Required Study & Training

A serious and successful study of law is not for the faint-hearted. A law degree demands determination, commitment, and a good deal of stamina and intellect. It requires a good memory, the capacity to analyse and reason, and the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes.

But the rewards can be great. The knowledge and skills gained from a law degree will equip a graduate with an invaluable foundation for a career in law, or many other careers.

Recognised Law Degrees

Although students have the option of completing a single Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree, today most combine a law degree with another degree.

There is no requirement to complete a double degree to gain admission as a lawyer - most students choose a double degree to enhance their employment prospects upon graduation. Completion of a double degree usually takes about five years and a single degree takes four years.

At present in Queensland there are six law schools. See the internet links page for links to their websites for more information.

Practical Training

Graduates wishing to be admitted must also undertake additional legal training through either successful completion of a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course, or by serving as a Supervised Trainee.

PLT courses are designed to equip graduates with the practical knowledge for entry into legal practice. Generally PLT courses cover training in areas such as ethics, legal writing and drafting, interview skills and other common practice-related skills.

At present in Queensland all of the above law schools, excluding James Cook University, the University of Queensland & the University of Southern Queensland, offer PLT courses as well as courses for Trainees. The Law Society, in collaboration with The College of Law Queensland also offers an approved PLT course as well as courses for Trainees.

Alternatively, graduates may serve as a Supervised Trainee at a law firm. Serving traineeships is a form of on-the-job training which offers the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in a practice environment while earning a wage.