This course prepares students to be able to advise clients on the relevant law, generally assist them in planning process; initiate or oppose applications in, and obtain and present clients in various forums. Students can undertake the course in ACT, NSW, Queensland, Victorian or NT jurisdictions and in other Australian jurisdictions as agreed with the lecturer.

A student on completing the course should have the skills of an entry level lawyer to:

• understand and be able to advise clients of the stages in the planning process: including DA application & plan preparation, submission and approval/objection
• understand the review and appeal procedures available for review of Consent Authority's decisions
• be able to obtain full instructions and to find and understand all relevant technical information
• prepare application for review of refusal/conditions of approval
• understand steps to be taken in appeal process to resolve matter to client's satisfaction.

3 assessable exercises (Letter of Advice, Court/Tribunal Application, Telephone Directions Hearing), and Web discussion participation.

There are no set contact hours. Students should expect to spend about 10 - 15 hours per week in reading and course related tasks to complete the course. 

The course is designed for law graduates intending to proceed into legal practice.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice must complete the Becoming a Practitioner course before beginning this course.

There are no incompatible courses.

None

Nil

For students with no knowledge of Environmental Law see:

• Bates, G. (2006) Environmental Law in Australia, 6th ed., Lexis-Nexis Butterworths, Sydney
• Farrier, D & Stein, P. (eds.) (2006) The Environmental Law Handbook: Planning and Land Use in NSW, 4th ed., Redfern Legal Centre Publishing for NSW.
• In most other jurisdictions the EDO (Environmental Defender's Office) publishes environmental law handbooks (hard copy) and fact sheets (online).

Course folder and online materials supplied.

This course makes extensive use of online technology for accessing resources, activities and assessment.  It is in your best interests to ensure you have a secure computer, preferably at home, where you can access all on-line information without restriction or difficulty.

If you intend using IT supplied by your employer, please be aware that you are likely to experience difficulties accessing key on-line resources due to firewall and security restrictions.

The computer you intend to use should meet the following minimum specifications.

Hardware

• CD ROM/ DVD Player
• Sound Card and speakers
• Video Card
• Modem
• Broadband (dial-up access is not recommended) access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Printer

Software

• Firefox is the recommended web browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download)
• Real Player (Free download)
• Microsoft Word

WATTLE relies heavily on the use of "pop ups". You will need to disable "pop up blockers" for WATTLE on your internet browser and or Firewall/Anti virus software and toolbars.

When Offered and Delivery Mode:  This online 8 week course is offered twice a year in the 1^st and 3^rd teaching periods.

Classification in Graduate Studies Select:  Specialist. In addition an elective in the GDLP program, can be used as part of the articulation into the LLM and LLM (in practice) programs.