Week 5 involved more research, compilation of trial bundles, and translating court orders.

One interesting task for this week was finding ways to address a legal issue with a particular challenging client. In short, the AP was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road and suffered fractures and lacerations. Unlike typical APs, he viewed himself not as a layman but as someone knowledgeable about the law. This often turned meetings with legal aid counsel into debates. The AP sought to maximize his compensation, but this would have resulted in double compensation, which is legally prohibited (the law prohibits double compensation to maintain fairness and prevent unjust enrichment). To assist in this matter, I conducted research to find authoritative source of law to clarify the legal position and manage the client’s expectation. This experience also demonstrates the importance of striking a balance between advocating for clients and upholding public interests.

I also drafted an EC quantification for another case and attended a client meeting with a tearful AP, who would appear in my next blog.