This course provides students the opportunity to work in a host organisation which undertakes advocacy or research on aspects of policy and practice relating to an area of law. The program provides formal and informal training, as well as supervised legal practical experience, in planning and implementing key aspects of research, writing, legal assistance, advocacy and related activities. Students will be critically analysing the operation of the law, policy and the legal system as part of the course.
AT THE HOST ORGANISATION
Each successful applicant for participation in the program is allocated as an intern to a host organisation. Students will work under the supervision of a supervisor within the host organisation. Students are required to attend their host organisation for a minimum of 70 hours (10 days). The range of work tasks in which the intern is involved will be determined according to the work priorities of the organisation, whilst ensuring educational outcomes are maximised for interns. Generally, it is expected that an intern’s duties will consist of a combination of tasks, including research, project, advocacy, administrative, editing, writing, event coordination, preparing background materials, briefing papers, liaising with other organisations and doing relevant work of a substantive nature.
Students are able to apply to do their internship placements in Australia or overseas.
IN THE LAW SCHOOL
The internship placement at the host organisation is complemented with academic course work with a particular focus on reflective practice so as to maximise learning outcomes for students.
Course work includes modules that address a range of topics such as setting goals, ethics, reflective practice, professionalism, balance and resilience, networking and communication skills, and connecting the dots from internship to career. Throughout the course, opportunities for reflective practice are designed to promote discussion and reflection on a range of issues that may arise during the course of the internship, for example, legal, professional, ethical and personal issues as well as broader systemic issues. They may also address the application of skills, such as legal research, legal writing, advocacy and interviewing.
Students must complete all course requirements, including attendance at the internship placement as well as assessment tasks set out on the course Moodle page.
