University of Technology Sydney

76107 Applied Project in Law, Innovation and Technology (Capstone 2)

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Law
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): ( 76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1) OR ((94 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04236 Juris Doctor OR 142 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04250 Juris Doctor Master of Business Administration OR 94 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04363 Juris Doctor Master of Intellectual Property OR 94 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04364 Juris Doctor Graduate Certificate Trade Mark Law and Practice) AND 70106c Principles of Public International Law AND 70107c Principles of Company Law AND 76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1)) OR (94 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C04320 Juris Doctor Graduate Certificate Professional Legal Practice AND 70106 Principles of Public International Law AND 76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1)))
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This subject comprises the research, writing and communication of a solution to an approved topic in technology law. At the start of the subject, 'clients' pitch problems to students that need an innovative legal solution. Students undertake group work to provide a solution that requires high-order legal research, collaborative research, innovative and creative thinking and the capacity to manage a project and communicate a sustained and persuasive solution to the 'client'.

Students have the opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate the topic that they choose provided that their project proposes a solution to the client's issue. Students refine the project and apply an appropriate methodology to solve the project identified. Students develop their oral and written communication skills throughout the session through online discussions and workshops on central aspects to technology law problem solving. This includes discussion of methodology, project management, collaborative skills and the challenges and possibilities of technology.

Students are supported in the process through face-to-face workshops, online modules and feedback from their peers and academic supervisor. Students also develop skills in self-management by undertaking self-directed work and learning and by responding to and applying feedback.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Develop the capacity to solve a real world law problem pitched by clients in creative and innovative ways.
2. Develop skills in self-management and working collaboratively to locate and synthesise legal and interdisciplinary research in order to creatively and analytically evaluate and resolve a law problem.
3. Construct clear, original and persuasive written and oral arguments that are supported by research and consistent with professional needs and standards.
4. Develop the capacity to apply legal knowledge and skills to manage a project and work in an interdiscplinary team.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes which reflect the course intended learning outcomes:

  • Critical Analysis and Evaluation
    A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively, including the ability to:
    a. Identify and articulate legal issues in context, including the skill of critical reading and writing;
    b. Apply reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses;
    c. Engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives; and
    d. Think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses. (LAW.3.1)
  • Research skills
    Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. (LAW.4.1)
  • Communication
    Effective and appropriate communication skills including:
    a. Highly effective use of the English language to convey legal ideas and views to different and diverse audiences and environments;
    b. An ability to communicate to inform, analyse, report and persuade;
    c. An ability to strategically select an appropriate medium and message;
    d. An ability to assess how messages are received and alter communication strategies accordingly; and
    e. An ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others. (LAW.5.1)
  • Collaboration
    Effective and appropriate collaboration skills in working together to achieve a common goal in a group learning environment or the workplace including:
    a. An ability to give and receive feedback;
    b. Appropriate professional and interpersonal skills in working collaboratively;
    c. A capacity to develop strategies to successfully negotiate group challenges; and
    d. An ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others. (LAW.6.1)
  • Self management
    The ability to implement appropriate self-management and lifelong learning strategies including:
    a. An ability to undertake and initiate self-directed work and learning;
    b. Well-developed judgment and responsibility as a legal professional in a broader social context;
    c. The ability to support personal and professional development by:
    (i). Reflecting on and assessing their own capabilities, wellbeing and performance;
    (ii). Making use of feedback as appropriate;
    (iii). Identifying and accessing appropriate resources and assistance; and
    (iv). Making use of resources and support in developing resilience; and
    d. A capacity to adapt to and embrace change and a commitment to ongoing learning. (LAW.8.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Strategy 1 Independent and collaborative learning

Students will work together in allocated groups to solve the client problem. This will involve agreeing to the scope of the project, delegating research and writing tasks, and regularly evaluating the progress of the project. Students will regularly communicate with each other via MS Teams or in person the status and outcomes of each task. This project will require students to develop their capacity to work collaboratively, a skill that is required of legal professionals.

The skills involved in self-management are essential to collaborative work in legal practice and it is important that students develop these skills. Strategies for self-management and self-directed work include exercising judgment about the content of the project and being responsible for the progress of the solution; managing time effectively and meeting deadlines agreed to by the group; the ability to assess skills and knowledge, including identifying areas for improvement; soliciting and applying feedback from peers and the supervisor; and the ability to monitor and implement strategies to maintain personal wellbeing. Students are responsible for seeking assistance from the supervisor if they encounter difficulty managing their time or the workload involved in solving the technology law problem.

Strategy 2 Authentic problems

This subject revolves around students constructing innovative and informed solutions to real-world problems. These problems will be pitched at the beginning of the session. Engaging with real-world problems provide students with an opportunity to experience challenges raised and possible solutions for legal professionals by technology. These projects will require students to think and research in ways that are consistent with those needed by real-world clients. That is, these problems may cross disciplinary and/or jurisdictional boundaries and will require the presentation of solutions in ways that are accessible and palatable for clients.

Strategy 3 Feedback

Students are expected to communicate the progress of their project and solicit feedback from the members of their group and the supervisor throughout the teaching session. Students collaborate with the members of their group to discuss relevant material, including currency and reliance on primary legal and secondary materials; refine their approach to the project, research questions and methodology; develop a logical structure and persuasive and justifiable arguments; apply innovative and critical thinking to research material and legal issues; and how to comply with academic writing and style requirements. Students will receive feedback at their final oral presentation from an expert panel and the supervisor. They will be able to take this feedback into account prior to submission of the final project. By applying the feedback received from the panel and the supervisor students will develop and improve their research, analytical and academic communication skills.

Strategy 4 Communicating the ‘solution’

The primary assessment for this subject is the oral and written communication of a project solution. The aims of the project are to require students to think and research in ways that are innovative and creative and to communicate the ‘solution’ in a way that is consistent with professional standards. This will require an accessible presentation to clients that summarises the solution, backed up by a research document that presents the solution in a more technical way. Students will attend a seminar in the session that details client and professional requirements in communicating solutions. Students will be evaluated on their capacity to communicate their solution orally and in writing to the client. The oral presentations will be made before an expert panel.

Subject Delivery

The subject will include a combination of online video lectures and interactive seminars conducted on campus. Guest lectures may be delivered on campus or via Zoom.

Content (topics)

  • Introduction to Applied Project
  • Legal Project Management
  • Progress Reports
  • Legal Technology (‘LawTech’)
  • Contemporary Legal Operations
  • Specific Technology Issues
  • Advanced Presentation Skills
  • Presentation of project solutions

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Report on progress

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 2

This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:

LAW.3.1, LAW.4.1, LAW.5.1 and LAW.6.1

Weight: 20%
Criteria:
  • Demonstration of ability to work collaboratively in project planning
  • Clarity of expression and use of appropriate language
  • Accuracy and relevance of proposed project methodology

Assessment task 2: Presentation of Project Solution

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:

LAW.3.1, LAW.4.1, LAW.5.1 and LAW.8.1

Weight: 30%
Length:

Students will work in a project team. The team will have approximately 50 minutes to present their project solution. The presentation should be accompanied by appropriate additional material, such as visual aids.

Criteria:
  • Clarity of expression, use of appropriate language and a demonstrated ability to formulate responses in clear and succinct terms
  • Demonstration of ability to work collaboratively in the oral and written solution.
  • Accuracy, relevance and accessibility of the proposed solution.
  • Creative and innovative solution

Assessment task 3: Final Project

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:

LAW.3.1, LAW.4.1, LAW.5.1 and LAW.8.1

Weight: 50%
Length:

Project reports: 20,000 words (each member of the project team must contribute 5,000 words)

Criteria:
  • Clarity of expression, use of appropriate language and a demonstrated ability to formulate responses in clear and succinct terms
  • Demonstration of ability to work collaboratively in the oral and written solution.
  • Accuracy, relevance and accessibility of the proposed solution.
  • Solution is creative and innovative and communicated according to professional needs and standards

Required texts

There are no required texts for this subject. Students should refer to the Subject and Reading Guide. Relevant material will be made available on Canvas.

Recommended texts

Relevant material will be made available on Canvas.

References

Relevant material will be made available on Canvas.