Background
The PSP conducted by Cambridge Alliance Centre
is a three-month programme taught in groups of
approximately 18 participants. The course meets
up weekly for two and a half hours. There will also be
four workshops of approximately three hours
each during the PSP. The course and the workshops
(save for the Entrepreneurship Workshop) are
taught by practising lawyers and the Fellows.
PSP is graded Honours and Pass. Grades are based
largely on the Research Assignment and problem
sets and/or work assignments, as well as a student's
ability to abide by the basic standards of the
course (including class and workshop attendance,
preparation, timeliness, and courtesy and respect
for others).
The Fellows regularly consult members of the
Advisory Board, all of whom are respected and
eminent individuals in their areas of specialisation.
General Objectives
PSP seeks to provide rigorous and excellent,
if introductory but all-rounded, training to
participants in:-
Legal principles, analysis, research, writing
and oral advocacy
Participants engage in research and writing
to explore the contours of their new lawyering
roles, to express their understanding of the
basic principles of law and, in particular,
to learn how to analyze and solve legal problems
and to communicate clearly the results in appropriate
legal discourse.
Several client-related legal skills
PSP contextualises research, writing and advocacy
within realistic, engaging settings, and also
aims to expose participants to the core skills
necessary for effective practice, such as problem
solving, interviewing, counseling and dispute
resolution. Each student is required to participate
in the Advocacy Skills Training and Business
Negotiations Workshops as part of the PSP.
Law firm application strategy
Whether it is to join a local law firm or a
top international law firm, a well-planned out
approach has to be adopted. The Fellows will
through their own experiences, provide guidance
and useful pointers.
Handling interviews
Participants will be taught how to prepare for
an interview and the how to adopt the best approach
to create the right impression. Particular emphasis
will be placed on interviews for scholarships
and jobs.
University admissions plan
The Fellows will be on hand to advise participants
on specific application processes for universities
around the world. Certain top universities have
entrance exams and interviews, all of which
will require special advisory input from the
Fellows.
Resume presentation
Presenting the right type of information is
important in all resumes. Participants will
be guided on how not to undersell or over present
themselves.
Entrepreneurship
Participants will be introduced to basic entrepreneurial
concepts in an effort to instill in them the
ability to recognize business openings in a
legal setting or otherwise.
Motivation techniques
Participants are encouraged to maximize their
potential and in some instances, achieving the
right motivational heights will optimise the
participants' identified strengths.
