Training the next generation of lawyers
A bill to formalise SUSS' status as an autonomous university was passed on May 8, 2017. The university focuses on the social sciences, applied education and lifelong learning. Photo: SUSS
Working and studying is not easy, but enrolling in a school that is dedicated to working adults – like the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) – can make a crucial difference between achieving a better life for your loved ones and being left by the wayside of job relevancy.
Launched two years ago, the SUSS School of Law’s primary focus is to train lawyers for the practice of law in Singapore, especially in the fields of criminal and family law.
According to the university, these two areas of practice are ones in which life experience can make a crucial difference.
SUSS’ law programmes – students can enroll in a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor – were set up to enable working adults to bring their experience from other sectors to these areas of law, increasing the supply of lawyers in the process.
BALANCING ACT
The university is aware that many of its students will be juggling work, academic and family requirements, and has designed its programmes to help working students cope with the challenges that come with the territory.
Mr Aadil Dafir, 33, an educator who is enrolled in the Juris Doctor programme, said: “I could understand the substantive content, but finding the time to read and internalise the case law to support my arguments was overwhelming.”
Ms Linda Lee, an accountant who is enrolled in the Juris Doctor programme, also said that it can be “challenging” trying to keep up with seminars and reading materials, especially when she travels for work.
The key to meeting these challenges lay in adopting tried-and-tested methods. “I've learnt to start early and plan my study schedule. Working and studying requires a tonne of discipline and the only way around it is proper planning and time management,” said Mr Aadil.
While these life lessons are part and parcel of the learning process, SUSS also goes to great lengths to support its students.
A STUDENT-FIRST APPROACH
The School of Law’s courses are designed for mid-career entrants to the field. The university assumes that its students are unlikely to have prior knowledge or experience in the sector and tailors its curriculum around this.
To help working students understand key principles, SUSS does not believe in giving students a laundry list of cases to read. Instead, faculty staff curate the cases that are published in their study guides.
Said Assoc Prof Darren Koh, School of Law Vice-Dean at SUSS: “These cases are selected to help students familiarise themselves with different lines of legal thought without overwhelming them with reading materials.”
In the classroom, work focuses on the application of legal principles through the discussion of cases. Classes are also scheduled in short bursts, which makes it easier for students to meet their professional, academic and personal commitments.
LEARNING ON THE GO
And if students aren’t able to attend classes, SUSS has systems in place to help bring classrooms and coursework to undergraduates.
If students need access to the curriculum while travelling for work, they can download all course materials from SUSS’ learning management system. Classroom recordings are another tool SUSS undergraduates can tap into if they are unable to attend a class.
Said Ms Lee: “Video recording is helpful for working students who travel for work and for revision. Study guides help to give a good overview of what is expected of students and the learning outcomes in each study unit.”
Students can turn to communication channels such as email and discussion boards to exchange views. To facilitate discussions, the school also encourages students to form study groups.
EFFECTIVE OUTCOMES
The thorough coursework, flexible approach to upskilling and rigorous classroom preparation are already paying dividends for students.
Mr Denny Lin, a branch manager in the legal sector, found that the constant refinement offered by Tutor Marked Assignments has helped him improve his arguments and presentation of facts.
Added Mr Aadil: “The study guides have been really helpful in summarising concepts and have helped me see how the law can be applied in daily life. They have definitely helped in my appreciation of the application of the law.”
Besides equipping him with knowledge about specific areas of the law, the course has also helped with other soft skills. “It has given me a new perspective when looking at things. It has taught me to think critically and dissect issues systematically,” said Mr Aadil.
To find out more about SUSS’ law programmes, visit suss.edu.sg/programmes/Pages/LawProgrammes.aspx, call 6248 9777 or email student_recruitment [at] suss.edu.sg (student_recruitment[at]suss[dot]edu[dot]sg).
