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 details for Semester 1 2022: Registration opens 4 February 2 PM and closes 21 February 5PM. The registration form can be accessed on LMS Canvas in the ‘Legal Academic Skills Community’ under ‘Announcements’ or the ‘About the EAGLE Program’ Page located in the ‘Eagle Program’ Module. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ella (1st Year Program)/Rachel (2nd Year Program).
In 2022, classes are likely to be 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 1 2022 will be released later this February.
In the interim, please feel free to view the Semester 1 2021 Outlines to familiarise yourself on what you can expect the EAGLE sessions to cover!
First Year Program, Semester 1 (2021) |
|
| Session 1 (week starting 1 March) |
Building on your Previous Experience and LMR: How to Read Cases to Prepare for Class |
| Session 2 (week starting 8 March) |
Strategies for Online Learning & Introduction to AGLC |
| Session 3 (week starting 15 March) |
Answering Hypothetical Questions (Obligations Assignment) |
| Session 4 (week starting 22 March) |
Writing Legal Memos & Preparing for your Presentations (PPL Assessment) |
| Session 5 (week starting 29 March) |
Writing Research Essays (Torts Essay) |
|
Mid-Semester Break |
|
| Session 6 (week starting 12 April) |
Time Management & Wellbeing Leading Up to Exams |
| Session 7 (week starting 19 April ) |
Strategies for Creating Exam-Ready Notes |
| Session 8 (week starting 26 April ) |
How to Prepare for Exam Essays |
| Session 9 (week starting 3 May ) | Exam hypotheticals (1) Subject TBC |
| Session 10 (week starting 10 May) |
Exam hypotheticals (2) Subject TBC |
| Session 11 (week starting 17 May) |
Exam hypotheticals (3) Subject TBC |
| Session 12 (week starting 24 May) |
Strategies for SWOTVAC and the Exam Period |
|
Second Year EAGLE Weekly Schedule (2022 Semester 1) Subject to Change* |
|
| (Week starting 28 Feb) | Reorientation
In-person drop-in session @ GM16 (9 March 1 – 2 pm) |
| Session 1
(Week starting 7 March) |
Career Session 1: Developing professional communication skills to build networks |
| Session 2
(Week starting 14 Mar) |
Career session 2: Responding to job opportunities (Written application) |
| Session 3
(Week starting 21 March) |
Statutory Interpretation skills and Reading strategies
|
| Session 4
(Week starting 28 Mar) |
Drafting a legal memorandum (Administrative Law assignment class 1)
|
| Session 5
(Week starting 4 April) |
Feedback on class 4 (Administrative Law class 2)
|
| Session 6
(Week starting 11 April) |
Preparing for the Evidence & Proof Exam |
|
Mid-Semester Break |
|
| Session 7
(Week starting 25 April) |
Evidence & Proof Exam Preparation (Factual theory & Proof) |
| Session 8
(Week starting 2 May) |
Advanced hypothetical writing techniques 1 (Property) |
| Session 9
(Week starting 9 May) |
Advanced hypothetical writing techniques 2 (Property) |
| Session 10
(Week starting 16 May) |
Evidence & Proof: Proof & Admissibility review and strategies for a 3-day take home exam. |
| Session 11
(Week starting 23 May) |
Preparing for the Administrative Law Exam (timed practice questions, review of key structural components) |
Please contact the EAGLE Program Student Coordinators if you have any questions or issues: Ella (1st Year Program); Rachel (2nd Year Program).