Hello,
What a great forum!

The short version of my question is: Can I practice law in NZ or Australia with a GDL and LPC from UK and what would I need to do to be able to do this? (I am NZ citizen so no visa probs).

The long version in case further info is useful:
In the UK there is an option to convert a non law degree in to a law degree by doing a one year full time (or 2 years part time) Graduate Diploma in Law, followed by the Legal Practice Course (another 1 year full time or 2 years part time) followed by a two year training contract. I know the NZ courses are much longer than this I'm not sure about in Australia.
I am due to start in September, but as I am originally from New Zealand and would like ultimately to return to either NZ or Australia, then I really want to be sure that I am going to be able to work in NZ or Australia without having to do massive retraining. For various reasons its not an option for me to return to NZ or Aus just yet, but as I'm 32 I'd like to get going on retraining sooner rather than later. I have a degree already in an unrelated field.
I have gathered that the regulations differ a little between states in Aus. I am interested in living in Melbourne, or possibly the east coast.
I've had a lengthy read of lots of posts on here but as my LLB would be via a slightly different route to the normal degree route I'm not sure what exactly applies to my situation.
Thank you for any help and information.

Hi busterfriendly,

I am not really sure about the standing of the GDL from UK in Australia but would advise you to contact a University in Melbourne (e..g Monash or Melbourne University).

I have had friends from the UK who completed the LLB. They were only required to complete Australian Constitutional Law and Administrative Law. Thereafter, they had to do a practical legal training program in Australia to meet the requirement. If you have had work experience and can demonstrate understanding in specific areas, i THINK some states are willing to exempt you from it - you will only have to enrol in selected courses.

Again, I must mention that I am unfamiliar with the GDL in Australia and you should contact the relevant bodies in Melbourne. In the worse case scenario, you can look into enrolling in a 3-year JD with Monash or Melbourne University. The GDL should give you credit towards the 'elective' component, reducing your JD to 2 years or so.

Regards
Greg