Contract Law Problem Solving: A Structured IRAC Approach assessment

Objective

This assessment focuses on problem solving, legal reasoning, and legal writing.These are underpinned by sound case analysis and legal citation.

The objectives of this assessment are to provide students an opportunity to:

1. Demonstrate their understanding of the law discussed in video lectures, required readings, and tutorials;
2. Develop and demonstrate their case reading skills; and
3. Apply the IRAC approach to legal problem solving practiced in tutorials to produce a written legal advice on a fact scenario.

In doing this, students will progress towards subject learning outcomes (‘SLO’) 1, 3, 4 and 5. SLO 5 provides that, on successful completion of this subject students should be able to ‘ apply legal problem-solving skills to produce a clear, rational, coherent and professional written response to a contract law question using appropriate legal authority.’

A complementary objective is developing students’ legal skills, such as: acquisition of basic legal knowledge, and reading, understanding and citing case law and legislation.

Skills developed in this assessment will be applied again in the final exam.

Task

Provide a written response to the question posed by the assessment. See below for advice on how to structure responses.

The facts and question are found in a separate documents (please see additional documents)

• Contract Written Assessment Background, Facts and Question
• Release agreement 1
• Release agreement 2

You must identify, explain, and apply the correct and relevant legal rules to a scenario.

Correct legal citation is also expected. You must read the primary legal sources that you apply and provide pinpoint references for any propositions of law that you state.

This is not a research assignment . The primary sources of law that you may rely on are provided below under ‘ List of permitted authorities ’.

Identify the client and aims of client. Does the client want:
• to bring an action?
• defend an action?

Identify the cause of action(s) to obtain client's desired outcome /
best way(s) to defend a possible action.

Also identify what the other party will attempt to argue in return to
defeat the client’s aims. Assess the likelihood of success. Discuss
these counter arguments in your response.

Assessment Requirements

This assessment focuses on problem solving, legal reasoning, and legal writing, underpinned by sound case analysis and legal citation. The key requirements are:

1. Understanding and Applying the Law – Demonstrate knowledge of contract law principles discussed in lectures, readings, and tutorials.
2. Case Reading Skills – Read and analyze cases effectively, using them to support arguments.
3. Use of IRAC Method – Apply the Issue–Rule–Application–Conclusion (IRAC) framework to solve a legal problem and draft professional legal advice.
4. Client-Centered Analysis – Identify the client’s aims (whether to bring or defend an action) and determine relevant causes of action.
5. Counterarguments & Likelihood of Success – Anticipate opposing arguments and assess their strength in relation to the client’s case.
6. Legal Citation – Use correct legal references and permitted authorities to support reasoning.

The overall aim is for students to produce a clear, rational, and professional written response to a contract law problem while demonstrating critical reasoning and legal writing skills.

Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance in Approaching the Assessment

The academic mentor guided the student systematically through each stage of the task:

1. Breaking Down the Assessment Brief

   • The mentor explained the importance of carefully identifying the client’s position (bringing or defending an action).

   • Emphasized distinguishing between legal issues and facts in the scenario.

2. Introducing the IRAC Framework

   • Mentor revisited how to structure problem-solving using IRAC:
     • Issue → Identify the legal issues from the fact scenario.
     • Rule → State the correct legal principles and cite permitted authorities.
     • Application → Apply the law to the client’s specific facts.
     • Conclusion → Give reasoned legal advice.

   • Student was guided to use this structure consistently across each issue.

3. Using Permitted Authorities

   • Mentor highlighted that this is not a research assignment; only listed authorities could be used.

   • Student was trained to cite primary sources accurately, with pinpoint references.

4. Analyzing Client’s Aims and Counterarguments

   • Mentor encouraged the student to:

     • Identify the client’s desired outcome clearly.
     • Anticipate possible arguments from the opposing party.

     • Weigh up the likelihood of each side’s success using case law.

5. Structuring the Written Response

   • Mentor guided the student to keep the response logical, concise, and professional.

   • Emphasis was placed on maintaining an academic writing style while presenting practical legal advice.

6. Review and Refinement

   • Mentor reviewed drafts, checking clarity, flow, and legal accuracy.
   • Ensured arguments were evidence-based, not just descriptive.

Final Outcome & Learning Achievements

Through this guided approach, the student:

• Produced a structured written response that directly addressed the client’s legal problem.
• Correctly applied the IRAC method to multiple issues in the scenario.
• Demonstrated case reading and legal citation skills, using permitted authorities effectively.
• Evaluated both the client’s position and the strength of potential counterarguments.
• Showed improved ability to provide clear, rational, and professional legal advice in line with subject learning outcomes (SLOs 1, 3, 4, 5).

The process not only helped complete the current assessment but also developed transferable skills (legal reasoning, citation, case analysis, client-focused advice) that will be valuable in the final exam and professional practice.

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