Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and desperately require you advice. I have been offered a place with both USQ/RMIT in their respective JD programs. I work fulltime and live in melbourne. I previously did a graduate diploma in law and legal studies at La Trobe University and completed 6 of the preistly 11 + 1 elective. USQ has given me 7 exemptions were has RMIT has not given any. I am in a dilemna weather to do the USQ JD with the exemption and a cost saving of 15K or go with RMIT as they have better ranking in the world + they have a lot of industry networks.

Any help you are able to provide is much appreciated

Rex

hello rex

before giving my opinion on your query, I would just like to quickly confirm that you are intending to do both programs externally?

Also, have you investigated whether RMIT would be happy to credit those 6 subjects towards your JD electives (I am assuming you requested for credits towards compulsory/core subjects).

Cheers,
G

The RMIT program is based at thier Bourke Street Campus. The USQ program is done externally i.e. via online channel. The 6 core subjects I had done at La Trobe were as part of Post Grad Diploma in law and legal studies. Unfortunately they have advised me that they don't offer credits for Post Grad Diploma.

Thanks for you promt reply.. once again any help you are able to provide is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Rex

Hi Rex

In that case, my suggestion would be for you to consider the Monash JD. Like the RMIT JD, it is conducted in the City and catered to working professionals so the timetable should not be an issue for you.

As far as I know, Monash will also likely be willing to consider giving you credit as well.

Also, I think one of the key considerations would be the State you eventually intend to practise in. USQ will teach Queensland law and RMIT will be teaching Melbourne law so this is also something you should definitely take into consideration!

Cheers,
G

Thanks mate.. Thanks for you advice.

Cheers,

Rex

my view is that you will need to understand what your target is in acheiving your degree.

For example, if you intend to apply to the NY Bar, you will find difficulties in getting correspondence studies recognised.

If you intend to join a large Melbourne firm, the particular firm may have a preference for a particular uni, although I don't believe that this is usually a requirement amongst the firms (Others might have a different experience).

If you just want to get the qualification as soon as possible that may be another consideration.

I have a UNE degree by correspondence and I loved it after transferring from the NSW Dip Law LPAB (needed to be exorcised after this one....aaaaargh). The correspondence studies meant that I could study at my own pace and use my own methodology, great for someone who has a family or other commitments and for those who want a life.

Don't worry too much about cross-jurisdictional issues they can easily be remedied. Anyway, there is a current move towards recognition between the states in Australia.

After obtaining your LLB/JD you'll need to do your prac training. Seriously consider ANU. Why? because you can do extra online subjects and reduce the requirement of 80 days prac down to 20 days. How does that help...well you don't hafta give up your real job for months on end.

Further consideration should be given to advanced standing towards post grad quals. At ANU, the dip leg prac converts to a LLM (Leg Prac) with four extra subjects that you likely could do for your MCLE. Subsequent to that a distinction average may see you being eligible to transfer to the Doctorate in Juridical Science. Check out both LaTrobe and QUT on the SJD as well.

By the way, if you're looking for status and your own university doesn't give you any...a top up with an ANU LLM might give you the status you're looking for, as its recognised as being in the top 20 uni's in the world.

You might consider the specialisations of the uni that you wish to study at; they have varying directions

cheers

Judge Mentday

Thank you very very much... the information that you have shared is something that I don't think too many people know about...I will defintely look at masters from ANU.... It is one of those Universities that I would love to be part off.. thank you once again

Cheers,

Rex
Rex