LizzyTinKnicks

I'm not incorrect. The uniform principles are clear. In respect of people who have done some or all of the study needed in the UK but not qualified: Academic exemption will only be given for subjects which normally lead to admission AND is substantially equivalent to a 3 year LLB. The GDL satisfies the first but not the second. You might have a chance of getting it through under rule 2.3 but it's a long shot.

OP also quoted rule 2.4 about GDL and CPE. However as I read it that relates to *admission*. You can't get as far as admission without first having your academic exemptions granted and then the practical training ticked off.

I don't have any faith in the information the lpab gives out over the phone. You can't guarantee that whoever you're speaking to knows every permutation of situations and the rules. I've been given wrong info myself which I only realised was wrong when I properly read the whole of the rules.

OP asked whether it was different in each state. I gave what I thought was helpful info for nsw. I'm also not being judgmental. OP said that 'on the information' she was given they'd booked flights, ad now with this confusion they potentially won't be going. Hence why I said I was surprised that they'd made such huge life decisions on the basis of an email which contradicted what the rules say.

I don't wish to get into pointless arguments with a stranger over the internet, especially as I'm going round in circles now on the facts. Nothing I've said about *academic* exemptions is wrong. I'll be willing to come with my tail between my legs once you've successfully applied for and been granted academic exemptions for your GDL. I'm sure we'll all be delighted to hear how you've done it.

 

If you actually read my first post I did say I know the GDL is not an LLB equivalent. I am merely asking why I would not be eligible to have my GDL even assessed as I know others have without having done an LPC, I am prepared and have accepted that I may need to do in excess of 10 subjects before even beginning an Australian LPC.

 

 

You can't apply to have your qualifications assessed because as far as the LPAB is concerned, there is nothing to assess as the GDL doesn't count for the purposes of academic exemptions.

Also, DON'T do the LPC unless you're planning to train and qualify in the UK. The LPC is worthless over here unless you've then gone on to qualify. (I speak from experience! I have the LPC but am still required to do the PLT.)

If you come over post LPC but pre-qualification you'll still be in the same boat as having to get an LLB or equivalent and do the PLT, but having wasted thousands on a worthless LPC. Sorry.

The Uniform Principles couldn't be any clearer: the GDL simply doesn't count for the purposes of academic exemptions which is the first stage of qualifying. You need to have an LLB. IMO that's perfectly reasonable for maintaining the integrity of the profession.

In the UK you do GDL+LPC +2 years TC so by the time you qualify you're a well rounded lawyer. Here, you do LLB or Diploma in Law plus 6 month PLT at which point you qualify. With the best will in the world, do you really think you should be entitled to be admitted as a solicitor on the basis of 1 year GDL + 6 month PLT?? Hence the reason why you will need to have academic study under your belt.

In NSW you can study for the LPAB Diploma in Law which is equivalent to the LLB for the purposes of admission. Pretty much anyone is eligible to take this diploma (no prior qualifcations required). Vic might have an equivalent?

NSW stuff is here http://www.lpab.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lpab/legalprofession_index.html

Tbh I'm a bit surprised you'd make such huge life decisions such as emigrating on the basis of an email or two from a random person at the Law Soc and without even reading up on the rules to satisfy yourself that what they were saying was right, ESPECIALLY when you knmoew (or ought to have known) that it contradicted what the rules clearly state.

Oh and JPs (justice of the peace) are often in local libraries for a few hours a week too.

Yeah the non-Saturday deliveries is quite annoying! Also- it can take up to a week for interstate post- I've had items sent at the same time and from the same postbox arrive in the UK before the matching one arrived in Queensland!

Randomly, Aldi are the only shop/supermarket that sells booze along with food! But only in some stores in ACT, NSW and Vic, the enlightenment hasn't spread as far as QLD, WA, NT or Tassie.....

http://aldi.com.au/au/html/product_range/22425.htm?WT.z_src=main

The Champagne ($25) is pretty good all things considered, and a LOT cheaper than equivalently cheap champagne in BWS/Liquorland

'A park' usually means somewhere to put your car rather than a green open space. As in: I couldn't find a park. There's a park over there!

Domestic, free-to-air tv is appalling. You'll definitely need to investigate alternatives such as foxtel, big pond TV, bbc international iplayer, quickflix, or one of the many legal/semi legal/ non legal sources available.

Also: many people use "fair dinkum" frequently and unironically. It's probably best to resist the temptation to snigger when they do!

Even in professional offices, people find it hard to comprehend that your husband irons his own shirt.

A few random nuggets of wisdom there, based on my experiences so far!

To all you March/April lot still waiting - don't fret. I applied on 19 March and my visa (PR) was granted last week on 14 September! Mine was a very straightforward case but it still took almost the full 6 months they were quoting, so don't worry if you haven't heard anything yet. Am so relieved to finally have it though! (Although I must say, a bit of an anti-climax - all you get is an email to show for all the expense and hard work!)

I suspect that now that the estimated grant time has gone up from 8-9 months those of us who applied mid-march that are still waiting that the grant time is more like 6 months rather than 5.

 

Not that I am in any panic just yet!!

 

Dave........??

Dave I'm in the same position as you - applied mid March. Chased it a couple of weeks ago and my CO said "within the next few weeks"...so frustrating given that I've seen others who applied a week or two after me be granted theirs already! In the case of straightforward applications I just wish they'd be consistent