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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Private Client
Reference LLM191 Version 3
Created August 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved September 2018 SCQF Points 20
Amended August 2023 ECTS Points 10

Aims of Module
To develop the practical skills of taking instructions from clients, advising on testate and intestate succession, preparing wills, administering executries, preparing and advising on power of attorney documentation, guardianship and related applications. Developing a working knowledge of trusts and IHT matters.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Interview and take instructions from a client for preparation of wills. Write to the client advising on basic matters in relation to estate planning, including the giving of simple tax planning advice and plan and draft a suitable will and other testamentary documentation for a client taking account of the tax implications
2 Advise a client on matters in relation to intestate succession including prior rights and legal rights, distribution of the estate, identify the appropriate executor on intestacy and draft the related documents. Acquire knowledge of Bond of Caution.
3 Understand and apply the law of testate succession and interpretation of wills. Learn how to administer an executry, demonstrate an awareness of the implications of income tax and capital gains tax and Inheritance tax on the executries and beneficiaries. Gain awareness of the forms that are required in the winding up of an estate. Gain awareness of the exemptions and allowances available to estates.
4 Understand and explain the law on trusts including tax implications and be able to recognise the different types of trusts.
5 Draft appropriate documentation for appointment of attorney or guardians / intervenors. Be aware of the timescales surrounding these. Be aware of the role of the Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland. Have an ability to advise on options of executing advance medical directives and the requirements surrounding these.
6 Communicate with clients, solicitors and businesses by letter, telephone and email in a professional manner. Appreciate when the most appropriate time is to use each of the above methods. Have an awareness of the Law Society guidance relating to any/all of your areas of practice.

Indicative Module Content
Interview skills, professional communication by letter writing, telephone and email, testate and intestate succession, drafting testamentary and intestate documents, tax planning, administering an executry, law of trusts, the law on incapacity, appointment of attorney or guardian, advance medical directives.

Module Delivery
Small group tutorials/seminars, role play, problem solving, drafting exercises,forum postings, quizzes and portfolio building

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 52 52
Non-Contact Hours 148 148
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 200 200
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Description: Role play and written coursework exercises
Component 2
Type: Coursework Weighting: 0% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Description: such online activities as are required to complete the participation element of the module

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The module is assessed by way of a single assessment component weighted at 100%. Additionally there is a participation requirement which is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Relative to the participation requirement each student is normally required to pass such online activities as identified in the module. Non-submission or non-completion of the competencies will result in an NS grade. An overall minimum grade D is required to pass the module.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A:Pass
B B:Pass
C C:Pass
D D:Pass
E E:Pass
F F:Pass
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module None.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Currie on Confirmation is available on Westlaw therefore to all students who access the RGU website and pages. It is also available in our library. The course documentation is on the Moodle page. Students should refer to the styles etc posted, if advised to by their tutors.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 GIBBS, A. and GORDON, A., LAW BASICS - SUCCESSION 2012. Succession.. most up to date ed. Edinburgh: W. Green. (Law Basics series)
2 SCOBBIE E.M., 2010. Currie on Confirmation of executors. 9th ed. Edinburgh: Thomson/W. Green


Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781