Your pathway to a stand out legal career
Enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) and complete your practical legal training (PLT) to become workplace ready. Taught by industry professionals, you will receive all the practical training and essential skills needed to become a practising lawyer.
Competitively priced, the GDLP program at Bond University provides flexibility of study to suit your circumstance as domestic students can choose to study either online or on-campus.
Be Ready for Admission
Our practical legal training program is designed to prepare you for admission as a lawyer. Hear from our academics and alumni about the Bond GDLP program.
Experience the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
What our students say
"The program balances practical skills and knowledge development with real life legal experiences in local firms, government departments and the courts. Feedback is detailed and focused on what it would look like in real practice; and our questions are answered by knowledgeable and experienced members of the profession."
Key features
- Premium quality, personalised learning experience at a competitive price
- Flexible options: online, on campus, full-time, part-time
- Innovative and interactive learning modules
- Complete the course in 2 semesters (full-time)
- Experienced legal practitioners as instructors and mentors
- Personalised support in securing a legal placement
- Full range of university resources including world-class law library
About the program
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is a postgraduate program offered by the Faculty of Law, and is the link between a student’s law degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The GDLP provides students with a structured coursework learning environment as well as supervised legal training. The program is based on the competency standards for entry level lawyers developed by the admitting authorities and the Australian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC). Show more
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is a postgraduate program offered by the Faculty of Law, and is the link between a student’s law degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The GDLP provides students with a structured coursework learning environment as well as supervised legal training. The program is based on the competency standards for entry level lawyers developed by the admitting authorities and the Australian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC).
Successful completion of the program will enable students to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia and in some overseas jurisdictions. Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission in specific States or Territories. Show less
| Mode | On Campus |
| Duration | 2 semesters (8 months) |
| Starting semesters |
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| Program type | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Study area | Law |
| Program code | LA-43059 |
| CRICOS code | 098084C |
| Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected] |
Successful completion of the Bond GDLP will enable you to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia. The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice meets the standards to prepare law graduates for admission to practice as a solicitor. Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission in specific States or Territories.
Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP)
The GDLP can be completed online or on-campus. Trainees must complete a compulsory five (5) day learning intensive at the start of the program.
The GDLP has two components, that students will need to complete; the Compulsory Component and the Elective Component. A sample study plan can be viewed by clicking here.
1. Compulsory Component
As part of the Compulsory Component, you will need to complete:
- Law Placement (30 days) + Transition to Practice
- Learning Intensive + four (4) compulsory subjects;
The compulsory subjects will include:
- Civil Litigation Practice
- Commercial and Corporate Law Practice
- Financial and Ethical Responsibilities
- Property Law Practice
2. Elective Component
In the Elective Component, you can choose to complete EITHER:
- Two (2) electives coursework subjects + an Elective Law Placement; or
- Four (4) elective coursework subjects;
Students can select from the following Electives:
All elective coursework subjects are delivered online.
Program Dates for 2019
| Semester | Intensive / Start of Program | End of Program |
|---|---|---|
| May 2019 | 13 May 2019 | 14 December 2019 |
| September 2019 | 9 September 2019 | 16 April 2020 |
| January 2020 | 13 January 2020 | 15 August 2020 |
Please note that the Learning Intensive will run for five (5) days.
The below fees are based on the total cost, fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.
- 2019 fees: $20,330
- 2020 fees: $21,050
When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than if you went to another university.
This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.
Find out your financing options and other costs to consider.
Academic entry requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is offered to students who have completed a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor program at an approved Australian institution (or equivalent).
Please contact the Office of Future Students for further information.
Concurrent enrolment
Students will be considered for concurrent enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice:
- at the discretion of the GDLP Director;
- with a maximum of two (2) electives remaining in their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) program; and
- with written approval from the Legal Practitioners Admission Board (LPAB) or its equivalent in the State/Territory in which the student intends to be admitted.
Please note: Students with Priestly Eleven compulsory subjects to complete cannot be approved for concurrent enrolment.
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 the Office of Future Students for any enrolment enquiries on 1800-074-074 or email [email protected].
To speak to the GDLP Coordinator, please call +61 7 5595 2284 or email [email protected].
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 GDLP. Students are required to attend all GDLP 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.
Key dates
What our academics say
Tanya Atwill
The practical workshops and skill based material delivered by experienced legal practitioners together with one-on-one mentoring for trainees and access to services like the Career Development Centre are invaluable and set Bond GDLP apart from other providers.
Tanya Atwill
The practical workshops and skill based material delivered by experienced legal practitioners together with one-on-one mentoring for trainees and access to services like the Career Development Centre are invaluable and set Bond GDLP apart from other providers.
Further study
Are you interested in further postgraduate study? In addition to applying for admission, upon completion of the GDLP program, students have the option of continuing their studies to obtain a Master of Laws. The LLM is a postgraduate law qualification that provides flexibility and choice with a wide range of specialist areas, which means you can design your Master's degree to suit your area of interest and needs.
Upon successful completion of the GDLP program, students will receive credit for two of the eight subjects in the LLM program.
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