UWA Handbook 2026

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is a capstone unit aimed at developing the practical skills and attributes needed to confidently and ethically commence work in the legal profession. Central to the unit is the theme of developing one's professional self. Students will explore the framework of laws, professional rules and institutions governing legal professional ethics in Western Australia, in the context of both litigation advocacy and commercial practice. This framework will be interwoven through the unit as students extend their legal drafting and research skills, developed in earlier study, and practice precedent management and application. Through a series of workshops and practical exercises, students will use critical thinking to create and articulate legal and ethical solutions for hypothetical clients, and will build on oral presentation, client communication and career management skills. Students will engage with contemporary challenges and changes to the practice of law, including the evolving role and use of technology. The unit incorporates consideration of the ethical and social justice overlay of professional practice and seeks to prepare students practically, personally and ethically for the professional workplace.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) ethically advise hypothetical clients as to the applicability of substantive law across a range of practice areas; (2) apply understanding of the ethical and regulatory framework underpinning law and legal practice to develop a coherent and plausible argument about the appropriate legal ethical conduct for an Australian lawyer in a given scenario, using relevant legislation, professional conduct rules and judicial decisions; (3) create customised, ethical and appropriate legal solutions for complex fact scenarios; (4) articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, in accordance with principles of correct and plain English drafting, and to a range of audiences, both verbally and in writing; and (5) engage ethically and professionally with hypothetical clients, colleagues and peers.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) assignments; and (3) test. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Rebecca Faugno

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
and LAWS4102 Criminal Law
and LAWS4103 Contract
and LAWS4104 Property Law
and LAWS4106 Torts
and LAWS4107 Land Law
and LAWS4110 Legal Interpretation
and LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts
and LAWS5104 Corporations Law and

LAWS5109 Ethical Dispute Resolution
or LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics

Advisable prior study

Successful completion of

LAWS5105 Remedies

Contact hours

Two week intensive workshop period, Monday 9 to Friday 20 February 2026 inclusive, from 9-4 on weekdays.

Note

This unit is taught face-to-face on campus via a blended model of workshops and tutorials, lead by academics and members of the profession. Workshops and tutorials are not recorded. In-person attendance is required during the intensive teaching period.

Texts

Selected readings and practical examples for student use will be made available . Students will also have access to electronic legal precedent systems using the Library's electronic collection.