Melbourne Law School’s EAGLE Program is dedicated to helping first year JD students develop their legal academic skills and successfully transition into law school. (EAGLE stands for Early Academic Guidance for Legal Education.)
How does it work?
In a small group setting, a later-year JD student (the ‘facilitator’) will take students through important academic skills, including:
- Reading and note-taking
- How to write answers to hypotheticals/problem questions
- How to construct a legal memo
- How to research and write legal essays
- How to prepare and practice for oral presentations
- How to make notes for exams
- How to prepare for exams
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 year JD curriculum, the more sessions you attend, the better you’ll be prepared to handle first semester!
How do I register for EAGLE?
Don’t forget to register for EAGLE on Canvas by 4PM, Tuesday 23 February. Registration is essential, but classes are optional so there is no commitment to attend each week (even though we would highly recommend it!).
Classes will be conducted online through Zoom – you will receive the link once you have registered and classes have been finalised later this week.
2021 EAGLE Session Outline (Updated 22 Feb)
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!
First Year Program |
|
| 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 Program |
|
| Session 1 (week starting 1 March) |
Building on your past experiences and making the most out of career opportunities at law school |
| Session 2 (week starting 8 March) |
Developing professional communication skills to build networks and respond to job opportunities |
| Session 3 (week starting 15 March) |
Drafting a legal memorandum (Administrative Law assignment class 1) |
| Session 4 (week starting 22 March) |
Feedback on class 3 (Administrative Law class 2) |
| Session 5 (week starting 29 March) |
Advanced hypothetical writing techniques (Property focussed) |
|
Mid-Semester Break |
|
| Session 6 (week starting 12 April) |
Advanced hypothetical writing techniques class 2 (Property focussed) |
| Session 7 (week starting 19 April ) |
Preparing for the Evidence & Proof Exam (class 1 of 3 – factual theory) |
| Session 8 (week starting 26 April ) |
Evidence & Proof Exam Preparation (Proof and Admissibility, feedback on Theory exercise from session 7) |
| Session 9 (week starting 3 May ) |
Evidence & Proof: Proof & Admissibility review. Strategies for a 3-day take home exam. |
| Session 10 (week starting 10 May) |
Preparing for the Administrative Law Exam (dissecting the legislation) |
| Session 11 (week starting 17 May) |
Preparing for the Administrative Law Exam (timed practice questions, review of key structural components) |
| Session 12 (week starting 24 May) |
Simulated practice exam (Property) |
Please contact the EAGLE Program Student Coordinators if you have any questions or issues: Jo (1st Year Program); Nathan & Ramon (2nd Year Program).