Course Code: LAW401
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Synopsis

LAW401 Ethical Legal Practice and Client Care introduces the student to the ethical principles that govern Advocates and Solicitors in their day-to-day work. This covers the lawyer’s responsibility to the Court, to their client and to the profession. The course will also look at the professional etiquette and the lawyer/client relationship.
Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

  • Introduction to Ethics for Lawyers
  • Overview of Position of Advocate & Solicitor in the Administration of Justice
  • Responsibility to the Court
  • Due Process
  • Criminal Proceedings
  • Specific Responsibilities to the Court beyond the Ordinary Scope of Practice
  • Overview of Lawyer-Client Relationship
  • Accepting Instructions or Brief
  • Honesty, competence/diligence and Confidentiality, Conflict of Interests
  • The Lawyer and the Public and Principles Governing Relationship between Lawyers
  • Basic Principles Governing Management and Operation of the Law Practice
  • Publicity, Work Procuration and Occupations

Learning Outcome

  • Distinguish the various sources of the relevant law, how it is made and developed; of the institutions within which that law is administered and the personnel who practise law
  • Examine legal concepts, values, principles and procedures of Singapore law and explain the relationship between them in a number of subject areas, as well as to apply them
  • Analyse fact patterns to identify relevant issues of law, fact and procedure
  • Categorise the issues identified into the relevant rules of substantive law, procedure or evidence
  • Assess and apply the relevant laws and principles to come to a conclusion on the issues
  • Formulate an opinion, provide a solution and advise based on the conclusions
  • Plan and discuss critically, competing arguments in literature or in a group situation and make a reasoned choice between alternatives
  • Prepare and examine ideas, concepts and arguments in the English language and legal terminology with care and accuracy
  • Demonstrate the use of information technology in an office environment for the search for information, the preparation of documents and presentations
Part-time Programmes