THE PLT AND ME
Your comprehensive guide to the what, why and how of your PLT.
Now that you’ve completed (or nearly completed) your law degree, you have a strong theoretical understanding of the law.
But you’re not ready to enter the workforce. Not yet.
Your future employer will also expect you to have critical practical skills relevant to the law – so that you can add value from day one.
And that’s exactly why the Practical Legal Training (PLT) program exists. To help you bridge the gap between uni and the real world.
Think of your PLT as the perfect finishing school. A space to practise your skills and build your confidence as an entry-level lawyer who’s ready to soar.
With this guide you’ll be able to:
• Find answers to common questions (that you may be afraid to ask)
• Prepare yourself for what’s involved in PLT
• Discover how to secure your work experience component
• Choose the right PLT provider that aligns with your lifestyle
• Gain insider tips from PLT graduates for getting the most out of this training
ACADEMIC LAW DEGREE
PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING
FIT AND PROPER PERSON
ADMISSION AS AN AUSTRALIAN LAWYER
OTHER LEGAL/NON-LEGAL ROLES E.G. IN-HOUSE OR GOVERNMENT
WHAT’S INSIDE?
01
WHAT IS PLT –AND HOW WILL IT BENEFIT YOU?
PLT, or Practical Legal Training, equips you with the skills to transition from law student to law professional.
To practice as a lawyer, you’ll need to enrol in PLT at the end of your academic studies. After completing the course, you’ll receive your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) (CRICOS Provider Code 069734C).
With your GDLP, you’ll be eligible to apply for admission as a legal practitioner in your state or territory.
What the PLT will teach you (that uni didn’t)
Whether it’s drafting an affidavit, preparing a Statement of Claim or negotiating contracts, you will learn by doing – not by reading – throughout your PLT.
And that means no formal exams or academic essays to worry about. Just practical, hands-on tasks and activities to prepare you for the realities of legal practice.
But of course, to enter the real world with true confidence, you’ll need more than technical skills.
That’s why some PLT providers also offer subjects on core business skills – including communication, understanding finances, legal tech and cyber risk.
How you’ll benefit with PLT
REAL-WORLD CONFIDENCE
Because the program reflects a real-world learning curve, you will be ready for the day-to-day realities of legal practice.
MENTORSHIP
Receive guidance from successful and reputable lawyers who are active in practice.
COMPETITIVE EDGE
Stand out in a competitive job market by learning cutting-edge legal business skills – such as chatbot building and cyber risk & security in legal practice.
NETWORK
Forge lifelong professional connections with classmates and lecturers.
What does it take to complete PLT?
PLT is comprised of three essential components that you have up to four years to complete.
These are:
• Component 1: Coursework
Attend workshops, complete five compulsory subjects, and take two electives.
• Component 2: Work experience
Apply your knowledge to everyday legal problems in a legal environment.
• Component 3: Continuing professional education
Open your eyes to the importance and value of ongoing professional development.
DID YOU KNOW?
Your PLT can be genuinely valuable
Your PLT shouldn’t merely be about ticking a box.
Sure, you do need to complete the program to get admitted. But at The College, our goal is to get you as career ready as possible and set you up for success.
That’s why we engage expert advisory groups to design and continually review our curriculum. We make sure it remains highly practical and relevant.
With us, you’ll focus on real-world tasks rather than oldschool theory. You’ll learn from successful lawyers who are still in practice. And you’ll benefit from our strong industry partnerships and connections during your studies –and long after, too.
Pia Castelli, PLT Lecturer, The College of Law
02HOW YOU WILL LEARN DURING YOUR PLT
As a graduate lawyer, you want to hit the ground running and forge a reputation as a capable practitioner.
But to go from classroom to courtroom, you need to be able to apply the theory you learned at uni. How? By solving common legal problems. Completing hands-on tasks. And seeking constructive feedback every step of the way.
Because when you learn through real-life scenarios, you become skilled in the key areas that practising lawyers experience day in, day out.
Every PLT provider does this differently. Read on to see what you can expect at The College of Law.
Kicking it off with live workshops
Your PLT training will begin with five days of live workshops (online or on campus).
Designed to get you up to speed and prepared for the coursework to come, these workshops will give you the opportunity to start building your new real-world skills – such as client interviewing, negotiation and advocacy.
You’ll also gain insights and tips from highly qualified instructors to prepare you for the day-to-day demands (and rewards) of working in a legal practice.
Whether you participate online or on campus, these workshops are highly interactive with many opportunities to engage with your facilitator and classmates.
Completing your online coursework
After the workshops, it’s time to put your skills to the test in a safe learning environment.
It’s our role as educators to prepare you for practice success. That’s why our coursework component is designed to help you succeed.
You’ll get:
• Access to all content from day one
Plan your schedule ahead of time and study at your own pace.
• Every resource you’ll need (and then some)
Receive all the insights and guides you’ll need (without any textbooks).
• Work that mimics real life
Navigate tasks that simulate what it’s like to practise as a lawyer.
• One subject at a time
So you can stay focused on your studies and skill development.
• Expert mentoring
Be guided through the program by a qualified lawyer with extensive experience.
• A safe learning space
Refine your skills and receive feedback in a constructive environment.
• An opportunity to resubmit tasks
PLT isn’t about acing tests – it’s about receiving every opportunity to build your legal toolkit.
DID YOU KNOW?
Presenting well is a legal thing
Presenting confidently to peers and clients is a task all lawyers need from day one of their career.
Unfortunately, many universities do not provide enough opportunities for students to build this skill in realworld settings. That’s why presenting is a key component of the PLT program at The College of Law.
At the end of each subject, you’ll undertake a practice ready review that simulates the conditions you’ll experience in actual law firms.
Here’s how it will work – and why you’ll be a more competent lawyer for it.
• Work on a client file
For each subject you’ll be given a case file and your lecturer will step into the shoes of your supervisor –mimicking how real matters operate.
• Undertake a practice ready review After completing your tasks in each subject, you’ll have a conversation with a supervisor about how and why you came to your conclusions and discuss your readiness for realworld practice.
• Engage in interactive learning
Beyond static written exams, the oral format offers you the chance to seek guidance and advice from your supervisor. They will ask questions, encouraging you to articulate your reasoning.
• Grow your confidence
During your PLT, you’ll sit down with a senior lawyer on six occasions to review your work and to have constructive conversations on improving your skills.
03HOW TO SECURE YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE
You need to undertake a set number of days of work experience to complete your PLT.
Easy, right? Unfortunately not.
Today’s job market is extremely competitive. And because the demand for legal graduates with work experience is so high, there can also be a lot of competition to get work experience.
So how should you go about it?
Like every good lawyer (to be), you’ll need to be tenacious, adaptable, resilient –and above all, strategic.
Open your mind – and get yourself out there
Many students feel they should flock to the big firms for work experience. But that is not and should not be your only option.
Your work experience placement is eligible as long as it occurs in the delivery of legal services and you are supervised by a legal practitioner who meets your local ‘Work Experience Rules’. This means you have more options than you think when it comes to looking for placement.
These include:
• Summer clerkships
• Paralegal work
• Volunteering at community legal centres
• A placement with Legal Aid
• Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (excluding WA)
• Organisations with in-house lawyers
• Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
• Government policy and planning work
• Judge’s associate or tipstaff
• Assisting barristers in chambers
• Working in government or semigovernment departments
• Assisting tribunal members
Also, you don’t have to wait for your mandatory work experience to explore opportunities
Instead, start as soon as you can – ideally while you’re still at uni. The sooner you can get a foot in the door, the better.
Prepare to send out a lot of applications
If you think you can simply apply for three or so job opportunities and secure one, think again.
In this highly competitive industry, a few applications won’t get you very far. While the quality of your resume and cover letter is important, so too is the quantity of applications you send out.
To improve your chances of success, you need to apply for as many jobs as you can.
And then some more for good measure.
Broaden your search and explore the hidden market
If you’re struggling to secure a position through major job sites like SEEK and Indeed, you may need to broaden your search.
There’s a wealth of opportunities waiting to be discovered via the hidden job market.
Take some time to go out, talk to people, and forge connections within the profession.
The key is to be genuine, inquisitive and purposeful in your interactions. Reach out to the right people and ask specific questions. For example: What’s it like to work in a commercial law firm?
What are the day-to-day tasks of working in criminal law?
Build a genuine relationship with the firm. Learn people’s names and roles. Demonstrate your capabilities and worth before raising the prospect of employment.
Showcase your skills
In a job application, you need to demonstrate how diligently and consistently you’ve developed your skills beyond your law degree.
Your application should outline a range of skills and experience. Ideally these will be law-related, but you should also highlight any leadership or community initiatives you are a part of.
Other general workplace skills, such as communication skills and time management, are also relevant to the legal profession, so it’s important to include them all.
Build your industry knowledge
The more insights you gain from experienced legal professionals, the better you’ll present to employers.
So take the time to read industry articles and attend career-related webinars. These learnings will help you position yourself for interviews and prepare for the transition from student to professional.
DID YOU KNOW?
Free careers resources are available
The College of Law runs free career webinars every month where legal professionals offer their application and interview advice – and law graduates share their stories on their first year in practice.
We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online resources to help you secure your first legal role. You’ll get invaluable tips on how to craft the perfect resume, write a killer cover, nail the job interview and more.
Be prepared, be ready
To increase your chance of success at interviews you need to be well prepared. That means thoroughly researching the organisation and its leaders.
You should go into the interview knowing who they are, what they do – and most importantly – what skills you can offer them.
Anticipate the questions they might ask and practise tailored answers that demonstrate your abilities.
Want to stand out from other candidates? Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Keep your industry knowledge fresh
Employers are looking for applicants who are up to date with the latest industry developments.
Have they recently worked on a high-profile case? Will any new rules or regulations affect the industry in the coming months?
They also want people who are looking towards the future – and excited about it.
So make sure you’re reading articles and listening to podcasts. It shows your genuine interest and demonstrates how conscientious you’ll be as an employee.
You can also remain in the legal loop by staying connected. Involve yourself in The College of Law committees, join mentor programs and sign up for newsletters.
DID YOU KNOW?
A career coach is on hand
If you choose to complete your PLT through The College of Law, you’ll have free access to a career coach.
Your coach will work with you to develop a structured career plan. From exploring career avenues, to preparing for interviews, to crafting your LinkedIn profile, you’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to excel.
Whatever your situation, the College has you covered
Can’t find work experience?
We know that some law graduates find it difficult to get work experience. That’s why we offer an alternative where you can complete significantly fewer days of work experience.
You only need to complete 15 days (25 days in WA) of work experience if you also complete additional online coursework.
Already completed work experience as an undergraduate?
Good news! The College of Law may deem this placement eligible for your PLT. Get in touch to find out if your retrospective work experience qualifies.
04GETTING ADMITTED: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR PLT
Once you have completed your academic studies and PLT, you are ready to apply for admission to the Supreme Court in your state or territory.
Becoming a legal practitioner is an honour and represents the culmination of years of study and determination. The final stage of your journey towards admission is making an application to the Supreme Court in your jurisdiction.
Your admission requirements
You will need to satisfy the following three requirements to be admitted by your relevant admission board:
1 Evidence of your academic qualifications
Your academic transcript from your law degree will need to be sent to the relevant admissions board.
2 Evidence of your PLT If you complete your PLT through the College, we will automatically send your completion certificate and conduct report to your state admission body – so you won’t need to do anything further to provide evidence of your PLT.
3 Suitability and capacity (a ‘fit and proper person’)
Of the three requirements you need to satisfy to be admitted as a lawyer in Australia, being deemed a ‘fit and proper person’ might seem the most mystifying.
Essentially this is an issue of ethics – ensuring legal professionals charged with interpreting, arguing, and in some cases drafting the law are of good moral character.
The ‘fit and proper person’ requirement imposes a duty on you to disclose any criminal, academic or general misconduct that may reflect on whether you are a fit and proper person.
It is a broad requirement, and it is worth looking into the rules imposed by the admitting authority in your jurisdiction.
Admission ceremony
If your application for admission has been successful, you must attend an admission ceremony. At the ceremony, you will:
• Take an oath of office or make an affirmation of office
• Sign the Supreme Court Roll
• Receive your Certificate of Admission
At the ceremony, your admission will need to be ‘moved’ by someone who is either:
• On the Supreme Court Roll (whether or not they hold a current practising certificate), or
• An Australian legal practitioner, provided they hold a current practising certificate
Your practising certificate
Before you can practise as a solicitor, in addition to being admitted to the legal profession, you also need to hold a practising certificate.
A practising certificate is a licence allowing a solicitor to provide legal services.
Below is a list of the organisations that issue practising certificates in Australia:
• ACT – ACT Law Society
• New South Wales – The Law Society of New South Wales
• Northern Territory – The Law Society Northern Territory
• Queensland – Queensland Law Society
• South Australia – The Law Society of South Australia
• Tasmania – The Law Society of Tasmania
• Victoria – Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner
• Western Australia – The Legal Services Board of Western Australia
Once you have received a practising certificate in one Australian state or territory you are able to practice local law in any other Australian state or territory.
Continuing your development
To stay informed with the latest developments – and maintain your practising certificate – you need to undertake regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development) or MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education).
The regulations vary between states and territories, so be sure to check the rules in your local area.
DID YOU KNOW?
You will receive lifelong benefits as a College PLT graduate
The end of your PLT with the College is really just the beginning. The beginning of your legal career. And the beginning of your learning journey as an agile and inquisitive legal practitioner.
As a College PLT graduate, you will be part of the largest network of legal professionals in Australia. You will also be entitled to:
• Free access to our career coaches for one year after you complete your PLT
• Invitations to exclusive networking events and career development opportunities
• Potential credit towards your LLM/Applied Law
• Discounted CPD courses
05WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PLT PROVIDER
Before choosing a PLT provider, you want to be sure that you will be able to learn your way with flexible study options – while getting the most out of the experience as possible.
How will you know?
Start by asking if they have rolling enrolment dates, so you can begin ASAP and finish quickly too. And importantly, find out if the program offers ample opportunities to practise the skills you’ll need most as an entry-level lawyer.
Here’s what to look for in a PLT provider
Regular intake dates
Many providers only have one or two intakes a year.
But others offer numerous start-dates –because they know that the sooner you start your PLT, the sooner you can start your career.
That’s why you want a provider that can scale their intakes. If your chosen provider is sold out when you’re ready to go, it’s going to delay your career taking flight.
No capped enrolments
Some of the smaller PLT providers limit the number of students they can take on at one time. This means you may be forced to wait for months on end for a spot to become available.
At The College of Law, we don’t limit our intakes. This means, so long as you meet the prerequisites, you’ll be guaranteed a spot in our very next PLT intake.
No waiting. No worries.
Local campus, local content, local practitioners
If you prefer face-to-face learning, you want a provider that offers workshops, with a campus near you.
You’ll also want to know that the PLT content is tailored to the location you intend to practise in.
The College of Law delivers its PLT at 15 locations across seven states or territories. All content is also locally tailored – and taught by local practitioners.
Study your way
As you complete your PLT, you’re also probably juggling a job and other responsibilities. You need a course that understands your competing life commitments.
Consider the program’s delivery options, assessment timing and part-time and full-time options. If you’re unsure, speak to the provider you’re considering.
A course you can complete quickly
Not all course durations are equal. You’ll likely want to get your PLT done and dusted ASAP – so make sure you understand the course length you’re committing to.
The College of Law PLT is the shortest course on the market.
Our full-time course is only 15 weeks (and our part-time course is 30 weeks).
Focused on real-world skills
Most PLT providers aim to prep you for the real world, but some – arguably – do it much better than others
So how do you ensure your potential course stacks up?
First things first: do some research on your future lecturers. You want to be learning from lawyers with boots on the ground.
Next? Check the coursework requirements. They should be real-world relevant – offering opportunities to practise and sharpen your skillset in a low-risk environment.
Finally, be sure that the course you choose focuses on more than just technical legal skills. Employers today prefer graduates who are also armed with strong business, communication, marketing and project management skills – to name just a few.
Emphasis on wellbeing
A good PLT provider understands how prevalent mental health issues are in the legal profession.
But a great one? They go above and beyond to give valuable information on dealing with mental health issues.
At the College, we have a workshop focused entirely on wellbeing. We’ll discuss the prevalence of mental health challenges in the field and equip you with strategies to build your resilience.
Support to suit your needs
Want to call your lecturer three times a week? Or perhaps you prefer independent work – and want to only converse with your lecturer when discussing specific feedback?
Both are possible in PLT with the College.
The support you want is the support you’ll get. The College of Law knows that every student is different, and they all have different learning styles and needs.
We give you the means to create the best study experience for you.
DID YOU KNOW?
Law firms and recruiters prefer graduates who are prepared for the future
The future of law is changing. And as a new lawyer, you’ll need more than legal knowledge to get ahead.
The College of Law’s PLT program will arm you with a range of other skills – skills that will help you add value to the workplace and prepare you for the future of legal practice.
For example, with the College, you will also learn all about:
• Applying technology in legal practice
• Cyber risk and security in legal practice
• Understanding financial information
• Building a legal chatbot
What’s more, you’ll walk away with more than your Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. You’ll also receive a Certificate of Legal Tech and Business Skills. At no extra time – or cost.
You get free Practice Papers to help you get ahead
Check whether the provider also offers resources to kickstart your career.
A PLT provider shouldn’t just provide you with information for today. They should equip you with resources for tomorrow.
When you complete your PLT at The College of Law, you will receive a hardcopy set of Practice Papers valued at over $300. Our graduates consistently tell us that they refer to these papers throughout their legal career.
Contact a Customer and Student Engagement Advisor
Phone: 1300 856 111
Email: enrolments@collaw.edu.au
