The Malaysian CLP: What You Need to Know & How to Prepare

The CLP is an exam-based qualification required for law graduates who have completed their degree outside of the local recognised programmes. It’s designed to ensure that you have all the necessary legal knowledge to practise law in Malaysia.

The exam consists of five papers:

• General Paper – Focuses on Malaysian Contract Law and the Law of Tort
• Evidence – Encompasses all aspects of proving a case in criminal prosecution and civil litigation
• Civil Procedure – Addresses the procedural rules governing civil litigation
• Criminal Procedure – Outlines the legal process following a criminal charge
• Professional Practice – Includes areas such as bankruptcy, legal ethics, advocacy, probate, and land law

Sounds like a lot? It is—but don’t panic! With good preparation, you’ll be just fine, no really, you will be just fine. Stop panicking!

What to Expect from the CLP

The CLP is known for being rigorous, and passing rates can be daunting. You’ll need to cover a vast amount of legal material, and the syllabus is highly detailed. Be prepared for:

• Heavy reading – You’ll need to go through case law, statutes, and procedural rules. (A lot of them)
• Structured answers – Examiners expect clear, well-structured legal arguments.
• Time pressure – You must master the art of answering concisely and effectively.

Beginner Tips to Tackle the CLP

1. Start Early

This is not an exam you can cram for (trust me). Start reading your materials from day one and pace yourself. Treat it like every other exam (unless you are someone who crams, then definitely don't treat it like any other exam).

Breaking down the syllabus into weekly goals can help keep you on track.

2. Master the Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare is by practising past year questions. These give you the much-needed perspective into the examiner’s expectations and common question patterns. Try timing yourself when attempting them to build speed and accuracy. (Probably one of the best techniques to adopt)

3. Summarise Your Notes

With the sheer volume of content, you can’t afford to memorise entire textbooks. Learn to summarise the key cases and legal principles into short but digestible notes. Flashcards or mind maps work wonders too!

4. Join a Study Group

Studying with others can help keep you accountable and expose you to different perspectives. Discussing difficult topics with your friends makes it easier to retain information and learn new study techniques.

5. Understand, Don’t Just Memorise

The CLP isn’t just about recalling facts—it’s about applying legal knowledge. Focus on understanding the principles behind cases and procedures rather than just memorising them.

6. Stay Organised & Stick to a Schedule

Plan your study timetable in advance. Set aside time for reading, revision, and practice questions. Spreading out your workload will prevent last-minute panic. (Disclaimer: Panic may still be present)

7. Take Care of Yourself

Burnout is real! Make sure to take breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep. A tired brain won’t absorb information efficiently.