File Management and Strategic organization: Shining your way through the Bar course

By Anthony C.K. Kakooza Lecturer, Faculty of Law, U.C.U

Introduction

Purpose of File management and strategic organization: To chart a way forward for the student To create an appreciation and adaptation to the LDC environment in terms of culture and sustainability To remove the complacency that goes with open book exams for law students generally.

Reviewing the environment

Skills that make a good lawyer are: - Interviewing (how to and what to ask) - Counselling (appropriate legal advice in appropriate manner) - Negotiating (right strategy to employ) and - Drafting (proper writing and documentation).

 Reviewing

the environment is about appreciating your own strengths and weaknesses in the LDC environment so that you can develop the most effective strategy in successfully attaining the Bar diploma.

This paper therefore addresses:

Reviewing the external environment - Responding to the reading and exam culture at LDC - Identifying potential associates or discussion group mates Identifying stakeholders in achieving success - Identifying stakeholders interests - Getting the best from your stakeholders Managing Data

Responding to the reading & exam culture

LL.B Class notes/files are vital & relevant at LDC. Prepare box files with relevant LL.B reading lists for the 5 core LDC Subjects in the areas of land, Domestic relations, criminal, civil and commercial areas. When compiling research, go beyond looking at the ordinary and basic authorities. Make use of other libraries other than at LDC, e.g M.U.K and UCLF libraries, as well as local websites www.ulii.org & www.judicature.go.ug

Contd . . .

Avoid the LDC lazy mans plague relying purely on precedents sometimes they are right, sometimes they are inaccurate and misleading. They can also stagnate your independent-thinking capabilities as a lawyer for ever.

Identifying potential associates

There is strength in resolving legal issues through group work discussions. Groups help in : - identifying latest amendments/repeals in the law. - effectively exhausting arguments in lengthy legal problems, especially where the responsibilities are shared out. - File Management, e.g comparing notes on missing data in respective files.

Identifying & benefitting from stakeholders

Firm mates/group mates through discussion groups. LDC Librarians can assist and train you in knowing where & how to find the law. They know what you need & where to get it. LDC Lecturers & external partners -can offer assistance & guidance in studies & material as well as future internship & job prospects. Photocopier facilitators- can provide documentation when you need it, sometimes before you even know that you need it.

Managing Data
Managing

data is about ensuring prompt access to information in ones file in order to know how to effectively address problem questions in an exam or in the weekend individual assessment exercises

Managing file data helps one to Identify and obtain the information you need; Record and store the information in a way that makes it easy to retrieve; Use the information to forecast future trends and developments in the law; Easily present the information and communicate effectively in answering exam questions.

Obtaining & evaluating information:

When addressing a problem question, identify what information you require. Review your sources of information. Develop your networks that can assist you. Seek out all relevant information. Try alternative ways of getting information. Draw appropriate conclusions supported by relevant information and reasoned argument.

Recording & storing information

Record information in appropriate detail depending on how you plan to use it. Make sure you can retrieve the information promptly when required, e.g use book marks. Review your methods for recording and storing information, through your discussion group, to check the efficiency and effectiveness of your methods.

Presenting information and legal advice

Make sure your information is current, relevant & accurate. Check that your legal arguments and advice are consistent and flow with the law, and that they conform to the documents drafted. Support your advice with legal authority. Communicate effectively never presume the existence of mutual comprehension. Present your information & documentation in an appropriate manner.

Conclusion
Effective file management and strategic organization at LDC trains one in the concept that a good lawyer is one who knows how to get to where the law is, retrieve it, interpret and present it in a clear and concise manner.

This is the key to success at the Centre. Gods blessings go with you.