Melbourne Law School’s EAGLE Program is dedicated to helping first and second year JD students develop their legal academic skills and successfully navigate law school. (EAGLE stands for Early Academic Guidance for Legal Education.)
How does it work?
In a small group setting, a senior JD student (the ‘facilitator’) will take students through important academic skills relevant to their JD studies.
The First Year Program is designed to equip first-year JD students with the fundamental tools for success at law school. Sessions include:
- Reading and note-taking
- How to write answers to hypothetical problems (with a focus on your Obligations and Contracts mid-semester assignments plus exams for all subjects)
- How to construct a legal memo for both PPL and Disputes and Ethics
- How to research and write legal essays for subjects like Torts and Legal Theory
- How to prepare and practice for oral presentations
- How to make notes for exams
- How to prepare for exams
The Second Year Program builds on key academic skills learned in first-year with an additional focus on career development. Sessions include:
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Networking and interviewing skills
- How to approach clerkships, internships and non legal career opportunities
- How to approach a 3-day take-home exam such as Evidence and Proof
- How to approach challenging and lengthy hypothetical problems for Administrative Law and Property
- Legal Research
The EAGLE sessions are also a safe and supportive environment for students to ask any questions they may have about law life, including:
- Time management strategies
- How to access MLS’ wellbeing resources
- International and internship opportunities
- How to find law-related work and volunteering opportunities
- How to become involved in extracurricular activities at MLS
While the EAGLE program is an optional part of the first and second year JD curriculum, the more sessions you attend, the better you’ll be prepared to handle your JD studies. Not only will you gain invaluable academic skills, you can also network with your peers!
How do I register for EAGLE?
Registration is essential, but classes are optional so there is no commitment to attend each week (even though we would highly recommend it!).
Registration has closed for Semester 2, 2022. If you are still interested in signing up please contact eagle.unimelb@gmail.com and/or chantal.morton@unimelb.edu.au.
In 2022, classes are conducted both in person and online through Zoom.
2022 EAGLE Session Outline
There are two programs for JD students – one for first year students, and another for second years – so make sure you are looking at the right one for you!
The EAGLE Session Outlines for Semester 2 2022:
First Year Program, Second Semester
| Week | Session |
| 1
25 July |
No EAGLE |
| 2
1 August |
Welcome to EAGLE! |
| 3
8 August |
Contracts: Advanced IRAC for Hypotheticals |
| 4
15 August |
Constitutional Law: Strategies for Multiple Choice Exams |
| 5
22 August |
Disputes and Ethics: Skills for your Legal Memo |
| 6
29 August |
Legal Theory: Critical Reading and Logical Fallacies |
| 7
5 September |
No EAGLE |
| 8
12 September |
No EAGLE |
| 9
19 September |
Legal Theory Group Study Session |
| Mid Semester Break – 26 September | |
| 10
3 October |
Constitutional Law Group Study Session |
| 11
10 October |
Contracts Group Study Session |
| 12
17 October |
Disputes and Ethics Group Study Session |
Second Year Program, Second Semester
|
Subject to Change* |
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Please contact the EAGLE Program Student Coordinators if you have any questions or issues: Ella (1st Year Program); Rachel (2nd Year Program).