General Information
Legal Profession is a compulsory subject in the Juris Doctor program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject focuses on the regulation of the legal profession and the scope of lawyers’ professional responsibilities, including operation of trust accounts. Emphasis is placed on the demonstration of legal ethics and professionalism skills.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS75-326 Subject title: Legal Profession Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Forum
- Tutorial: x11 (Total hours: 11) - Tutorial
- Self-Directed Activity: x1 (Total hours: 1) - Integrated Skills and Professionalism Development
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended Study Hours
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance and participation in tutorials is required; students will participate in presentations on various topics pertaining to Legal Ethics in tutorials. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Legal Profession Act 2007 (Queensland), current. n/a,
- Legal Profession Regulation 2017 (Queensland), current. n/a,
- Bar Association of Queensland Barristers Conduct Rules, current. n/a,
- Queensland Law Society Ethics Centre Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules, current. n/a,
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS75-326 |
| Subject title: | Legal Profession |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance and participation in tutorials is required; students will participate in presentations on various topics pertaining to Legal Ethics in tutorials. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
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|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of the following topics: structure and regulation of the legal profession; ethical principles, norms and values; duties owed to client, community and profession; trust accounting basics; duties to the law, courts and in the administration of justice; and self-management and wellness in legal practice.
- Demonstrate competency in exercising the following skill at an advanced level, with creativity, initiative and autonomy: legal ethics and professionalism.
- Adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, including a commitment to: learning and working autonomously, accountably and reflectively; behaving ethically and responsibly; and managing time effectively and meeting deadlines.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open) Final Assessment 50.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3 Exercise Reflect critically on aspects of Legal Ethics 30.00% Week 9 1,2,3 Activity May include - Preparation and Participation in tutorials; Quizzes; Discussion Board; 20.00% Weekly 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Limited Open) | Final Assessment | 50.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3 |
| Exercise | Reflect critically on aspects of Legal Ethics | 30.00% | Week 9 | 1,2,3 |
| Activity | May include - Preparation and Participation in tutorials; Quizzes; Discussion Board; | 20.00% | Weekly | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
This subject contains content that some students may find distressing, disturbing or culturally challenging. Students with concerns about the content of any subject are encouraged to discuss this with their teacher and consider how best to prepare themselves to study challenging material in a way that is appropriate for them. | Students may be asked to respond to questions from the subject coordinator regarding the content of their assessments. Students are expected to keep evidence of drafting and research.
Subject curriculum
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Structure and regulation of the legal profession in Queensland and Australia
Rationale: Why do we study Legal Ethics? Lawyers, Regulation and Reform; Binding nature of legal profession rules; Reforms In Legal Profession Act 2007; Structure of Law in Queensland; Fitness for admission to practice.
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Duties owed to the client – confidentiality and legal professional privilege
The Duty to Preserve Clients' Confidences; Legal Professional Privilege (LPP); What types of communication are privileged? Public Interest Exception to LPP; Other Exceptions to Legal Professional Privilege.
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Duties owed to the client – dealing with conflicts
The Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest; Borrowing Transactions; Conducting Another Business; Receiving A Gift From A Client; Receiving A Benefit Under A Will; Concurrent Representation Opposing A Current Client (Acting For More Than One Party).
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Duties owed to the client – commencing and concluding the client relationship; costs and billing
Retainers & Liens; Disclosure of Professional Fees and Charges; Champertous Agreements; Conditional/ Speculative Fees and Uplift Fees; Ending the Retainer.
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Managing client’s money – trust accounting practice
Requirements in relation to receipts and payments of trust moneys; recording receipts and payments and maintaining journals.
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Duties owed to clients – managing client’s money
Requirements in relation to the handling of trust moneys.
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Duties owed to the community, the profession and the law; ethical norms and values.
Conduct of practice. The Lawyer as an Officer of the Court; Duty to Obey the Law; the fiduciary relationship; Advocates immunity.
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Duties to the court and in the administration of justice
The Lawyer as an Officer of the Court; Duties of Independence, Frankness and Candour.
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Consequences of misbehaviour; Disciplinary proceedings for misconduct
Identifying and addressing ethical dilemmas; Objectives of Disciplinary Proceedings; Misconduct; Making a Complaint; Disciplinary Orders; Factors that Impact on Disciplinary Orders; Types of Misconduct; Misconduct Outside Practice.
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Future challenges in legal practice.
The challenges and technological changes in future legal practice.
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Self-management and wellness in practice
Issues in managing health and well-being in law.