Coursework Component

The Coursework Component of the Practical Legal Training Program will enable you to develop competency in the practice areas and professional skills required for admission as a legal practitioner. The competencies are those prescribed by the admitting authorities adopting the National Competency Standards for Pre-Admission Training in Australia.  

The Coursework Component can be undertaken in a number of modes. All programs involve some attendance.

When deciding which program to enrol in, it is important to consider the Work Experience Rules and the program content for the state in which you intend to be admitted. 

*We do not recommend that you commit yourself to full-time employment while enrolled in a full-time program. Please note that if you undertake a full-time program and also work full-time, that this employment cannot be counted toward your Work Experience Component. It is possible to work and complete a part-time program, but full-time daily attendance will be required during the onsite weeks. 

Curriculum 

The Practical Legal Training Program consists of compulsory subjects and elective subjects. You will complete a total of eight subjects - six compulsory subjects, one Group 1 Elective subject and one Group 2 Elective subject.  

Coursework Component Objectives

The Coursework Component has the following objectives:

• understand the structure and purpose of the legal profession
• understand the legal and ethical obligations governing lawyers in the practice of law, including the obligation of transparent accounting for moneys held on behalf of clients
• become familiar with techniques of legal analysis, research, reasoning and planning
• acquire skills in:
  • constructing and presenting a persuasive oral argument
  • examining witnesses
  • writing letters
  • drafting effective agreements, wills, and other non-contentious documents
  • drafting effective pleadings, affidavits and other court documents
  • negotiation
  • interviewing
  • presenting clear, concise, accurate and useful legal advice
  • managing the engagement of the lawyer by the client
  • managing risk
  • managing clients' files
  • become familiar with the procedures of civil litigation practice, commercial and corporate practice and property practice
  • become familiar with professional responsibility, professional skills and trust and office accounting
  • become familiar with the procedures of either administrative law practice, criminal law practice or family law practice, and
  • become familiar with the procedures of either consumer law practice, employment and industrial relations practice, planning and environmental law practice or wills and estates practice