The aim of this module is to provide a detailed understanding of the operation and practice of the legal system in Ireland, paying particular attention to the necessary skills inherent in the process of law at all levels. It forms part of a sequential number of modules within which this aim is achieved.

Section A. The objective of this module is to ensure that upon successful completion, students have a detailed knowledge of the role of the courts and the complementary systems of alternative dispute resolution as a forum for dispute resolution and the practical skills involved. Included in this will be the issues of case management, structured settlement procedures such as collaborative law, the Commercial courts, and PIAB. Emphasis will be placed on negotiation, arbitration, conciliation and mediation skills. Significant elements of this module will involve simulation and role-playing in order to develop these skills. Further emphasis will be placed on legal ethics outside of the traditional court structure. Section B. The objective of this Section of the module is to provide an elective for students to deepen their understanding of the legal process in an area of particular interest. Students will be expected to elect one from the list below. All elections are subject to space limitations, availability and resources. Students cannot be guaranteed any specific choice. Choices may vary from year to year and the list below is indicative rather than exhaustive. Choose one from: Business Law Clinic: a team of students will have the opportunity to use their client interviewing skills and provide assistance and information to small companies and sole traders e-Journal: a team of students will be responsible for the selection, editing and verification of an e-journal on legal topics which will be posted in the Law School website. Research Article: students will, either individually or as pairs engage in the research and writing of a legal topic in which they are interested under the supervision of a faculty member. Conveyancing Problem: two teams of students will undertake a complex hypothetical conveyancing transaction under the guidance of a faculty member. Moot Trial: two teams of students will undertake the running of a trial on a major hypothetical case based loosely on an actual case. ADR process: students will engage in a fact scenario involving either collaborative law or mediation with the aim of resolving a dispute between individuals without recourse to litigation.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Identify the alternatives to judicial resolution of disputes - Specify the criteria for seeking non-judicial resolution of disputes - Outline the process used in the key forms of alternative dispute resolution. - Differentiate between negotiation and dispute resolution skills - Obtain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of legal theory through interactive integration by way of role play. - Undertake a significant piece of independent activity in legal practice, research or writing.

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