Project Description
James The New Lawyer, 3rd Edition
James, Field, Walkden-Brown
Interactive E-Text: 9781394184392, Print & Interactive E-Text Code: 9781394184385
The New Lawyer, 3rd Edition supports first-year law students in transitioning into law school, offering clear and practical guidance aligned with the Law Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs). Co-authored by Professor Rachael Field, a key contributor to drafting the TLOs, it includes coverage of essential areas such as First Nations perspectives, ESG issues, technology and the law, and globalisation, preparing students to engage with contemporary legal challenges.
Available as a full colour printed textbook with an interactive eBook code included, this title aims to remove roadblocks to self-study, with features designed to get the most out of learning.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1.1 Being a lawyer: myths and realities
1.2 A diversity of career options
1.3 Your legal education
1.4 Developing a professional identity
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
2.1 Law
2.2 Law and extrinsic standards
2.3 Law and liberal views
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
3.1 First Nations Australians and the law
3.2 The development of British law
3.3 The development of Australian law
3.4 The law today
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
4.1 Seven key characteristics
4.2 The Australian Constitution
4.3 The State constitutions
4.4 Executive government in Australia
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
5.1 Legislation
5.2 The structure of parliament
5.3 Case law
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
6.1 Legal reasoning
6.2 Critical thinking
6.3 Creative thinking
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
7.1 Adopt a systemic approach
7.2 Know where to look
7.3 Access good-quality information
7.4 Read actively and efficiently
7.5 Apply your research
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
8.1 Reading the law
8.2 Interpreting the law
8.3 Interpretation in practice
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
9.1 Communication skills
9.2 Communicating effectively
9.3 Collaboration skills
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
10.1 The importance of self-management
10.2 Six self-management skills
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
11.1 Formalism vs realism
11.2 Law and power
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
12.1 The nature of justice
12.2 Access to justice
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
13.1 Ethics
13.2 Professional ethics
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Introduction
14.1 Disruption and transformation
14.2 Preparing for the future
Concept check
Key terms
Exercises
Acknowledgements
Footnotes
Authors
Nickolas James (Bond University)
Rachael Field (Bond University)
Jackson Walkden-Brown (Bond University)

Explore our content
The New Lawyer, 3rd Edition outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies students should develop by the end of their first year.
Aligned with the Law Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs), it provides a clear framework for developing critical understanding and abilities. Part 2 (‘Doing’) focuses on legal reasoning, covering the IRAC (issue, rule, analysis, and conclusion) problem-solving method, legal research strategies, and applying research findings. A new practical guide to statutory interpretation, tools for reading case law and extracting ratios, and problem questions with answers, all supported by practical examples, assisting students towards reaching their full potential as future legal professionals.
Blending theory with practical resources, this book equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in legal problem-solving and succeed in their studies and future careers.
What’s in James the New Lawyer, 3rd edition?
- Focus on First Nations Australians: Explores historic and contemporary legal developments concerning First Nations Australians, highlighting their experiences and perspectives.
- Accessible Introduction to Law: Specifically designed to help students transition successfully to law school by covering foundational knowledge and skills.
- TLO-Based Structure: Organised around the Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) for the Bachelor of Laws, focusing on what students need to know and achieve by the end of their first year.
- Expert Authorship: Co-authored by TLOs expert Professor Rachael Field, a key contributor to the development of the Bachelor of Laws TLOs.
- Expanded Legal Reasoning Content: Includes material on the IRAC problem-solving method and a systematic approach to legal research, with guidance on understanding and applying research results.
- Comprehensive Guide to Statutory Interpretation: Features a practical guide to statutory interpretation with example problem questions and detailed answers.
- Enhanced Case Law Analysis: Provides content on reading case law, including an example case note and guidance on extracting ratio.
- Contemporary Legal Practice Topics: Addresses key issues such as environment, social and governance (ESG) matters, globalisation, and technology.
- Legislation and Case Law Updates: Reflects changes in Australian law, including developments prompted by COVID-19, such as virtual meetings and electronic signatures.
Take a closer look: Interactives and Key Features
Available as a digital eText or full colour printed textbook with an interactive eText code, this title enables every student to master concepts and succeed in assessment. Lecturers are supported with an extensive, easy-to-use teaching and learning package.
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The Solution Manual outlines answers to the practice questions within the text.
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