Chapter 3: Context of Law Practice

This Chapter sets out some background to the contexts in which externs will work. It begins with the seemingly simple question, “What is a Lawyer and how are Lawyers Regulated?”. It includes examples of how legal workplaces are organised, how lawyers are paid, and how legal organisations apart from firms are funded.

This Chapter introduces students to the importance of the regulatory environment and business structures in legal service provision. For externship students, understanding the context of their workplace can help give insight into how and why certain clients and communities are served and in what legal areas, the diversity of the workplace, levels of wellness and job satisfaction, and so on. It also helps students understand a firm or clinic’s business practices (for example, billing, reporting structures, etc.).