiators, settlers of disputes, and drafters of legislation, contracts and treaties. Within the integrated theoretical frameworks of legal ethics, professional regulation, comparative law, and public and private international law, students will explore the complex functions and responsibilities of ‘international lawyers’, meaning those operating in the following international contexts:
- private lawyers acting in cross-border contractual negotiations, cross-border transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, or cross-border disputes involving individuals or firms;
- private lawyers practising domestic law in foreign jurisdictions;
- lawyers in internationally focused non-governmental organisations and think tanks;
- government lawyers addressing international issues; and
- lawyers within the Secretariat of an international organisation.
The class will have the opportunity to hear from and interact with expert interlocutors on-site at a diverse range of governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental and commercial entities, taking into account recent developments.
Intended learning outcomes
A candidate who has successfully completed this subject will:
- have an expert understanding of their future opportunities and obligations as a lawyer in a globalised world;
- have a specialist understanding of the integrated relationship between domestic and international laws, and the interaction between the laws of different countries, in the context of acting as a lawyer in an international environment;
- be able to clearly explain, reflect on and critique the various accountability mechanisms that govern the practice of law in an international context; and
- have advanced knowledge of key contextual factors influencing international lawyers from the perspectives of law, policy, politics, diplomacy, and management.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject will have developed the following skills:
- advanced written communication skills: essay-writing, writing short reports and announcements, writing professional emails to institutions and individuals, writing an extended piece of legal research;
- advanced oral communication skills: discussions, debates, question and answer sessions, introducing and thanking guest presenters;
- cognitive skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills;
- professionalism: engaging in a thoughtful and professional manner with individuals and organisations in a range of international contexts;
- specialised capacities in information seeking and evaluation;
- writing and working in small groups;
- working with and in different institutional and national cultures; and
- complex and specialised legal research.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Only approved applicants can enrol into this subject.
Successful completion of the below subjects:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50028 | Constitutional Law | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50029 | Contracts | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50023 | Legal Method and Reasoning |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
April (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS50026 | Obligations |
May (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS50024 | Principles of Public Law |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
June (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS50025 | Torts |
November (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
And one of:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50027 | Dispute Resolution | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
LAWS90140 | Disputes and Ethics | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
100% class attendance Hurdle requirement | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Short written report on assigned topic (see below)
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Class participation (see below) | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Research paper
| End of the assessment period | 70% |
Additional details
The due dates of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the LMS Community.
Short Written Topic
Students may be required to work on this assignment individually or in small groups. Topics assigned will be diverse and may address such matters as themes arising in the course, organisations visited or studied, and/or relevant aspects of law.
Class Participation
Class participation includes:
- professional comportment throughout the course;
- active participation in seminars;
- leading discussions and questions on particular topics;
- researching, introducing and thanking interlocutors; and
- assisting with logistical and administrative matters.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Additional delivery details
This subject has an enrolment quota of 25 students.
This subject is an application-based enrichment subject. More information about the application process can be found on the JD LMS Community.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Required readings will be provided electronically via the LMS subject page.
- Subject notes
Students will need to cover the cost of their flights to and from the United States and travel costs, meals and accommodation within the United States.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Juris Doctor
Last updated: 3 November 2022