Juris Doctor

Get the knowledge and practical skills you need to excel as a legal professional with La Trobe's Juris Doctor. In this accredited degree, you'll build strong foundations in your legal career with our core subjects and develop specialist knowledge with our electives, each designed in collaboration with judges and senior lawyers. You'll be immersed in the big city legal experience, with small and flexible evening classes at our City Campus in the heart of Melbourne's business district and court precinct. You can start in Semester 1 – or, you can get a head start in Term 6 the preceding year. If you start in Term 6, or if you complete summer electives, you can fast-track your degree in just 2.5 years. You'll also have the opportunity to undertake practical legal training (PLT) if you finish all core subjects by the end of Semester 1 in your third and final year. This means you could gain both qualifications within three years. You can benefit from generous scholarships saving up to 25% on fees for the duration of the degree with a La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship. In addition, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are available to students who have achieved a 5.5 grade point average (GPA) in their previous studies. By completing La Trobe's Juris Doctor, you will: build a strong foundation in legal theory, research and practice develop your skillset in client interviews, negotiation and mediation, advocacy and legal drafting gain real-world experience through placements and internships with leading law firms, government and community organisations, the La Trobe Legal Clinic and more graduate with an accredited degree, with the Juris Doctor satisfying the academic requirements for admission to practice law in Victoria on meeting the additional requirements set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB).