Legal Writing
Overview
This unit aims to build students' skills in legal writing. Students are introduced to the principles of plain English writing. They are given guidance on how to effectively plan, write and edit persuasive or informative legal documents, both with a view of assessment in law school as well as in legal practice. Students are taught practical legal research skills and the use of AGLC for referencing. The unit further introduces students to the responsible use of generative AI, cultural awareness, and professional conduct in written communication.
Requisites
01-November-2026
01-November-2026
07-February-2027
31-October-2027
31-October-2027
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Write legal documents in plain English
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate to both a legal and non-legal audience through the different kinds of legal writing
- Apply skills in legal research including in conducting reference checks and ensuring conformity with legal referencing style guides
- Critically evaluate own writing, as well as externally produced writing, against best practice principles
- Critically reflect on writing produced by generative AI
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Class (synchronous) |
3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Directed Online Learning |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
8.5 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Individual | 30 - 50% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Portfolio | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Reflective Essay | Individual | 10 - 30% | 1,2,4,5 |
| Written Assignment | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2 |
Content
- Plain English writing
- Planning, writing and editing legal documents
- Legal citation and style conventions
- Introduction to responsible use of generative AI
- Legal research
- Drafting of various documents for legal practice
- Communicating with linguistically vulnerable individuals, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Professional expectations in legal writing
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.