Ethical Legal Practice and Client Care

Singapore University of Social Sciences

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 information, the preparation of documents and presentations