About the program
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, also known as Professional Legal Training (PLT), is the link between a student''s law degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The PLT program is a coursework degree that provides structured and supervised legal training, based on the Competency Standards for entry level lawyers developed by the admitting authorities and the Australian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC). The on campus (full-time) program consists of the following three components: -Practical Legal Training: 1 semester (full-time); -Practical Experience (75 days); and -Continuing Practical Training (75 hours, undertaken concurrently with Practical Experience component).
Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will enable you to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia (except South Australia or Northern Territory). Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission in specific States or Territories.
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice program has three components, as follows:
1. Practical Legal Training component
The on campus (full-time) program concentrates on the development of ‘lawyering’ skills such as legal research, analysis and problem solving, legal writing and drafting, interviewing and oral communication, advising, advocacy, dispute resolution and professional ethics and conduct. These skills are taught in a practical context in a simulated office environment.
2. Practical Experience component
Students are required to complete 75 days of work experience in an approved law office in Australia. The work experience can be undertaken in more than one law office and can be completed prior to or after the Practical Legal Training component. Our PLT Coordinator can assist students in obtaining a placement.
3. Continuing Practical Training component
This provides students with a further 75 hours of training relevant to the Practical Experience component and is completed online. It is undertaken concurrently to the Practical Experience component.
Teaching approach
Bond Law’s unique personalised approach to teaching allows on campus students to benefit from one-on-one access to experienced practising legal professionals, PLT legal academics and acknowledged industry experts. Our visiting guest lecture program also gives our students first-hand knowledge from experienced legal professionals on practical legal and advocacy skills.
Academic entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 Bachelor degree in a field cognate to the proposed degree.
Please contact the Office of Future Students for further information.
Concurrent enrolment
Students will only be considered for concurrent enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with a maximum of two (2) subjects remaining in their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) Program.
- From 152 (May 2015) Semester onwards: At the discretion of the Director, PLT, students will only be approved with General or Law Electives remaining in their LLB or JD. Priestly Eleven Compulsory Law Subjects will NOT be approved.
- From 162 (May 2016) Semester onwards: At the discretion of the Director, PLT, students will only be approved with General or Law Electives remaining in their LLB or JD. Priestly Eleven Compulsory Law Subjects will NOT be approved. Students will also need to attach to their application the original letter of approval for concurrent enrolment from the Legal Practitioners Admission Board (LPAB), or its equivalent, in the State/Territory in which they intend to be admitted.
English language proficiency requirements
As tuition is delivered in English, all international students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English Language Proficiency Requirements for university study.
How to apply
Students must submit a Concurrent Enrolment Application Form for consideration at least three (3) weeks prior to the Program commencement.
Please note that in addition, students must also submit an official application for the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice via the Bond website.
Please contact plt@bond.edu.au or +61 7 5595 2284 to obtain a copy of the Application Form or for any concurrent enrolment enquiries.
Please note that the rules and conditions of concurrent enrolment are subject to change. Concurrent enrolment is not a ground for special consideration for students in relation to absence from class, extensions, assignments, assessments, exams, appeals, late withdrawals, etc. for their Law subjects or PLT. Students are required to attend all PLT compulsory sessions.
Students are reminded that admission to legal practice is your responsibility. If you have any concerns about how your concurrent enrolment may affect your eligibility to apply for admission to legal practice, you should contact the LPAB or its equivalent in the State/Territory in which you intend to be admitted.