Undergraduate Module Descriptor

LAW3202: Lawyers Ethics in the Real World

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the professional codes of conduct, and practice in applying the codes to ethical dilemmas that have arisen in real world case studies taken from practice. Through the case studies it also explores real examples of the key stages of a lawyer’s work such as: taking on clients; preparing cases; giving advice and opinions; preparing documents such as contracts and NDAs; conducting independent investigations; and appearing before courts and tribunals.

A further aim of the module is to give you insight into how the behaviour of lawyers links to key incidents of public interest, such as: the financial crisis of 2008; the Hacking scandals; and the suppression of sexual harassment highlighted by the #MeToo movement.

Finally, through a consideration of the context of these scandals and the social scientific literature on ethical decision-making, you will explore the personal and institutional influences on professional behaviour. As such the module aims to lay the intellectual groundwork for a life in practice or elsewhere as an ethically informed professional.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. Demonstrate a detailed, accurate and persuasive understanding of the Standards and Regulation of solicitors and their practical application. 2. Discuss and effectively relate the main roles of lawyers in the courts, business, and other settings to ethical problems. 3. Competently articulate and discuss the importance of some of the social, economic, and psychological influences on lawyers decision-making.
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Apply legal knowledge accurately and persuasively to complex problems and apply judgement when presented with competing imperatives.
Personal and Key Skills	5. Effectively articulate and discuss ones own ethical inclinations and the cultures of organisations. 6. Develop and effectively communicate complex arguments and opinions with limited guidance.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is anticipated that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics. Some topics may be delivered by guest lecturers.

Personal and professional values and ethics
Core elements of the Solicitors’ Code
Behavioural and Institutional Understandings of Ethics
Commerciality in practice and in one’s mind
Lawyer and corporate governance
The Best Interest of the Client and Misleading the court
Dealing with others, Integrity and taking advantage
Philosophical theories of ethics
Principles vs Rules in Ethical Regulation
Giving Advice and Opinions
Papering deals in commercially aware ways
Submitting evidence and appearing before the court
Hierarchy and Sex in Legal Practice
Non Disclosure Agreements
Conducting Investigations

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
30	120

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	22	11 x 2 hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	8	4 x 2 hour seminars
Guided independent study	65	Reading, seminar, and lecture preparation
Guided independent study	40	Summative assessment preparation
Guided independent study	15	Formative assessment preparation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).