Catching the wave together - using Pebblepad to support collaborative simulation in legal practice

Wood, R

Abstract

This case study explores the development of a legal practice simulation project for post-graduate law students studying the Legal Practice Course (“LPC”) at the University of the West of England. The simulation uses Pebblepad to provide an online space housing virtual law offices. Students, lecturing staff and external practitioners from local solicitors’ firms, collaborate together to enable students to simulate a number of cases based around the legal needs of a central fictional surf retail business, “Catch the Wave Limited”.

This project aligns squarely with key conference themes for Pebblebash in 2016, namely the development of employability skills through the curriculum and planning and facilitating process-based activities designed to promote transferable skills.

The LPC is a requirement for law students wishing to qualify as solicitors. It involves study of a range of legal and professional skills including writing, drafting, interviewing and advocacy. The simulation challenges students to use the knowledge and skills gained through LPC study to proactively rehearse and develop their sense of professional identity. They work together in teams to problem solve, handle ethical and practical dilemmas and successfully look after a client across a fixed time period to achieve an outcome which meets the needs of the client. The naming of the central client (Catch the Wave) expresses the potential for participants to sink or swim during the project as they deal with unpredictable developments generated by their fictional client.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Pebblebasg 2016 - Future Ready
• Start Date: Sep 12, 2016
• End Date: Sep 14, 2016
• Acceptance Date: May 12, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: simulation, legal practice
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/912048
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : PebbleBash 2016 - Future Ready