As I step into my role of Group Chief Executive Officer at the College of Law, and at the beginning of a new financial year, I am excited to share an update on the College’s current position and future trajectory. In recent months I conducted a comprehensive review of College operations and this initial communication relates to my assessment.
To date, the College has provided admission and career support to over 100,000 legal practitioners across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Asia Pacific. Our staff and industry partners remain deeply committed to preparing professionals for the next vital stage in their careers.
Over time, the social, economic and technical needs of our students and the legal industry have changed, and with this in mind the College is evolving too.
Looking ahead
We are working to strengthen the College’s core services, this includes a transparent review and investment in how we support the profession and its communities. We look forward to engaging in constructive conversations with stakeholders – be it students, practitioners, regulatory bodies, the community legal sector, and College staff – to ensure our obligations and public purpose are appropriately aligned and delivered.
Pricing review
As the largest provider of Practical Legal Training (PLT) in Australia the College’s program impacts a large proportion of legal practitioners. In response to stakeholder feedback, the Board of Governors reduced PLT fees effective from 1 November 2024 by 14% making the College’s fees the lowest in New South Wales and one of the lowest nationally.
Access to education
Access to legal education stands as a core College value. During the COVID-19 pandemic the College successfully delivered $1.5 million in financial relief through the COVID-19 Legal Profession Support Package. The College has also begun implementing a major extension of its current bursary and scholarships in PLT.
From 1 March 2025, persons employed in the community legal sector, the Aboriginal Legal Service, Legal Aid and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) who commence their PLT will receive a half bursary, reducing the PLT fee to $4600. Further announcements are to come on the College’s growing bursary and scholarship offering.
Legal industry investment and pro bono initiatives
The College is working closely with regulatory and government stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive ‘industry investment program’ supported by its financial reserves. Guided by its charitable purpose, the College will release details about the program in the first half of this financial year – laying an important foundation that will be built upon. The College will also be expanding its pro bono contribution through the restructuring of the Centre for Legal Innovation and launch of the Centre for ESG Law and Practice.
Working closely with the Board of Governors, industry stakeholders and our wider communities, I look forward to a meaningful and collaborative future for the College.
Marcus Martin
Group Chief Executive Officer
College of Law
