BA of Laws and BA of Commerce

Do you dream of having your own legal practice? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce will give you a competitive edge as it draws upon the teachings of both the School of Law and the School of Business. For students who wish to become lawyers, having a solid understanding of business can help you succeed both in your legal practice and in assisting your business clients. Alternatively, if you wish to start your own business or work within the corporate environment, having a sound understanding of the legalities surrounding your work will also serve you well. Start your learning journey today.

Why study this degree?

• Designed with some of Australia’s most prominent legal professionals, this combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce places a strong focus on experiential and case-based learning. When undertaking the legal component of the degree, you will find that Notre Dame’s small class sizes give you ample opportunity to engage in spirited debate and discussion.
• Furthermore, we also encourage students to participate in our Mentorship Program. Working in collaboration with highly respected law practitioners, this unique program bridges the gap between law students and the legal profession. The program connects penultimate and final year students with experienced legal practitioners who provide guidance and advice on matters such as elective choices and applying for clerkships.
• Similarly, the inclusion of a Business Internship in the Commerce component of your degree forms yet another opportunity for you to implement the skills you have learned in a real working context. Held over three phases, you will undertake classroom-based learning in phases one and two before undertaking a four-week industry placement in your third phase. By adding this industry experience to your already impressive formal qualifications, you will graduate with a keen competitive edge.

Learning outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours), graduates will be able to:
• Write effective and professional documents adapted to suit the purpose and audience
• Develop and deliver effective and professional presentations adapted to suit the purpose and audience, using appropriate technologies
• Synthesise, interpret, and apply information in order to resolve legal problems
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of foundational legal concepts, principles, and theories, and apply and transfer knowledge to diverse national, regional, and international legal contexts
• Undertake self-directed learning with an appreciation of the value and importance of engaging in continuing professional development
• Provide social justice in the community including the provision of legal advice on a pro bono basis
• Use ethical and socially responsible decision-making skills
• Critically reflect on the influence of Catholic and other philosophical and intellectual traditions on the law and on their role in resolving legal issues
• Work responsibly and collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve shared outcomes
• Conduct independent legal research and employ appropriate legal research methods and sources to locate, evaluate, synthesise, and present accurate, up-to-date, and reliable legal sources
• Critically evaluate, analyse, and deploy evidence in support of a research thesis and communicate their findings in both oral and written form (Honours Only)
• Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Commerce, graduates will be able to:
• Apply the professional skills of their chosen business discipline through the ethical delivery of strategy, advice and services
• Reflect on their performance and implement change as necessary
• Think critically, reason and use judgment in preparation for their professional practice
• Identify relevant evidence-based research for use in professional analysis and advice; and
• Identify their own values and beliefs and be empowered to act on these values to advocate for people with whom they are engaged.