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 LPAB examinations. The LPAB, 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 LPAB appoints an Examiner and a Revising Examiner in each subject. The Examiner sets the examination according to the LPAB syllabus, which is reflected in the Subject Guide prepared by the Examiner in consultation with the LEC. The Examiner is usually the LEC 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 LPAB. You must undertake the LEC educational program in each subject you take, but your enrolment is with the LPAB, you sit for the LPAB examinations and you are a candidate for the LPAB Diploma in Law.

Why aren't lectures available on line?

The LEC believes that legal education is best delivered in person. Encountering the unique range of dedicated practitioners and expert academic teachers through the course gives students a comprehensive experience of legal scholarship and culture. Our Subject Guides and extensive electronic resources are designed to provide sufficient supplementary material for distance students, when combined with the Weekend Schools.

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. For further information on rules, contact the LPAB or visit the LPAB 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.

Pursuant to Rule 80, no person is entitled to receive a Diploma-in-Law unless he/she has sat and passed at least half the LPAB examinations. For further information on exemptions, contact the LPAB or visit the LPAB 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. For further information, contact the LPAB or visit the LPAB website.

Is HECS-HELP or Austudy available?

The Higher Education Loan (HECS-HELP) and Fee-HELP Programs do not apply. The LPAB course has been approved for Austudy, which is a 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 LPAB 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 and the ACT: Sydney, Parramatta, Albury, Armidale, Broken Hill, Canberra, Dubbo, Lismore and Newcastle. For further information on examinations, contact the LPAB or visit the LPAB 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 practise law in a jurisdiction in another state or territory?

In most jurisdictions a local practising certificate entitles you to practise without having to seek admission. However, you should contact the local Law Society or Bar Association.

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

Please contact the LPAB to discuss your particular needs.

What happens on completion of the course?

The University makes available to the LPAB its Great Hall for the Diploma in Law presentation ceremony. Once each year the LPAB's Presiding Member presents diplomas to those who have successfully completed the LPAB course of examinations, the Chair of the LEC 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 LPAB: The College of Law, St Leonards; The University of Technology, Sydney; The University of Wollongong; The University of Western Sydney and University of Newcastle.