The Resource Implications of Work Integrated Learning and Legal Clinics in Australian Legal System: Managing Workload, System Support and Recognition

Abstract

Work integrated learning (WIL) has been embraced as a valuable pedagogy by many Australian law schools, which offer students the opportunity to engage in a variety of WIL including clinical legal education, placements in law firms and industry projects. However, there is widespread recognition that WIL pedagogies have unique resourcing requirements in terms of workload and infrastructure. In addition, there is evidence that academic contribution to WIL pedagogies is not positively regarded in the context of academic advancement. This article explores the resources required to deliver legal WIL and presents novel data about how this is being accommodated by Australian law schools. This analysis informs the development of specific recommendations for Australian law schools on the resourcing of legal WIL.