Beginning in the first year: Towards a vertically integrated curriculum for clinical legal education. A Practice Report

Abstract

This Practice Report discusses the first year of operation of the First Year Clinic Placement Program (FYCP) at Flinders Law School. Lizzio (2006) identifies five key areas (or senses) as important in supporting transition into study: connectedness, capability, resourcefulness, purpose and culture.  His sense of culture incorporates clear values, and his sense of purpose incorporates notions of personal development, vocational direction and disciplinary engagement.  Embedded in a first year compulsory topic, this FYCP initiative draws on Lizzio’s five senses, and has potential to provide a transformative experience for students, supporting them to develop a positive identity as a holistic legal professional, commencing at enrolment. We envision this as the first stage in a vertically integrated curriculum.