Content
Regulations established by the Council of Legal Education prescribe the skills to be taught on the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC) and set a minimum of 455 training hours for the course. All versions of our PLSC cover the same range of skills and knowledge for general practice, litigation practice and the trainees’ professional development. Aside from skills, the course includes training in Professional Responsibility. This element is practical and is complementary to the Ethics courses provided by the Universities.
Skills covered during the IPLS course
The Business of Law
The IPLS course covers a range of business transactions and skills, commonly met by newly admitted lawyers.
These include
- Negotiation and mediation
- Interviewing and advising
- Law office management
- Drafting
- Trial preparation
- Problem solving
Client Service
During the face-to-face modules of the course, group exercises are used to simulate real-life transactions. Role playing teaches students to take effective client instructions and provide sound and pragmatic advice. Our practical training effectively prepares students for court, including drafting, serving documents and appearing.
Understanding Your Obligations
It is vital that you read and understand all New Zealand Council of Legal Education Course regulations pertaining to this course.
Please visit nzcle.org.nz to read the regulations.
Assessments
There are no exams within the IPLS Profs course. During the course you are assessed on the skills you learn as you proceed. Instructors mark these assessments according to the criteria of the national standards set for competency and in some cases, merit.
There is an internal and external moderation system. This ensures students are treated fairly and all assessments are marked with consistency.
Assessments are compulsory. Deferrals are exercised at the discretion of the National Director in the event of accident, illness, disability, bereavement, personal stress or otherwise. Applications must be made in writing, within seven days from the assessment date.