General Information
Legal Skills is a compulsory subject in the Juris Doctor Online. It develops the core methods, reasoning processes, and communication practices used in professional legal work. Students learn how to research, interpret, and apply statutes and cases; analyse legal problems; and select appropriate dispute-resolution strategies. The subject emphasises professional written and oral communication, ethical decision-making, and applied problem-solving through structured exercises and simulated practice contexts. It provides an essential bridge between foundational legal knowledge and advanced doctrinal and practice-oriented subjects.
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Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Law Subject code: LAWS76-106 Subject title: Legal Skills Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: September 2026 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Online Workload items: - Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Online seminars
- Directed Online Activity: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Online interactive learning resources delivered by an AI tutor.
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Self directed study
Attendance and learning activities: Subject content will be delivered fully online through a combination of online learning resources followed by 12 x weekly two-hour interactive online seminars commencing in Week 1 of the semester. Students should attend all seminars to consolidate their understanding of the weekly topic. Participation in the online seminars will be assessed. Seminars will not be recorded. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Nickolas James,Rachael Field,Jackson Walkden-Brown (2023). The New Lawyer. 3rd, John Wiley & Sons
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
Class recordings: The majority of this subject's classes will not be recorded due to one of the reasons outlined in the Recording policy.
Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as these recordings will not be available for revision purposes.
For further information please contact the subject coordinator.
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Law |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LAWS76-106 |
| Subject title: | Legal Skills |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2026 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Online |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Subject content will be delivered fully online through a combination of online learning resources followed by 12 x weekly two-hour interactive online seminars commencing in Week 1 of the semester. Students should attend all seminars to consolidate their understanding of the weekly topic. Participation in the online seminars will be assessed. Seminars will not be recorded. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Class recordings: | The majority of this subject's classes will not be recorded due to one of the reasons outlined in the Recording policy. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions as these recordings will not be available for revision purposes. For further information please contact the subject coordinator. |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Pre-requisites:There are no pre-requisites Co-requisites: |
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| 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.
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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:
- Apply statutory and case law to generate legally defensible interpretations in problem based scenarios using digital and AI-assisted legal research tools.
- Resolve legal problems by selecting and justifying doctrinal and dispute resolution strategies.
- Draft professional written legal communications that apply authority with accuracy and audience awareness.
- Deliver persuasive oral legal communications in simulated professional contexts.
- Justify ethical and professional decisions in simulated legal practice environments.
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 AI category Computer-aided Test (Limited Open) Research and Statutory Interpretation Test 25.00% Week 7 1 Assignment Legal Problem-solving 25.00% Week 10 1, 2, 3, 5 Portfolio Integrated Professional Skills Portfolio 50.00% Week 12 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - * 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.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
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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 | AI category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-aided Test (Limited Open) | Research and Statutory Interpretation Test | 25.00% | Week 7 | 1 | |
| Assignment | Legal Problem-solving | 25.00% | Week 10 | 1, 2, 3, 5 | |
| Portfolio | Integrated Professional Skills Portfolio | 50.00% | Week 12 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
- * 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.
AI Categories
Ai Prohibited: Learning to develop AI-free knowledge and skills.
Ai Supported: Learning with the help of AI as directed.
Ai Focussed: Learning AI expertise and mastery as directed.
Refer to the assessment task sheet for specific AI instructions and review the Bond University Gen-AI Guide.
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
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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The lawyer and the legal profession- Professional identity, roles and ethical obligations
This topic introduces students to the structure of the legal profession, and the roles lawyers perform within courts, organisations and the broader community. Students examine professional identity, regulatory frameworks and foundational ethical obligations. The topic establishes professional standards and expectations that will guide all subsequent skills development in the subject.
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Legal authority and sources- Primary and secondary sources of law
Students develop a working understanding of primary and secondary legal sources, including legislation, case law, delegated legislation and commentary. The topic emphasises the hierarchy of authority and the distinction between binding and persuasive sources. Students learn to identify, prioritise and synthesise authoritative materials in a manner consistent with professional practice.
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Legal research and citation- Using databases, AI-assisted research tools and citation conventions
This topic develops structured research planning and execution using contemporary legal databases and AI-assisted research tools. Students learn to evaluate the reliability and authority of sources and to integrate research findings into coherent legal analysis. Proper citation practices and professional conventions are reinforced to ensure accuracy, transparency and academic integrity.
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Statutory interpretation- Text, context, purpose and interpretive principles
Students develop competence in interpreting legislation using accepted doctrinal techniques. The topic explores textual, contextual and purposive approaches, and the use of interpretive aids in resolving ambiguity. Students apply these principles to practical scenarios to produce legally defensible interpretations.
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Case analysis- Identifying ratio, precedent and persuasive authority
This topic trains students to read judicial decisions critically and extract legally operative principles. Students learn to identify ratio decidendi, distinguish obiter dicta and assess the precedential weight of cases within a hierarchical court structure. Emphasis is placed on disciplined analytical method rather than summary or opinion.
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Legal reasoning and problem-solving- IRAC, analogical reasoning and synthesis
Students apply structured reasoning frameworks to complex factual problems. The topic develops the disciplined use of IRAC and related analytical models to connect authority, fact and conclusion. Students practise analogical reasoning and synthesis to generate legally defensible solutions in realistic scenarios.
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Professional legal writing- Case notes, memoranda and client communications
Students develop professional writing skills across common legal genres, including case notes, internal memoranda and client advice. The topic emphasises clarity, structure, tone and audience awareness. Students learn to translate complex legal analysis into concise, authoritative written communications.
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Dispute resolution- Negotiation, mediation and alternatives to litigation
This topic introduces formal and informal dispute resolution mechanisms beyond traditional litigation. Students examine negotiation strategy, mediation processes and the selection of appropriate resolution pathways in light of client objectives and professional obligations. Practical simulations develop strategic and ethical judgment.
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Oral legal communication- Interviewing, negotiation and advocacy
This topic develops oral communication skills in simulated professional contexts. Students practise client interviewing, negotiation and structured advocacy, focusing on clarity, responsiveness and ethical awareness. Real-time questioning and feedback reinforce professional confidence and adaptability.
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Collaboration and teamwork- Working effectively in legal teams
Students examine the dynamics of teamwork within legal practice, including role allocation, shared responsibility and professional communication. The topic develops collaborative problem-solving skills and accountability within group-based tasks. Emphasis is placed on professional conduct, reliability and respectful engagement.
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Professional responsibility in practice- Ethics, accountability and client relationships
This topic consolidates ethical and professional judgment within applied practice scenarios. Students analyse conflicts of interest, confidentiality obligations, duties to the court and responsibilities to clients. Through simulated dilemmas, they learn to justify ethical decisions within regulatory and professional frameworks.