Professional Practice module (LW51138)

Gain experience of three key areas required to become a successful solicitor:

• Accounts Rules of the Law Society of Scotland
• Development of client interviewing skills
• Basic accounting principles

You will work with actors in client interview mock scenarios to gain and develop client interview skills. Effective client communication is a central part of building a successful legal practice.

The legal ethics dimension of this module covers areas commonly encountered in legal practice. You will learn about confidentiality, conflict of interest, the complaints handling structure, and the importance of risk management. Equality, diversity and inclusion, and the future of the legal profession will also be explored.

The accounting element will promote an understanding of the Law Society account rules, basic accounting principles, and an awareness of the applicable requirements under the current money laundering legislation.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• understand the ethical principles governing the conduct of lawyers in Scotland
• develop your skills to undertake a client interview
• gain a basic understanding of accounting procedures

By the end of the module you will be able to:

• understand the Code of Conduct of the Law Society of Scotland and its application
• discuss the importance of client care in a modern law practice
• conduct an effective initial client interview
• deliver a basic set of accounts and share your knowledge of the principles governing accounting

Assignments / assessment

• One oral presentation (20%)
• Two pieces of written coursework assessments and one MCQ test re the accounting element each of equal weighting (35%)
• Simulated Client interview (20%)
• Reflective Online Blog (15%)
• Professional Attributes (10%)

Teaching methods / timetable

This module will be delivered by a combination of lectures and tutorials. Lectures will be used to present information and structure learning, with some interaction. Tutorials will allow small group work and student led discussion. The focus is on learning through doing.