Traineeship Programs (Qld)
Leo Cussen customises programs for Qld trainees in firms and legal practices, particularly National firms requiring ‘programmed’ or ‘supplementary training’ under the Queensland Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004. These programs have been approved by the Chief Justice and the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (Qld).
Leo Cussen Traineeship Programs (Qld) topics:
- Are intensive face-to-face modules.
- Are instructed and formally assessed during the module by two instructors who are practising lawyers.
- Are designed for trainees to demonstrate understanding and competence in the National Competency Standards (NCS) for Entry-Level Lawyers.
- Allow for Instructors to identify gaps in trainees’ understanding and trainees are supported to achieve the required standard. If a gap is identified, trainees are given an opportunity to complete a further task (equally designed to demonstrate competence in the NCS performance criteria).
- Provide extensive learning materials.
Required Topics of the National Competency Standards (NCS) for Entry-Level Lawyers
NCS topics provided by Leo Cussen are highlighted below
| Skills | Practice Areas | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer's Skills | Civil Litigation Practice | Ethics and Professional Responsibility |
| One of Administrative Law Practice Criminal Law Practice Family Law Practice | ||
| And one of Consumer Law Practice Employment and Industrial Relations Practice Planning and Environmental Law Practice Wills and Estates Practice |
Topics Provided by Leo Cussen and Approximate Durations
Lawyer's Skills
An entry level lawyer should be able to demonstrate oral communication skills,
legal interviewing skills, advocacy skills, negotiation and dispute resolution skills,
and letter writing and legal drafting skills.
This topic covers
- Communicating effectively
- Interviewing clients
- Writing letters
- Drafting other documents
- Negotiating settlements and agreements
- Facilitating early resolution of disputes
- Representing a client in court
Duration: 5 days
Problem Solving
An entry level lawyer should be able to investigate and analyse facts and law,
provide legal advice and solve legal problems.
This topic covers
- Analysing facts and identifying issues
- Analysing law
- Providing legal advice
- Generating solutions and strategies
Duration: ½ day
Work Management and Business Skills (including Risk Management)
An entry level lawyer should be able to manage workload, work habits and
work practices in a way that ensures that clients’ matters are dealt with in a
timely and cost-effective manner.
This topic covers
- Managing personal time
- Managing risk
- Managing files
- Keeping the client informed
- Working cooperatively
Duration: 1 day
Trust and Office Accounting
An entry level lawyer should have sufficient knowledge, skills and values to
maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice,
to the extent usually permitted and expected of an employed solicitor.
This topic covers
- Receiving money
- Making outlays
- Rendering costs
- Maintaining trust accounts
Duration: 1.5 days
Civil Litigation
An entry level lawyer should be able to conduct civil litigation in first instance
matters in one or more State or Territory courts of general jurisdiction,
in both a timely and cost-effective manner.
This topic covers
- Assessing the merits of a case and identifying the dispute resolution alternatives
- Initiating and responding to claims
- Taking and responding to interlocutory proceedings
- Gathering and presenting evidence
- Negotiating settlements
- Taking action to enforce orders and settlement agreements
Duration: 3 days
Commercial and Corporate Practice
An entry level lawyer should be able to conduct standard commercial transactions
such as the sale or purchase of a small business. The lawyer should be able to set
up standard business structures using entities such as companies,
trusts and partnerships; provide basic advice on finance and securities
and the obligations of companies and their officers; and appreciate the
type of advice needed to assess the revenue implications of standard
commercial transactions.
This topic covers
- Conduction of commercial transactions
- Setting up commercial structures
- Dealing with loans and securities
- Advising on revenue law and practice
Duration: 3 days
Property Law
An entry level lawyer should be able to convey, lease and mortgage real property.
The lawyer should also be able to provide general advice in standard matters arising
under local government, planning, environment or other legislation regulating land use
in that State or Territory.
This topic covers
- Transferring title
- Creating leases
- Creating and releasing securities
- Advising on land use
- Advising on revenue implications
Duration: 3 days
Administrative Law (Elective Topic)
An entry level lawyer who practises in administrative law should be able to obtain
information for clients under freedom of information legislation, seek review of administrative
decisions, and represent parties before courts and administrative tribunals.
This topic covers
- Obtaining information
- Obtaining review of administrative decisions
- Representing a client
Duration: 2 days
Employment and Industrial Relations (Elective Topic)
An entry level lawyer who practises in the area of employment and industrial
relations should be able to advise clients on the relevant law and procedures,
represent clients in negotiations and initiate and respond to applications in
relevant State and Federal courts and tribunals.
This topic covers
- Assessing the merits of the dispute and identifying the dispute resolution alternatives
- Advising clients on procedures
- Commencing negotiations
- Initiating and responding to proceedings
- Representing the client
- Taking action to implement outcomes
Duration: 3 days
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
An entry level lawyer should act ethically and demonstrate professional
responsibility and professional courtesy in all dealings with clients,
the courts, the community and other lawyers.
This topic covers
- Acting ethically
- Discharging the legal duties and obligations of legal practitioners
- Complying with professional conduct rules
- Complying with fiduciary duties
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Acting courteously
- Complying with rules relating to the charging of fees
- Reflecting on wider issues
Duration: 2 days
