Faculty of Law

Degree Programs

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PLT)

COURSE OVERVIEW | COURSE STRUCTURE

An on-line version of this program will be available from January 2009 (subject to University approval). To register your interest, email us your details.

2008 / 2009 SEMESTER DATES

September 2008
15 September 2008
5 December 2008
January 2009
2 February 2009
24 April 2009
May 2009
1 June 2009
21 August 2009
September 2008
14 September 2009
4 December 2009

Note that these dates are for the on-campus 15 week component only- they do NOT include the 15 week placement which students complete after the on-campus component.

Duration: 30 weeks (15 weeks on-campus, 15 week placement)
NOTE: Students who have a completed Legal Skills subject may be eligible for a 3 week credit for the on-campus component.

Semester Intakes: Each January, May & September

Entry Requirements: Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor qualification.

Program Description:

The Program concentrates on the development of ‘lawyering’ skills including legal research, fact and legal analysis,problem solving, legal writing and drafting, interviewing and oral communication, advising, advocacy, and dispute resolution. These skills are taught in a number of legal practice areas. The Program also provides students with instruction in work and management skills, professional conduct and ethics and general accounting..

Program Structure:

Students complete a 15 (or 12) week intensive on-campus component where they receive instruction in small classes, followed by a 15-week placement in a law firm. Students who have completed a legal skills subject in their LLB or JD may be eligible for a 3 week credit for the on-campus component. The Faculty aims to assist students with obtaining their practical experience, which may take place in any part of Australia or even overseas (subject to prior approval). The 15 weeks of practical experience will be augmented by a further 75 hours of Continuing Practical Training. This is undertaken by distance learning during the 15 weeks of practical experience.

Professional Outcomes:

The Professional Legal Training (PLT) Program is a postgraduate qualification that entitles law graduates to be admitted as solicitors in Queensland and NSW. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice may also receive credit into the Bond’s Master of Laws (Legal Practice)for a Bond PLT is Introduction to Common Law and one 15 cp elective.

Professional Recognition:

The course is modeled on the New South Wales Law Society’s Professional Program and has been accredited by the admitting authority in Queensland. On the basis of the Program's accreditation in Queensland, students will be able to seek direct admission in New South Wales. Students intending to seek direct admission in other states in Australia must ascertain from the relevant Admitting Authority as to whether the Program's accreditation will allow direct admission in that State. Mutual recognition legislation also facilitates the process of practitioners admitted in one State seeking admission in other Australian jurisdictions.

Further Information:

  • Australian students may take advantage of Fee-Help funding arrangements.
  • Overseas-trained lawyers may also undertake this course, but usually must complete additional undergraduate study before being eligible for admission in Australia. As assessment of the additional subjects required can be completed by the Student Services Manager (or any Queensland Law School). The cost is $250, and it will usually take 2-4 weeks. An original or certified copy of your academic record is required, along with Handbook descriptions of your degree structure and individual units completed. In all cases, applicants should check admission requirements with the relevant Legal Practitioners Admission Board in Queensland or New South Wales.
  • The practical experience component may be undertaken in any part of Australia or even possibly overseas, subject to certain conditions and prior approval from the Program's Directors. Students intending to seek admission to practice in Queensland however must undertake their practical experience in Queensland and under the supervision of a Queensland lawyer in a Queensland law firm.
  • Enquiries about the Program from potential students should be addressed to the Co-Directors, Libby Taylor and Kathy Atkins.