What is the status of the Diploma compared to a law degree?

There is no consensus on the best preparation for legal practice. Many eminent practitioners, including judges, senior partners and senior counsel, have entered law by taking the Board's examinations. The Board, as the admitting authority in New South Wales, regards both its own examinations and university law degrees equally as a professional qualification. There is agreement, though that in law your learning and preparation never stop.

How does the examination system work?

The Board appoints an Examiner and a Revising Examiner in each subject. The Examiner sets the examination according to the Board's syllabus, which is reflected in the Subject Guide prepared by the Examiner in consultation with the Law Extension Committee. The Examiner is usually the Committee's lecturer in the subject. When the examination is set, it is reviewed by the Revising Examiner.

Examination scripts are marked by the Examiner, and in some cases by additional markers. As an additional safeguard, any failed paper achieving a mark of 40% or above is marked again by the Revising Examiner.

Do I enrol as a University student?

No. You enrol with the Legal Profession Admission Board. You must undertake the Law Extension Committee's educational program in each subject you take, but your enrolment is with the Board, you sit for the Board's examinations and you are a candidate for the Board's Diploma in Law.

What if I fail or don't make much progress?

Failing a subject twice leads to exclusion from the course. Failing to sit for two examinations in any two successive semesters also leads to exclusion. It is possible to apply for the exclusion rules to be relaxed. Further information on rules contact the Board or visit the Board's website.

Can I apply for exemptions on account of previous study?

Students who have completed, before becoming Students-at-Law, units in law degree courses at recognised universities may apply for exemption from certain subjects that are considered substantially equivalent to those in the Diploma program. Students should note rule 97(9) of the Legal Profession Admission Rules. Further information on exemptions contact the Board or visit the Board's website.

Is full-time study possible?

Yes, although the lecture program is scheduled for part-time students. Special permission is needed to take more than the prescribed number of subjects in a semester and the capacity to undertake additional subjects must be demonstrated. Further information contact the LPAB or visit the Board's website.

Is HECS-HELP or Austudy available?

The Higher Education Loan Program (HECS-HELP) does not apply. The Board's course has been approved for Austudy, which is means-tested scheme of financial assistance for full-time students.

Further information on Austudy is available from your local Centrelink office. Please note that an application must be made to the Board for permission to enrol in more than two subjects per semester prior to completing the first eight subjects.

Can I go on to further study?

Yes. After completing the Diploma you may be eligible for candidature in a university Master of Laws (LLM) program, or other specialised postgraduate law courses. Diploma students have a successful presence in the University of Sydney's prestigious postgraduate program.

Where can I sit for examinations?

Currently there are scheduled centres in New South Wales: Sydney, Parramatta, Albury, Armidale, Broken Hill, Canberra, Dubbo, Lismore and Newcastle. In exceptional circumstances a student may apply to take an examination at an unscheduled location in Australia or overseas. An additional fee applies if such a facility can be arranged. Further information on examinations contact the LPAB or visit the Board's website.

What options exist for graduates, other than legal practice?

Lawyers are in demand in a wide range of occupations, including accountancy, government departments, insurance, banking, finance, media and sport.

Is there still a difference between barristers and solicitors?

Although flexibility between the two arms of the profession is increasing, in New South Wales you may still practise as a solicitor or as a barrister. Barristers traditionally provide specialist advocacy and advice. If you wish to practise as a barrister after admission as a lawyer, you will also complete a Bar Practice Course conducted by the Bar Association. Further information is available from the Law Society and the Bar Association, and the equivalent bodies in other states: Links to professional associations

What if I wish to practice law in a jurisdiction in another state or territory?

The protocol of "mutual recognition" entitles lawyers who are admitted to practice in any jurisdiction in Australia to applying for registration in any other jurisdiction in Australia.

What special arrangements can be made for me if I have a disability?

Please contact the Board to discuss your particular needs.

What happens on completion of the course?

The University makes available to the Board its Great Hall for the Diploma in Law presentation ceremony. Once each year the Board's Presiding Member presents diplomas to those who have successfully completed the Board's course of examinations, the Chair of the Law Extension Committee introduces a guest speaker, and relatives and guests are invited to attend a reception afterwards.

For those entering the profession, study has not yet finished. Practical Legal Training is required for practice, and can be undertaken in a variety of modes at several institutions. You should enquire fairly early in your program as to the cost and suitability for your needs of the courses available.

For admission in New South Wales, courses at the following institutions are recognised by the Board: The College of Law, St Leonards, The University of Technology, Sydney, The University of Woolongong, The University of Western Sydney and Univesity of Newscastle.