PLT: Gain admission to practise law
Become workplace ready with the Faculty of Law’s accredited Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (also known as ‘PLT’). Taught by industry professionals, you’ll receive all the practical training and essential skills needed to become a practising lawyer.
The PLT program at Bond University provides flexibility to study as domestic students can choose to study either full-time (on-campus) or online with the option of full-time or part-time study. More information on the PLT Online program is available here. International student visa holders must study on campus on a full-time basis.
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What our students say
“The PLT course at Bond really comes highly recommended. I felt prepared for many of the tasks and the level of professionalism of the lecturers and feedback was brilliant. The material given to us was detailed and so useful. I think it really is a well-coordinated program that definitely assisted me through my practical placement.”
Key features
- Small class sizes creating a personalised learning environment
- Dedicated support in seeking practical placements in your area of interest
- Taught by academics who have extensive industry experience
- On-going mentoring and assistance towards admission
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). Show more
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). 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-43004 |
| CRICOS code | 063183M |
| Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: sbc@bond.edu.au |
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.
The total program fees for the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice are:
- $19,639
- $20,330
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
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 be considered for concurrent enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice:
- at the discretion of the PLT 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 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.
Key dates
Program variations
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is also offered online and students have the option to study either part-time or full-time. The online version is not available to international students intending to apply for a student visa.
What our academics say
“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 PLT apart from other providers."
Further study
Are you interested in further postgraduate study? In addition to applying for admission, upon completion of the PLT 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 PLT program, students will receive credit for two of the eight subjects in the LLM program.
How Bond Law graduates are embracing opportunity
Bond University Alumnus Matt shares how his time on campus drew him to a career in the Commonwealth Department of Social Services in Canberra, Australia.