Singapore University of Social Sciences

Ethical Legal Practice and Client Care

Ethical Legal Practice and Client Care (LAW401)

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 July

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 practice 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.
  • Categorize 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
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