Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

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University of Adelaide

Australia , Adelaide

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

077967G

Application Fee

AUD 110

Campuses

North Terrace Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesFebruary-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 19,000 / Year(s)

Next Intake February-2024

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

About

Approach the bench

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is a compulsory requirement to be admitted as a barrister and solicitor in South Australia. It provides practical legal training for law graduates.

To apply, you must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or met the criteria specified by admitting authorities in your state or territory. If you studied your LLB overseas you'll need to have your qualifications accredited by the South Australian Board of Examiners before you can commence the GDLP. You can contact the Law Society of South Australia to discuss these requirements.

The GDLP program is designed to be flexible around other requirements. You'll choose between weekday, after-hours and weekend classes. There is also an accelerated pathway, which can be completed in 20 weeks. You will:

complete six core courses
select two electives aligned to your interests and career goals
undertake five hours minimum of continuing professional development
build real-world skills through 30 days (105 hours) of legal practice placement.

After gaining admission, you can apply for a Practising Certificate in other Australian states and territories via mutual recognition.

Hear from our GDLP students

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry to postgraduate coursework programs as a minimum requires a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification from an approved institution as a qualification for entry. Some of the graduate certificates and graduate diplomas that are offered may be accepted as qualifying work for entry to a Masters program, or as professional qualifications in their own right. For further information.

Career

Career Readiness

Graduates will be fully qualified to practise law in Australia, and pursue rewarding careers as a barrister, solicitor or lawyer.

Hear the benefits of studying GDLP

Co-developed by the South Australian Law Society and the Adelaide Law School, you'll be getting the best of the best when you complete our GDLP.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.

Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Teamwork and communication skills
Professionalism and leadership readiness
Intercultural and ethical competency
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
Digital capabilities
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Most students complete their placement in a legal office, for example in private practice or a government legal services department.

Although most students source their own placements, the Law Society of South Australia members of the GDLP staff can assist. Placements are allocated on a priority basis and whilst we endeavour to place students in their first choice practice area, this cannot be guaranteed.

GDLP students complete a placement handbook to ensure that they complete real legal tasks and "hit the ground running" on day one of practice as an admitted lawyer.

Professional Accreditation

GDLP graduates can apply for direct admission to practise as a barrister and solicitor in South Australia. Once admitted in South Australia, they can also apply for mutual recognition from the admitting authorities of any other Australian state or territory they wish to practise in.

Potential careers

Barrister, Solicitor, Jury Consultant, Lawyer / Solicitor / Barrister

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

AUD 19,000

Application Fee

AUD 110

How to Apply

Online application checklist

Complete the student agreement (IDP applicants only)
Attach the following as PDF files
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates for all school and tertiary studies you have undertaken (original language and certified English translations)
- Official English testing results from IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson or Cambridge CAE/CPE (if applicable)
- Syllabus of subjects if you wish to be considered for advanced standing (credit transfer)
- Any professional qualification or memberships you may have
- A copy of your passport and visa (if applicable)
Payment of AUD $110 for the Application Fee (required upon submission)

System Requirements

The application site is optimised for:

Chrome 30, Internet Explorer 11, Firefox 27, Safari 7.
You must use an English language keyboard
Your screen area needs to be set at least at 1024 x 768 pixels or higher resolution to ensure you are able to view the Scroll Bars and Continue buttons within the services