Module Identifier LPM0505  
Module Title SOLICITOR'S ACCOUNTS  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Professor John R Williams  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Co-Requisite LPM0140 , LPM0215 , LPM0325 , LPM0405 , LPM0710 , LPM1310 , LPM0910 , LPM1010 , LPM1110 , LPM1210 , LPM0810  
Course delivery Lecture   Large Group Sessions  
  Seminars / Tutorials   Small Group Sessions  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment2 Hours Solicitors Accounts  50%
Semester Assessment1.5 Hours Business Accounts  50%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of double entry book keeping,

2. Prepare profit and loss accounts

3. Prepare balance sheets

4. Demonstrate an understanding of how to deal with client¿s money and the Law Society Rules in force.

Aims

The Solicitors Accounts module trains students to understand the fundamental principles of accounts and to be able to translate the rules into the business environment and the ethical dimension of a solicitors office.

Brief description

The module ensures that students understand and can prepare and interpret accounts, together with the practice and procedure of the way professional rules require solicitors¿ practices to be run.

Content

1. Double entry, Trial balances, Final accounts, Adjustments

2. Solicitors Accounts Rules,
the postings necessary between office and client accounts
Split entries
VAT
Use of petty cash, transfer of interest to clients
Law Society powers.

Module Skills

Problem_solving The subject is based on solving accounting problems and identifying the correct practical and legal steps. Students will be expected to be able to prepare client and office accounts and to resolve the various status of entries.  
Research skills All sessions require independent legal research; the ability to use the Library, Solicitors Accounts Rules and locate and act on the correct material will be developed in Small Group Sessions.  
Communication Students will act in groups and be expected to communicate to the session as a whole. Oral communication skills will be mainly developed in the Small Group Sessions and questions, answers and tasks will be encouraged in Large Group Sessions as all sessions will be interactive.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will learn in an interactive environment and be expected to develop their understanding and skills in independent learning.. The module demands reading, preparation for Large Group Sessions and Small Group Sessions, relevant research and reflection on the problems and case studies.  
Team work All Small Group Sessions are tutor facilitated with students working in groups of two, three or four. Future solicitors are required to demonstrate team work and this skill is developed by the format of the seminars Small Group Sessions.  
Information Technology Modern legal work relies on electronic sources and drafting. Students will be expected to draft accounts using spreadsheets. All materials will be placed on the Blackboard site Most of the legal research will require use of the electronic or online legal documents and cases  
Application of Number Students are expected to be numerate and will have to understand, explain and be assessed on Solicitors and Client Accounts.  
Personal Development and Career planning The subject area of Accounts is required for their future career. It will be a disciplinary offence once qualified not to follow the Accounts Rules.  
Subject Specific Skills Interviewing / writing/ drafting/ practical research.  

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7