Work Experience Component

The benefits of undertaking legal work experience should not be underestimated as prospective employers highly regard relevant work experience.

What is the Work Experience Component?

Practical experience is a component required for the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. granted upon completion of your Practical Legal Training (PLT) Program. The Work Experience Component involves you undertaking 75 days, of work experience in the legal services industry under the supervision of an experienced legal practitioner. For more information, see the Work Experience Component Rules.

The Work Experience Component is intended to give you the opportunity to gain insight into the skills and knowledge required to work effectively as a lawyer. It is designed to help you:

• experience the delivery of legal services in a real-world context
• apply legal knowledge and skills to the resolution of real-life problems of a legal nature
• experience the procedures and dynamics commonly found in offices in which legal services are provided, and
• understand the importance of clear communication, identification of clients’ problems and effective and efficient advice

It also enables you to:

• practise applying and interviewing for jobs
• improve your resume with relevant legal experience
• acquire legal experience that you may refer to and discuss with prospective employers in future interviews, and
• gain useful networking opportunities that will assist you in your future legal career

How do I complete the Work Experience Component?

There are a number of steps involved in successfully completing the Work Experience Component. You are required to:

• read the Work Experience Component Rules for your jurisdiction below
• find a work experience placement (or placements) with a supervisor who meets the requirements specified in the Work Experience Component Rules
• submit your Application for Approval of Work Experience Placement or  
• request that your supervisor complete the Supervisor’s Undertaking in Relation to Work Experience Placements included in the Application for Approval of Work Experience Placement 
• receive a written approval from the Work Experience Committee for each placement
• complete a total of 75 working days at your approved work experience placement (or placements), and
• submit a Work Experience Declaration Form for each work experience placement that you complete