GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF LEGAL PRACTICE
THE PLT THAT OPENS DOORS
ACAP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LIV
Open doors to genuine connection with the legal profession.
The business of law is changing and becoming more complex than ever: new areas of the law are emerging, the technology used in law firms is evolving and new lawyers are increasingly expected to be well-rounded individuals. When embarking on your career as a lawyer, you need a Practical Legal Training (PLT) provider who can give you an advantage in today’s changing legal environment.
This new Practical Legal Training is brought to you by ACAP University College in partnership with the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), Victoria’s peak body for the legal profession. Combining ACAP’s expertise in delivering professional tertiary education and LIV’s leadership within the legal profession, we are setting a new benchmark by offering you the perfect pairing of industry-led, applied learning and genuine connection with the profession through complimentary LIV Graduate membership.
WHAT IS PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING?
Practical Legal Training is one of the steps Victorian law graduates need to complete to be admitted to the Australian legal profession. This step must be completed with a VLAB accredited PLT provider after completion of an approved undergraduate law degree.
WHAT THE ACAP AND LIV PARTNERSHIP BRINGS
“The PLT course combines ACAP’s deep knowledge of psychology, management, and criminology with LIV’s legal sector heritage and access to leading legal practitioners and mentors for our students.
Together we are preparing our students to succeed in the PLT program, by offering the practical legal skills and extended personal and professional skills imperative for their career success.”
Lucy Schulz Acting General Manager, ACAP University College
“We’ve heard from legal employers in private practice, government, community and in-house roles that they’re looking for graduates with excellent legal skills, but also communication, technology and problem-solving skills, and an embedded ethical framework.
That’s why we’ve partnered with ACAP and re-thought the PLT – to provide you with the complete set of skills in demand by employers in a personalised, industry-led PLT experience that builds your connections with the profession.”
Adam Awty Chief Executive Officer, Law Institute of Victoria
A PLT DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE OF LAW
“The partnership between ACAP and the LIV is unique, and this is the only PLT of this kind in Australia. ACAP has the expertise in delivering professional educational outcomes and the LIV is in a perfect position to translate the needs of the profession into the future of legal education.
This new GDLP will really open doors for students to the profession.”
Adam May GDLP Course Leader, Australian Lawyer and Australian Legal Practitioner
Complete coursework in 14 weeks – graduate sooner than your peers
“In addition to the threshold curriculum requirements of the Uniform law, the ACAP PLT course is designed to equip young lawyers with the skills necessary to thrive in their new careers. This includes embedding digital literacy and leadership as core skills, and supporting and training young lawyers to embrace change, manage pressure and thrive in a collaborative environment.”
Genevieve Collins Chief Executive Partner, Lander & Rogers ACAP GDLP Advisory Committee Member
Mentor guidance from industry experts throughout 10 hours of legal professional engagement – to connect with the profession from day one
A NEW BENCHMARK IN PLT DELIVERY
Truly flexible learning with multiple start dates, online study (14 week full-time and 28 week part-time study available) and no exams.
A unique course design informed by the profession to meet the needs of both graduates and employers.
Complimentary LIV Graduate membership and opens doors to a lifetime partnership of professional and networking opportunities.
10 hours of professional engagement so you have the opportunity to learn how various parts of the profession work.
An applied learning ethos that means that everything you do in your course has a practical application in the workplace when you graduate.
Work placement assistance supported by the LIV to fully immerse yourself in the legal profession.
A strong ethical framework and health and wellbeing strategies to build your resilience to embark on a sustainable and enjoyable career.
Personalised assistance to assess the skills and experience you bring to the course, giving you the ability to get the most out of your PLT.
WHAT OUR PLT GRADUATES SAY ABOUT US
“The ACAP and LIV PLT course taught me valuable skills which I will undoubtedly continue to use throughout my legal career. The unwavering support and guidance provided by the faculty created an environment where I felt empowered to explore, learn, and grow as a legal professional. The practical focus of the course proved to be immensely helpful as it provided me with hands-on experience and real-world skills that directly contributed to my success in starting my legal graduate job.”
“Being fresh out of university, I was stressed and cautious about my next move. I wanted to ensure that I picked the right PLT course that would have a long-term benefit and my first impression was to look at the PLT courses that were established longer as I assumed it would be ‘better’. My only advice is “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I felt like I was taking a risk choosing ACAP, but it was the best decision I had made.”
“I chose ACAP’s GDLP for my Practical Legal Training to prepare for admission to practice law. ACAP’s innovative approach to PLT in Victoria, well-supported online learning, and key partnership with the Law Institute of Victoria made it the perfect choice!”
“The best thing about studying at ACAP was the great course leader and mentor, and their innovative approach to teaching. ACAP is more than an educational institution—it’s a community of professionals dedicated to your academic and professional growth. I found my journey at ACAP immensely rewarding.”
“I chose to study the new ACAP Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) course because of ACAP’s partnership with the Law Institute of Victoria. I felt that the partnership would provide ACAP with a great deal of industry knowledge and connections. ACAP has a good reputation and was recommended by people I know in other fields, which helped me make my decision. As I worked and volunteered 5 days a week, the flexibility that this course provided was essential.”
“I couldn’t recommend ACAP’s PLT course highly enough. It prepares you well for everyday tasks as a lawyer, it is a flexible program (self-paced and online), efficient time-frame and excellent support from staff. The practicality of the tasks was excellent and prepared me very well for legal practice.”
Anastasia
Sharon
Kristen
Sean
Sarah
Jess
COURSE STRUCTURE
There
PLT COURSEWORK
COMPULSORY (STUDENTS COMPLETE ALL FOUR)
Lawyer’s Skills and Values
Civil Litigation Practice
Property Law Practice
Commercial and Corporate Practice
ELECTIVES (STUDENTS CHOOSE TWO)
Administrative Law Practice
Banking and Finance Practice
Criminal Law Practice
Consumer Law Practice
Employment and Industrial Relations Practice
Family Law Practice
Government Law Practice
Planning and Environmental Law Practice
Wills and Estate Practice
TOPICS
Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Legal Practice Skills, Financial and Accounting Principles, Critical Thinking and Future Focus, Work and Business Acumen, People and Society, Technology in Law.
Intake, Assess and Advise a Client, Procedures and Negotiation, Evidence and Advocacy, Settlement and Enforcement.
Standard Contracts and Forms, Pre-contract Issues, Contract and Pre-settlement, Settlement and Post-settlement.
Advice on Commercial Structures, Negotiate a Commercial Transaction, Document a Commercial Transaction, Finalise a Commercial Transaction.
TOPICS
Identify Administrative Decisions and Avenues of Review, Obtaining or Responding to a Review of an Administrative Decision, Preparing for Hearing and Finalisation of a Matter.
Acting for a Borrower, Acting for a Lender, Ethics and Finalisation.
Arrest, Charge and Bail, Case Resolution and Plea in Mitigation, Preparing a Case for Trial.
Regulatory Framework, Advising on a Consumer Law Matter, Settling a Consumer Law Matter.
Employment Rights and Obligations, Avenues for Redress, Resolution and Enforcement Actions.
Pre-action Procedures and Early Dispute Resolution, Preparing a Defended Matter, Appearing and Finalising the Matter.
Taking action to implement Government Law Practice outcomes, Advising and Representing the Government Employer, Procedures and Ethics.
Planning Applications and Planning Schemes, Pre-application Issues Avenues for Review, Objection to Planning Applications.
Acting on Behalf of the Testator, Acting on Behalf of an Estate, Acting on Behalf of a Beneficiary.
WORK EXPERIENCE
LLP4013
Workplace Experience A 15 Days (compulsory)
Workplace experience is a key component of the GDLP course and provides you with an important professional development opportunity.
You will undertake work in a professional legal context and have the opportunity to engage with practising lawyers, legal staff, government officers, and clients, providing real-world opportunities and experiences to apply your learning from the coursework.
Through ACAP’s partnership with the LIV, students have access to a variety of high-quality host organisations across the profession, with whom we can help place you.
Workplace Experience B 45 days
(self-organised work experience or additional course work)
In the Workplace Experience B component of the GDLP, you will be required to undertake 45 days of additional workplace experience comprised of:
LLP4020 - 45 days of self-organised workplace experience.
OR
LLP4021 - 30 days + 1 x 3 week coursework block (1 additional elective from those not previously completed in GDLP Coursework component).
OR
LLP4022 - 15 days + 2 x 3 week coursework blocks (2 additional electives from those not previously completed in GDLP Coursework component).
OR
LLP4023 - 3 coursework blocks (3 electives from those not previously completed in GDLP Coursework component).
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Recognising that a lawyer’s work is not restricted to the office, the course also incorporates a legal profession engagement, offering an opportunity to access the breadth of development opportunities being a member of the LIV has to offer. Examples can include attending legal networking events through the LIV, contribution to legal policy sections and working groups to understand and influence law reform in an area of law you are passionate about, or volunteering in access to justice schemes.
For a full list of requirements to complete the course regarding coursework, workplace training and professional engagement see: acap.edu.au/plt
DATES
There are regular intakes available throughout the year to suit your study and career goals.
Check acap.edu.au/PLT for more information on dates.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be admitted into the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice you must meet the following criteria:
• Completion of a Bachelor Degree or higher in Law leading to admission to the legal profession.
OR
• Have no more than two academic subjects to complete in a Bachelor Degree or higher in Law, of which neither are Priestley 11 subjects (1).
AND
• You are completing these units while undertaking the PLT course.
AND
• You have received the prior permission of the Admitting Authority (VLAB) to commence the PLT course.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1
Go to acap.edu.au/pages/how-to-apply-domestic-students
Step 2
A Course Advisor will be in touch 24 - 48 hours after you have submitted your application.
In the meantime you should start gathering the documents needed to finalise your enrolment including:
• Passport or Australian Driver’s Licence/State Photo ID Card.
• Evidence of your citizenship e.g. Passport or Birth Certificate.
• Relevant Academic Transcripts (such as Degree Certificate).
Step 3
If your application is successful, within 3-5 days you will receive confirmation of your enrolment into the ACAP PLT, the fees payable and the commencement date.
Email and Post
You can email your application to: apply@acap.edu.au or mail your application form and relevant documents to:
ACAP Admissions, Locked Bag 11, Strawberry Hills, NSW, 2012.
FEES AND FUNDING
In addition to student fees, students also need to be aware that there may be additional costs, e.g. textbooks, that you might need to consider.
ACAP University College courses are priced per unit.
For domestic course fees, visit acap.edu.au/courses/graduatediploma-of-legal-practice/#course_overview__fees--domestic
ACAP’s domestic GDLP course fees apply to the following students:
• Australian citizens.
• Australian residents.
• New Zealand citizens.
• Permanent humanitarian visa holders.
ACAP’s international GDLP fees apply to international students in Australia on a visa other than a student visa (e.g. a temporary graduate visa). We advise international students to seek independent immigration advice about their visa options.
For international course fees, visit acap.edu.au/courses/graduatediploma-of-legal-practice/#course_overview__fees--international
FEE-HELP
FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan available to eligible domestic students enrolled in one of ACAP’s Higher Education courses in order to help pay part or all of their tuition fees.
To determine your eligibility and apply for FEE-HELP, please visit the Commonwealth Government’s Study Assist website: studyassist.gov.au
TECHNOLOGY
All ACAP courses require access to high-speed internet, therefore costs associated with internet access, computing, printing etc. may need to be taken into account.
FIRST NATIONS SCHOLARSHIP
ACAP University College and the LIV are proud to offer a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice scholarship to an eligible First Nations student each intake, providing full tuition coverage.
Learn more at acap.edu.au/pages/fees-payments/scholarships
2025 ENROLMENT SCHEDULE
In partnership with
ACAP University College Pty Ltd. TEQSA Provider Category: University College, TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12009, National CRICOS Provider Code: 01328A, RTO: 0500, ACN: 057 495 299.
The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of publication, however, ACAP University College reserves the right to alter, amend or delete details at any time without notice. Prospective students should refer to ACAP’s website for current information before applying. This guide is provided free of charge. 241030-1114 - 11/24.