Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

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.

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.  For September 2020, the Learning Intensive will be held online.

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: 

• Banking and Finance Practice
• Criminal Law Practice
• Family Law Practice
• Wills and Estates Practice

All elective coursework subjects are delivered online.

Program Dates for 2020

Please note that the online Learning Intensive will run for five (5) days.

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 information@bond.edu.au.

To speak to the GDLP Coordinator, please call +61 7 5595 2284 or email GDLP@bond.edu.au.

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

Bond University calendar

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.