There’s no two ways about it: postgraduate legal education is an investment.
But it’s a smart one – with the potential to unlock new skills, increase earning potenail and provide career-defining opportunities.
Securing employer sponsorship is an excellent way to lighten the financial load and give you the freedom to focus on your professional growth.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. But with the right approach, you can build a compelling business case that shows how your study will benefit you and your employer.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how best to frame the conversation so you feel empowered, prepared and ready to make the first move.
How your study can benefit your employer
Asking someone to invest financially in your education can feel daunting. But what feels like a huge personal favour could also be a strategic win for your employer.
The clearer you are on what’s in it for them, the stronger your case will be. Below are some of the ways your studies can add real value to your organisation:
- Improved client service: Further study is designed to fine-tune your and enhance your critical thinking skills. This means more strategic, commercially relevant advice for clients.
- Specialist expertise: From commercial law to dispute resolution, postgraduate qualifications will deepen your knowledge in key areas. This helps firms expand their service offerings or strengthen niche practice areas.
- Fewer skills gaps: As client expectations evolve and new legal areas emerge, firms need lawyers with up-to-date, practice-ready expertise. Postgraduate study is a targeted way to address these gaps.
- Improved staff retention: Offering study support is a clear signal that an employer values professional growth. Firms that invest in their people foster greater loyalty, helping to retain (and attract) talented staff in a competitive market.
- Enhanced firm reputation: Lawyers with advanced qualifications strengthen a firm’s profile with clients – and the wider market.
When framed well, your request for postgraduate support can be positioned as an opportunity, not an obligation, for your employer. The key is showing how your study aligns with their interests.
How to prepare your case
Once you’re clear on the benefits, it’s time to think about how to present your case. Approach it like any smart business proposal: structured, focused and well thought through.
Follow these steps to make your case as compelling as possible:
- Align your study with business goals
Before approaching your manager, consider how your studies will support the strategic priorities of your firm or organisation.
Will they help the firm expand into new markets or specialisations? Boost your credibility in the eyes of clients? Improve risk management or compliance capabilities?
Frame your case in this context to help your employer see how it addresses existing .
- Do your research
Come to the conversation with a clear plan: know which course you want to pursue and why it aligns with your role. This will show your employer that you’ve done the groundwork and are serious about your request.
- Demonstrate return on investment
Be specific about what your employer will gain from funding your study. Use examples to demonstrate how your new knowledge can:
- Enhance client service
- Drive process improvements
- Create opportunities to bring in new business
- Be shared with the wider team
If you can reference external research on the benefits of employer-supported education, even better.
- Show how you’ll manage study alongside work
A common concern among employers is whether study will impact your day-to-day performance. Address this proactively by showing:
- How the course structure fits around your workload (e.g. part-time, online, after hours)
- Strategies to help you balance study and work
- Your commitment to maintaining high professional standards throughout
- Explore other funding options and forms of support
Your employer may not be able to fund your entire program. But there are plenty of other ways they can help – and it’s a good idea to have these in your back pocket in case they say no. Consider these alternative options:
- Partial funding: A partial contribution to the overall fee.
- Study leave: Paid or unpaid leave to help you manage exam periods, intensive workshops or other key points in the course.
- Flexible work arrangements: Adjustments to your hours or workload to help you balance study commitments with client demands.
- Study material reimbursements: Support with the cost of textbooks, subscriptions or other course materials.
Time for the conversation
With your business case now firm in your mind, it’s time to broach the topic with your employer. When and how you do this can impact the likelihood of success, so plan carefully. Here are our tips:
- Choose the right time
Look for a moment when your employer is already thinking about your professional growth. This could be:
- Performance reviews
- Career development planning
- Team resourcing discussions
- Budget planning cycles
Once you’ve identified the right time, request a dedicated meeting to signal that this is a serious, well-considered request.
In the meeting, frame the topic carefully.
Start by focusing on what your study will contribute – to your team, your clients and your employer’s goals. For example:
‘I’ve been thinking about how I can improve my practice in [area]. I’ve found a postgraduate program that would help me deepen my expertise in [specific skills/knowledge] that I think would benefit [clients/firm priorities].’
Use the language of value and outcomes, not cost or personal gain.
If relevant, you could highlight that lawyers in comparable roles at competing firms hold this qualification, and that gaining it would help your firm remain competitive.
- Be clear, transparent and flexible
Present your request clearly and outline the level of support you’re seeking – whether full funding, partial funding, study leave or other flexible arrangements.
Show that you’ve done your homework and that you’re open to a constructive, two-way discussion.
What if they say no?
Even with a strong case, your employer may not be able to offer support right now – and that’s okay. A ‘no’ today doesn’t mean the door is closed for good.
In the meantime, here are a few other options that can help you move forward:
- FEE-HELP: Consider using the government’s FEE-HELP scheme to defer tuition costs.
- Tax deductions: Depending on your circumstances, some study expenses may be tax-deductible. Speak to your accountant to find out more.
- Staged enrolment: You could self-fund an initial subject or a to start building momentum.
- Revisit the conversation: If budgets or priorities shift, revisit your request in future performance or career planning discussions.
Remember: many employers want to see their people grow. All it takes is a thoughtful conversation to open that door.
Download our free checklist to help you prepare a confident, compelling request for study support – including conversation tips and answers to common objections. Download the free checklist
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Contact us to chat about your options or explore our Postgraduate Programs to find the right fit for you.
