FNU Offering GDLP in 2023
Fiji National University has introduced its newest Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) programme which will be offered in 2023.
The new programme is a six-month intensive professional level programme undertaken at a postgrad level for law students who have completed their Bachelor of Laws. Head of the Department of Law Adarshani Vikash said the programme is focused on the more practical aspects of legal practice.
Mr Vikash said GDLP programme also comprises of several courses which focus on the various areas of legal practice including civil and criminal litigation, litigation, conveyancing and so forth.
“The GDLP is an essential component of further legal learning, which must be completed by law graduates so that they can be admitted to the Bar,” he said.
“This is mandated by Fiji’s Board of Legal Education, and pursuant to the Legal Practitioners Act so if law graduates wish to be admitted to the Bar at the High Court in Fiji, the GDLP programme is a compulsory requirement.”
He added that the programme also aimed to offer hands on, practical experience to future lawyers who would enter the legal profession with the required skill sets.
Previously students were able to complete the programme at other universities.
However, as the numbers increased, so did the demand for the programme hence the move for FNU to offer the GDLP programme.
Mr Vikash said there has been a steady increase in the number of law graduates from FNU and the market demand for the programme has also increased.
“Our GDLP programme serves as an important component not only for FNU Law students, but to any law student from Fiji’s three universities who may wish to complete their GDLP,” he said.
“Since the GDLP is a requirement for Bar Admission and majority of our graduates study law so they be admitted to the Bar and practice law, it made sense to offer the programme for the benefit of law graduates.”
The GDLP programme also focuses on an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with an emphasis on Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation.
With the legal profession evolving of the years, Mr Vikash said there is an increase in demand for lawyers to offer a wide variety of services.
“ADR is key in helping provide clients with access to justice – the process occurs outside of the courtroom and works towards a win-win solutions for all parties involved in civil, employment, and property,” he said.
“We at Fiji’s National University prioritise our student and aim to equip them with updated and relevant skills and knowledge to cover a broad range of matters.”
Key focus areas
The GDLP programme at FNU aims to prepare law graduates by instilling the core values of the legal profession such as access to justice, impartial and unbiased client representation, excellent advocacy skills and ethical conduct amongst other vital skills.
Our programme also focuses on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with an emphasis on Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation.
The legal profession has involved and there is an increase in demand for lawyers to offer a wide variety of services. ADR is key in helping provide clients with access to justice – the process occurs outside of the courtroom and works twards a winwin solutions for all parties involved in civil, employment, and property matters amongst other – so our graduates can be equipped with a variety of skills.
The programme will be offered at the Nasinu Campus.
To get into the programme, completion of the Bachelor of Laws programme at FNU, or any
other university is required.rience are considered likely to be able to succeed.