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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)
  • You can provide your final results one week before your course begins

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Legal Practitioners Board ACT will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

Except in exceptional circumstances, you cannot start your Practical Legal Training in the Australian Capital Territory until you have completed your law degree (or double degree).

Please contact the Legal Practitioners Board ACT on (02) 6207 1219 or admissions@courts.act.gov.au for further information. 

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Unofficial Transcript:
    Upload an unofficial (or official) transcript that shows your name, university, and when you completed your law degree.

    If you can't get that, a screenshot from your student portal showing your name, university, and enrolment in a law degree or double degree works too. You have until one week before the course begins to provide a transcript

    We’ll need your official transcript before you finish PLT.

  2. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  3. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form. It only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least two weeks before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled, and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In the Australian Capital Territory, your PLT training will involve workshops delivered either entirely online or entirely in person, depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus or online, depending on your course format
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

15 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Six-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Five written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,690 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

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Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
15 days' work experience & 6-week coursework

Domestic $1,690 
International $1,690

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (15-day work experience option) $1,690 $1,690
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)
  • You can provide your final results before your course census date

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

If you haven’t quite finished your degree, you may still be eligible to start early.

In New South Wales, you can apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) for early commencement if you’ve:

  • Completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • Have no more than two electives remaining in your degree
  • Are currently enrolled in your remaining subject(s)

To apply, you’ll need to send the LPAB:

  • A completed 'Application for Early Commencement of PLT' form
  • An original letter from your Dean confirming your completed and remaining subjects
  • Proof of payment of the LPAB application fee

Once approved, please provide your LPAB approval letter to the College by your course census date.

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Unofficial Transcript:
    Upload an unofficial (or official) transcript that shows your name, university, and when you completed your law degree.

    If you can't get that, a screenshot from your student portal showing your name, university, and enrolment in a law degree or double degree works too. You have until the PLT course census date to provide a transcript.

    We’ll need your official transcript before you finish PLT.

  2. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  3. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form — it only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least one week before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines on-campus workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In New South Wales, your PLT training will involve on-campus workshops* delivered as full-day or evening sessions depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus*
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks, depending on your course
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

*Students who enrol in an Attendance Exemption course (for special circumstances or disability) will complete these workshops online.

 

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In New South Wales, your PLT training will involve on-campus workshops, delivered as a full-day session.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus*
  • Sessions run as a full-day
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

*Students who enrol in an Attendance Exemption course (for special circumstances or disability) will complete these workshops online.

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 1–2 tasks per week
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

15 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Six-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Five written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,690 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

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slide
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Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

15 Days' Work Experience

Amount
15 days required (reduced from 75).

How it works
All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

No extra coursework
15 days fully satisfy the admission requirements...No additional coursework needed.

Support from Career Advisors
Get help finding and applying for opportunities.

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience during or after your coursework.

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

slide
slide
slide

Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
15 days' work experience & 6-week coursework

Domestic $1,690 
International $1,690

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (15-day work experience option) $1,690 $1,690
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

QUEENSLAND

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if you’ve:

  • Completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • Finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. In Queensland, you're not required to provide proof of completion of your law degree to enrol. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board Queensland will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

If you haven’t quite finished your degree, you may still be eligible to start early.

In Queensland, you can apply to the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board Queensland for early commencement if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've no more than two electives remaining in your degree
  • You are enrolled in your remaining subject(s)

To apply, you’ll need to:

  • Complete an online enrolment form for Practical Legal Training at the College of Law. We will email a conditional offer of enrolment to you and the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board Queensland.
  • Contact the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board Queensland to complete the process.

The Legal Practitioners Admissions Board Queensland requires a minimum of 2 weeks to process your application. To ensure everything is ready on time, submit your PLT enrolment form at least 3 weeks before your course starts.

Once approved, please provide your LPAB approval letter to the College by the Wednesday before your PLT start date.

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  2. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form. It only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least two weeks before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled, and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines on-campus workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In Queensland, your PLT training will involve on-campus workshops* delivered as full-day or evening sessions depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus*
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks, depending on your course
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

*Students who enrol in an Attendance Exemption course (for special circumstances or disability) will complete these workshops online.

 

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

15 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Six-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Five written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,690 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

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Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
15 days' work experience & 6-week coursework

Domestic $1,690 
International $1,690

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (15-day work experience option) $1,690 $1,690
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)
  • You can provide your final results before your course census date

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Board of Examiners (BOE) will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

If you haven’t quite finished your degree, you may still be eligible to start early.

In South Australia, you can apply to the Board of Examiners (BOE) for early commencement if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You have no more than two electives remaining in your degree
  • You are enrolled in your remaining subject(s)

To apply, you’ll need to send the BOE:

Once approved, please provide your BOE approval letter to the College by your course census date.

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Unofficial Transcript:
    Upload an unofficial (or official) transcript that shows your name, university, and when you completed your law degree.

    If you can't get that, a screenshot from your student portal showing your name, university, and enrolment in a law degree or double degree works too. You have until the PLT course census date to provide a transcript

    We’ll need your official transcript before you finish PLT.

  2. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  3. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form. It only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least two weeks before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled, and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In South Australia, your PLT training will involve workshops delivered either entirely online or entirely in person, depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus or online, depending on your course format
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

15 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Six-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Five written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,690 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

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Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
15 days' work experience & 6-week coursework

Domestic $1,690 
International $1,690

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (15-day work experience option) $1,690 $1,690
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

VICTORIA

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)
  • You can provide your final results one week before your course begins

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Victorian Legal Admission Board will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

If you haven’t quite finished your degree, you may still be eligible to start early.

In Victoria, you can apply to the Victorian Legal Admission Board (VLAB) for early commencement if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've no more than two electives remaining in your degree
  • Are currently enrolled in your remaining subject(s)

To apply, you’ll need to provide VLAB with:

  • An online form
  • Proof of completion of the Priestley 11 core subjects
  • Proof of enrolment in the last two subjects of your qualification

Once approved, please provide your VLAB approval letter to the College by the Wednesday before your PLT start date.

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Unofficial Transcript:
    Upload an unofficial (or official) transcript that shows your name, university, and the date you completed your law degree.

    If you can't get that, a screenshot from your student portal showing your name, university, and the date you completed your law degree works too. You have until one week before the course begins to provide the transcript

    We’ll need your official transcript before you finish PLT.

  2. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  3. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form. It only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least two weeks before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled, and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In Victoria, your PLT training will involve workshops delivered either entirely online or entirely in person, depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus or online, depending on your course format
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

15 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

All 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after you start your PLT, at a minimum of 2 days per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Six-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Five written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,690 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

HOW WORK EXPERIENCE WORKS

Your work experience can come from a wide range of legal settings. It’s all about seeing how legal work happens in real life.

Here are some examples of placements that can count toward your Work Experience requirement:

  • Summer clerkships
  • Paralegal work
  • Volunteering at community legal centres
  • A placement with Legal Aid
  • Working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Tax or legal division of chartered accountants
  • Government policy and planning work of a legal nature
  • Judge’s associate or tipstaff
  • Assisting barristers in chambers
  • Working in government or semi-government legal departments
  • Assisting Tribunal members
  • Company in-house legal departments

To make sure your work experience meets PLT requirements, it needs to:

  • Involve the delivery of legal services.
  • Be supervised by an appropriate supervisor.
  • Be completed in one or multiple placements  it doesn’t need to be all in one place)
  • Include only part of any experience gained during your law degree (it can’t cover the full requirement)

For more details, you can read the full Work Experience Rules.  

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Read the Work Experience Rules to make sure your role fits.
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors with your supervisor so they know what’s required.
  3. Submit your Work Experience Approval Form (before or as soon as you start your placement.)
  4. We’ll review and confirm your placement via email.
  5. When you finish, submit your Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor.
  6. If you’re completing the 75-day work experience option, you’ll also need to submit your reflective journal.

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

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Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
15 days' work experience & 6-week coursework

Domestic $1,690 
International $1,690

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (15-day work experience option) $1,690 $1,690
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Course Information

STARTING YOUR PLT

Your Practical Legal Training (PLT) is usually completed after you finish your law degree, but in some cases, you can start a little earlier. 

Here’s what you need to know before you apply. 

You can start your PLT if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've finished the last exam of your law degree (or double degree)
  • You can provide your final results before your course census date

If you meet these requirements, congratulations, you’re ready to apply. 

If your law degree was completed more than five years ago, the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) will need to confirm that your qualifications are still current. You’ll need to have your qualifications assessed before enrolling in PLT.

If you haven’t quite finished your degree, you may still be eligible to start early.

In Western Australia, you can apply to the Legal Practice Board Western Australia (LPBWA) for early commencement if:

  • You've completed all Priestley 11 core subjects
  • You've no more than two electives remaining in your degree
  • You are enrolled in your remaining subject(s)

To apply, you’ll need to send the LPAB:

1. Signed Statutory Declaration

The declaration must contain: 

  • The name of the university and the degree you are enrolled in
  • Confirmation that you have completed all your Priestley 11 core subjects
  • Confirmation of your enrolment in the last two subjects of your degree and the expected completion date of the subjects
  • The name, course code, start date and end date of the College Practical Legal Training program you intend to complete

The original signed statutory declaration must be posted to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

2. Academic Transcript

You will also need to arrange for your law school to email or post an academic transcript of your studies completed to date, directly to the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

An original academic transcript will be accepted by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, but a transcript directly from the law school is preferred.

Once approved, please provide your LPBWA approval letter to the College by the Wednesday before your PLT start date.

To complete your enrolment, make sure you have:

  1. Unofficial Transcript:
    Upload an unofficial (or official) transcript that shows your name, university, and the date you completed your law degree.

    If you can't get that, a screenshot from your student portal showing your name, university, and the date you completed your law degree works too. You have until one week before the course begins to provide a transcript

    We’ll need your official transcript before you finish PLT.

  2. Photo:
    Have a clear photo of your face ready to upload. No need for a formal passport photo, just something clear and easy to recognise.

  3. Unique Student Identifier (USI):
    Have your USI ready. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily get it on the Australian Government’s website.

When you’re ready, fill out our online application form. It only takes about 15 minutes.

You can save your progress and come back later if you need to.

Submit it at least two weeks before your course starts.

Once your application is processed, we’ll send you an email confirming your enrolment. After that, you're officially enrolled, and we're excited to welcome you! 

HOW YOU'LL LEARN IN YOUR PLT

Your PLT combines workshops with interactive online learning.

Across your workshops, you’ll build real-world skills in advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and ethical decision-making, all guided by experienced facilitators.

Between workshop days, you’ll continue your learning on the College’s online portal, working through subjects, completing practical tasks, and receiving feedback as you go.

In Western Australia, your PLT training will involve workshops delivered either entirely online or entirely in person, depending on your course format.

Workshops feel very different from uni tutorials. Across these workshops, you’ll start building real-world skills, from negotiation to advocacy.

These workshops are highly interactive, with many opportunities to engage with a legal practitioner and classmates 

Workshop topics include:

  • Advocacy
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Wellbeing in practice
  • Ethical decision-making

What to expect:

  • Attend on-campus or online, depending on your course format
  • Sessions run as full-day or evening blocks
  • Learn in small groups
  • Ask questions and get guidance directly from a legal practitioner

This is where you’ll spend most of your time in the PLT. Instead of lectures or weekly classes, you’ll complete practical tasks that reflect the work junior lawyers do every day.

You’ll work through tasks such as:

  • taking client instructions
  • drafting letters and court documents
  • preparing file notes
  • analysing problems with incomplete information
  • managing matters and deadlines

What to expect:

  • Submit 2–3 tasks per week (full-time) or 1–2 tasks per week (part-time or balanced)
  • Personalised feedback from your lecturer as you go
  • No exams or grades
  • Clear milestones so you always know what’s due
  • A short quiz at the end of each subject (50% pass mark with unlimited retries)

You’ll learn by doing, repeating and refining your approach, exactly the way you’ll learn in a real legal workplace.

Huddles are short, online group sessions that help you stay on track. They’re optional, but many students find them helpful for staying motivated and connected.

You can use this time to:

  • ask questions
  • get study tips
  • check your progress
  • talk through any challenges
  • hear how other students are going

It’s a simple way to stay supported and make sure you’re confident with your weekly tasks.

There are no written exams in the PLT. Instead, at the end of each subject, you’ll have a Practice-Ready Review with a legal practitioner.

Think of it as a guided conversation about the tasks you completed for that subject.

During your review, you’ll talk through:

  • how you approached the work
  • the decisions you made
  • what you’d do next time in a similar situation

What to expect:

  • Reviews are scheduled in advance so you can plan around work or other commitments
  • Each review runs for about 45 minutes
  • It’s open-book
  • You’ll receive supportive, practical feedback from a legal practitioner

It’s designed to feel like a real workplace discussion between a junior lawyer and their supervisor — open, practical and focused on building your confidence for practice.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

You will complete seven subjects as part of your PLT coursework: five compulsory and two electives. They may look similar to the subjects in your law degree, but they focus on the practice of law rather than substantive law.

Effective lawyers require extensive technical legal expertise and excellence in a range of professional and interpersonal skills, from negotiating to managing workload. 

As part of this subject, you will learn:

  • Communicating effectively
  • Interviewing clients
  • Writing and drafting
  • Negotiation and early dispute resolution
  • Representing clients in court
  • Problem solving
  • Managing risks for clients
  • Managing time and workload, and
  • Maintaining wellbeing in practice.

You will complete interactive workshops facilitated by experienced lawyers in which you will have the opportunity to role-play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances. You will learn how to approach client problems, draft written communications and documents, manage risk, and work effectively in your legal workplace. You will have opportunities to apply and practise these skills throughout the course.

No matter where or how you practise law, this subject is relevant and important to you, your clients and the community. You will further your understanding of the role of the legal profession in the legal system, in particular, its responsibility to serve the community successfully.

Beyond mere knowledge of the rules regulating the profession, you will develop the skills to identify and respond appropriately to ethical dilemmas:

  • Strategies and techniques to help to reduce the prospect of a disciplinary complaint being brought against you
  • How to respond professionally if a complaint is made
  • The confidence to voice ethical concerns in practice
  • How to maintain trust and general account records according to law and good practice.

Civil litigation is a process of resolving disputes between parties, including:

  • Any interactions between disputing parties prior to proceedings being commenced, such as letters of demand
  • The initiation and defence of proceedings in courts or other tribunals
  • Pre-trial procedures such as interlocutory applications
  • Court and tribunal appearances
  • Alternative avenues of dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation and arbitration
  • Post-trial procedures such as costs recovery and the enforcement of judgments.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identify dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions clients will undertake during their lives. Property practice involves the legal process of transferring legal ownership of a property from one party to another (conveyancing) together with associated matters such as leasing, mortgaging, and planning and revenue.

You will learn how to handle client transactions in accordance with their instructions and acting in their best interests, including how to:

  • Identify and transfer title/property and prepare a contract for sale for a vendor
  • Advise on a contract and investigate and transfer title from a purchaser’s perspective
  • Advise on leases
  • Advise on creating and releasing securities
  • Advise on land use
  • Advise on revenue issues.

Commercial and corporate practice is a challenging area of legal practice which covers a wide range of commercial and financial activity. In this subject, you will be acting for clients in some common commercial and corporate matters such as:

  • The sale and purchase of business assets
  • Setting up business structures
  • Advising upon finance and securities
  • Identifying revenue implications of commercial transactions.

In this subject, you will learn how to:

  • Conduct the sale and purchase of a small business
  • Identify the risks for both parties in a transaction
  • Set up simple business structures such as companies, trusts and partnerships
  • Provide basic advice on finance and securities and the obligations of companies and their officers
  • Identify revenue implications of commercial transactions and the need for further advice.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS (CHOOSE TWO)

Administrative law matters can arise in any area of legal practice. They may involve a decision made under legislation or in breach of natural justice.

There are two sources of administrative law review in Australia: one system deriving from the common law and leading only to a judicial review, and the other system being a legislative review system of administrative decisions made under an enactment, enabling persons affected by these decisions to apply for a merits review or a judicial review.

As part of this elective, you will learn how to:

  • Identify whether an administrative decision can be reviewed
  • Identify and interpret the legislation under which the decision was made
  • Conclude which review process will be the most appropriate
  • Advise the client about the alternative means of obtaining a review
  • Identify whether freedom of information legislation applies to the client’s situation and what steps are needed to obtain the information
  • Prepare a matter for review
  • Represent a client effectively at a review hearing.

Criminal law practice covers the law, rules, practices and procedures that apply in criminal matters. The focus is on how to advise clients before and after arrest and charge and on appearing for clients in court on a bail application, a plea and sentencing matter and a short defended hearing.

You will learn how to:

  • Provide advice in criminal law matters
  • Apply for bail
  • Make pleas
  • Prepare cases for trial and represent clients in minor contested matters.

Family law practice involves advising clients about ways to resolve issues that arise from the breakdown of their relationship and about various dispute resolution processes and the courts.

This subject deals with law and practice in parenting, financial, child support and spouse maintenance matters. You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a case and identifying dispute resolution alternatives
  • Advise on costs of litigation
  • Initiate and respond to claims
  • Take and respond to interlocutory and default proceedings
  • Gather and present evidence
  • Negotiate settlements
  • Take action to enforce orders and settlement agreements.

  • Unconscionable conduct
  • Unfair contracts and commercial practices.

The provisions also regulate specific consumer transactions and make it illegal to distribute unsafe goods and related services.

You will learn how to:

  • Conduct a consumer law file and advise the client on relevant law and procedure in a consumer law matter
  • Recognise situations in which consumer law applies
  • Identify relevant legislation, courts, tribunals and other bodies at federal and state level
  • Advise a client on the appropriate jurisdiction
  • Advise the client as to which remedies may be available
  • Initiate or respond to a consumer claim
  • Draft all documents in the relevant jurisdiction
  • Represent a client effectively in any negotiation, mediation or hearing
  • Document settlement effectively.

Employment law requires analytical, drafting and negotiation skills as well as expert legal knowledge. It involves both transactional and litigious work and includes:

  • Advising clients about matters arising from employment relationships
  • Advising clients on the relevant law and procedures, and
  • Resolving disputes about employment and industrial relations matters through the court system or by using alternative dispute resolution processes.

Employment and industrial law may be regulated by federal or state legislation or may be governed by common law.

You will learn how to:

  • Advise clients in employment law matters
  • Identify the relevant law and procedures
  • Act in proceedings arising from termination of employment
  • Represent clients in dispute resolution processes
  • Document and enforce settlements.

Planning and environmental law practice involves advising clients and resolving disputes in planning and environmental law matters through the court system or in alternative dispute resolution processes. This subject covers the fundamental processes, including: identifying the appropriate jurisdiction to resolve disputes, acting in applications, and conducting dispute resolution procedures.

You will learn how to:

  • Assess the merits of a planning and environmental matter and advise the client accordingly
  • Prepare a planning application or objections
  • Initiate or respond to a planning and environmental claim
  • Represent a client in resolving a planning matter or an environmental claim
  • Implement outcomes of any planning or environmental matter, including documenting, and carrying into effect any orders or settlement of a matter.

Will drafting and administration of deceased estates are important areas of legal practice and often are connected to very personal times in a client’s life. 

Most lawyers will be involved with wills and estates in some capacity, whether as:

  • A testator in making their own will
  • An executor in administering an estate
  • A beneficiary under a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who wants to make a will
  • A lawyer acting for a client who is the executor or administrator of a deceased estate.

You will learn how to:

  • Take instructions, draft and advise on wills
  • Obtain grants of probate and letters of administration
  • Administer deceased estates.

This subject is an introduction to the world of banking and finance practice. You will learn about and apply the law to some practical lending transactions. Banking and finance practice involves: advising clients about common ways of financing commercial transactions, drafting loan and security documents, and completing commercial transactions.

 You will learn how to:

  • Conduct preliminary investigations
  • Plan and document financial arrangements
  • Undertake due diligence
  • Finalise the transaction.

Learn like it’s the real thing – with no exams, essays, or lectures. Because you’ve done enough of those already. In live workshops and through our online Learning Portal, you’ll learn real skills you can immediately apply in practice, all under the guidance of experienced lawyers, barristers and judges.

Whether you attend online or on campus, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you engage with your facilitator and collaborate with your classmates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is your chance to do real legal work.

You’ll complete a period of work experience so you can see what life as a lawyer is really like, apply your new skills, and build confidence before admission.

  Students are responsible for organising their own placement, but if you need help finding or planning your placement, our Career Coaches can support you throughout the process.  

You can complete your work experience before, during, or after your coursework, depending on your availability and state requirements.


YOUR OPTIONS

 

15 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE 75 DAYS' WORK EXPERIENCE

Amount

25 days

Amount

75 days

 

Who it's for

Great for students balancing work in non-legal roles, caring responsibilities, or anyone who prefers a shorter placement.

Who it's for?

Ideal if you’ve already built substantial experience or have a longer placement lined up.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

How it works

At least 15 days’ work experience must be completed in Australia, after starting your PLT and accrued at a minimum of 2 days per week.

The remaining days can be completed in Australia or overseas (eligibility rules apply), either in the two years before your PLT or after you start, at a minimum of 1 day per week.

Additional Coursework

  • Five-week online program
  • Advanced interviewing and negotiation session
  • Four written reflections
  • Approx. 20 hours online study per week.

Additional Coursework

None

 

Additional Fee

$1,620 (FEE-HELP available).

Additional Fee

None

 

SUPPORT FROM CAREER COACHES

My career coach was incredibly helpful, taking time to understand my situation and offer thoughtful strategies.

Talking it out with my career coach really helped me clarify exactly how I was going to achieve my goals.

I found my session extremely helpful and it was a great confidence booster for me. 

slide
slide
slide

Someone in your corner

Your career coach is here to help you figure out your next move, whether that’s landing work experience, polishing your CV, or preparing for interviews.

Personalised one-on-one sessions

Book sessions whenever you need them. Your coach will help you set goals, explore options, and take practical steps toward the job you want.  

Support that lasts beyond PLT

You can keep meeting with your coach for more than a year after you finish your course, so you’ll still have guidance as you start your legal career.

All included — no extra cost

There’s no extra fee or limit on sessions. Career coaching is part of your program and part of our support for you.

FEES & PAYMENT

Program Fees

Practical Legal Training
Domestic $9,200
International $13,270

Optional
25 days' work experience & 5-week coursework

Domestic $1,620 
International $1,620

Sorting out fees is an important part of planning your PLT. Here’s a simple breakdown of what your course will cost, what’s included, and the payment options available to you.

What’s included
Your PLT fee covers everything you need to complete the course. This includes:

  • All learning materials and resources
  • One-on-one career consultations with our Career Coaches during your PLT and for one year after you finish
  • Access to a legal practitioner mentor
  • Access to College Connect, our online student community
  • Ongoing support from facilitators and student services

PAYMENT OPTIONS

We offer a few different ways to pay for your Practical Legal Training, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Want to study now and pay later?

FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

While FEE-HELP doesn’t cover things like accommodation or textbooks, it can make paying for your course more manageable by letting you repay the cost through the tax system once you start working.

To be eligible for FEE-HELP, you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and you need to complete at least part of your PLT in Australia. You can apply for a FEE-HELP loan when you fill out your online enrolment form.

If you’re not using FEE-HELP, you’ll need to pay the full course fee upfront when you enrol. Payments can be made via credit card or direct deposit.

Account Name: College of Law
Bank Name: National Australia Bank
BSB No: 082 212
Account No: 164 281 531
Bank Address: 32 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065

We understand that finances can be a barrier, so we offer support through bursaries and the Kay Smith Scholarship.

Community Justice Bursaries:
To support law graduates and students working in the community legal sector.

Financial Assistance Bursaries:
Available to Australian citizens or permanent residents facing financial hardship. If you’re eligible for FEE-HELP, it might be harder to qualify, but you can still apply if you meet the criteria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bursaries:
This bursary provides financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Kay Smith Scholarship:
This scholarship supports outstanding law graduates and young lawyers who need financial help.

Learn more

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw, just let us know in writing by the census date—that’s the last day you can withdraw without any financial penalty.

After the census date, refunds aren’t available unless there are exceptional circumstances, which we’ll consider on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re using FEE-HELP, you can withdraw before the census date without incurring a debt. After that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the fees through the tax system.

For more details on withdrawals and refunds, especially for FEE-HELP, check out the StudyAssist website. You can also find our Refund Policy and Complaints and Disputes Policy in our Policy Index.

If you are an international student, there may be extra rules that apply to you. The program manual provides further details, including additional circumstances where you can apply for a refund.

 

 

  DOMESTIC FEE INTERNATIONAL FEE
Practical Legal Training Program $9,200 $13,270
Clinical Experience Module (25-day work experience option) $1,620 $1,620
Program transfer $400 $400
Oral assessment reschedule $100 $100
CEM transfer $100 $100
Archive search and reproduction of documents $60 $60
Non-refundable academic appeal $100 $100
Re-sending of materials to students where first delivery has failed $60 $60
Part Program transfer $60 $60
London on-site additional charge $1,575 Not applicable

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

PLT equips you with the practical, day-to-day skills you need as an entry-level lawyer. You know, the court-appearing, contract-preparing, law-talking kind.

Think of your PLT as the perfect finishing school. A space to practice your skills and build your confidence as an entry-level lawyer who’s ready to soar.

After completing your PLT, you will be awarded a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP). This means you’ll be eligible to apply for admission as a legal practitioner in your state or territory.

You can start your PLT if you have completed all Priestley 11 core subjects of your law degree – with no more than two electives remaining.

To start your PLT before completing your law degree, you’ll need to seek approval from the admitting authority in your state. Find out more here.

Our full-time course is 15 weeks.

Our part-time course is 30 weeks. (This is a good option if you work full time or have other commitments.)

During your studies, you'll gain an understanding of the theory of law and study key areas known as the 'Priestley 11’:

  1. Administrative law
  2. Civil Procedure
  3. Company Law
  4. Constitutional Law
  5. Contracts
  6. Criminal Law and
  7. Procedures
  8. Equity (including Trusts)
  9. Evidence
  10. Professional Conduct (including Basic Trust Accounting)
  11. Property, both Real (including Torrens System Land) and Personal
  12. Torts

Keep in mind, there may be additional subjects and electives you'll need to complete, based on your university's requirements.

While it's possible, we generally don't recommend it. Full-time study is 30-35 hours per week for 15 weeks with 2-3 tasks due each week.

PLT is your chance to practice skills before entering the workforce, and having enough time for it ensures the best start to your legal career.

The full-time course is fast-paced, and catching up if you fall behind can be challenging.

On the other hand, the part-time course offers a more relaxed pace. It covers the same content over 30 weeks and is perfect for those with work or family commitments.

Keep in mind, you can switch to part-time in the first week if needed.

You can transfer between PLT programs. If you transfer or defer after the census date, a fee will apply.

When enrolling, be realistic about the time you can commit to studying and select a program that offers the pace that best fits your lifestyle.

Part-time: A flexible option that allows you to set your own schedule, committing your 15-17 hours per week to the times that work best for you.

Full-time: For those who are able to commit to full-time study. Full-time immersive courses are 30-35 hours per week.

Yes, you can complete your PLT in any state, no matter where you obtained your law degree.

It's a good idea to consider doing your PLT in the state where you want to practise as a lawyer though, as the coursework is designed to match that specific jurisdiction’s requirements. However, you still have the option to be admitted as a lawyer in any state, except for South Australia and Tasmania, as they have unique requirements.

For South Australia and Tasmania, there are special rules in place. Please reach out to our Customer Engagement Team for more details.

Once you've become a lawyer, you can also seek admission in other Australian states or territories either through the Mutual Recognition Scheme or by applying directly.

Overseas students with an Australian law degree can undertake any of the PLT programs. Our online PLT programs don’t require any on campus attendance. You will only need to participate in live online workshops held between 9am to 5pm, in the local Australian time zone.

You can also complete any of our blended PLT programs. You will need to make sure that your travel documents allow you to study in Australia to attend the five days of onsite workshops.

Once you’ve finished your Practical Legal Training, you’re almost a lawyer—but not quite yet! The next step is applying to the admitting authority to become officially admitted.

To be admitted, you’ll need to:

  1. Complete a law degree or equivalent.
  2. Finish your Practical Legal Training.
  3. Be recognised as a "fit and proper person" by the admitting authority.

In simpler terms, being a "fit and proper person" means they want to make sure you have a good moral character to interpret, argue, and draft the law. 

To prove it, you'll have to let them know if you have any criminal, academic or general misconduct history. Make sure you check the specific rules in your state's admissions authority before moving forward.

When you finally get the green light, get ready to attend an admission ceremony where you'll officially become a lawyer. It’s a chance to celebrate with your friends, family, and colleagues – it's a big achievement!

Practical Legal Training and the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice are essentially the same thing.

When you finish your PLT, you get a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice qualification. Both are about the training you need after your law degree to become a practising lawyer. 

Sometimes people call it by the course name (Practical Legal Training), and other times the qualification you receive (Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice).

So, whether you hear PLT or GDLP, you're on the right track for your legal journey.

There are no lectures, classes, tutorials, or anything like that.

The best way to learn how to be a lawyer, is completing tasks just like the ones you’ll be tackling on the job, and that's what you will spend your time doing.

No, there are no other required attendance dates besides the workshops.

You will complete an online practice ready review at the end of each subject. The review lasts up to 40 minutes, and you can choose a time from a list of available appointments.

Practical Legal Training is not like university, it’s 100% hands-on. The workshops are interactive and require your participation, so they are mandatory.

If you cannot attend a workshop session, you can submit a special consideration request to support@collaw.edu.au.

In some circumstances, it may be possible to attend the workshop later. We cannot guarantee that your special consideration will be approved, and we may recommend that you enrol in a later intake.

There are no traditional written exams here. Our Practical Legal Training (PLT) is all about being hands-on and practical.

After workshops, you'll jump into our interactive Learning Portal where you’ll tackle tasks that feel like real-world scenarios.

To make sure you feel ready to take on the challenges of a legal workplace, you’ll complete a “practice ready review” for each subject. But they’re not your typical test.

Picture a conversation with an evaluator (who is a lawyer), stepping into the shoes of your supervisor. You’ll review the tasks you've completed for a subject and discuss how and why you’ve settled on your conclusions – just like how real matters operate with your supervisor at work. 

The practice ready review is all about boosting your confidence, ensuring you're ready to take on the challenges of a legal workplace.

You can start your work experience up to 2 years before beginning your PLT.

You will need to complete at least 15 days work experience in Australia after starting the PLT program and accrued at a minimum rate of 2 days per week.

You can undertake the remainder of your work experience before, during or after you begin the PLT program.

You can accrue up to 60 days work experience in the two years prior to starting your Practical Legal Training. 

To be eligible, your work experience must comply with the Work Experience Rules. In short, your work experience:

  • Must occur in the delivery of legal services
  • Must be under the supervision of an appropriate supervisor
  • May be undertaken in one or multiple placements
  • May include experience undertaken as an undergraduate (but such experience cannot be used to satisfy the entire placement).

To count towards your PLT, your work experience must:

  • Occur in the delivery of legal services
  • Be under the supervision of an appropriate supervisor
  • Comply with the work experience rules

You can find out if your work experience can count towards your PLT by submitting an Application for Approval Form to support@collaw.edu.au

This form can be submitted before you enrol at the College of Law, and we’ll keep a record of your work experience.

Work experience undertaken before you begin your PLT program can count towards some, but not all, of your PLT work experience.

All students need to complete 15 days’ work experience after beginning their PLT program.

If you’re completing the 75-days work experience option, the remaining 60 days work experience can be undertaken in the 2 years prior to starting your PLT program.

A person can be your work experience supervisor if they are an Australian legal practitioner and are currently practising and:

  • hold a full practising certificate as a legal practitioner;
  • hold a restricted practising certificate as a legal practitioner which they have held for 2 years;
  • are a judge;
  • are a tribunal member who is a legal practitioner; or
  • are a person who does not hold a practising certificate but is eligible to do so and who provides acceptable written submission to satisfy the Committee they can provide appropriate practical experience.

Information about the role of supervisors can be found in the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors

Getting your work experience approved is a straightforward process that involves six simple steps.

You don't even need to be a College student to have your work experience recorded for future use in your PLT journey.

Here are the five steps to follow:

  1. Carefully read through the Work Experience Rules
  2. Share the Work Experience Guide for Supervisors (Western Australia version if needed) with your supervisor so they understand the requirements
  3. Email your completed Work Experience Approval Form before or shortly after you begin your placement
  4. We'll review your application and inform you of the outcome
  5. Once you finish your placement, email the Work Experience Declaration Form, signed by your supervisor, to the College

The College of Law does not guarantee work experience placements for students. 

If you enrol in the College’s PLT program, you will have access to one-on-one career consultations with a Careers Advisor for guidance on finding work and planning your career.

You can also visit the College of Law's Jobs Board to view and apply for opportunities for law graduates.  

Yes. If you are completing work experience remotely, you will need to complete the Work Experience Remote Supervision Diary.

Your work experience must still comply with the Work Experience Rules.

College students on unpaid approved work experience placements are insured for personal injury and civil liability.

You can request a copy of our Certificates from support@collaw.edu.au

Nope, you don't need your exam results to enrol. Here's when you'll need to provide them:

In the ACT, VIC and WA, you have until the enrolment close date (one week before the course begins). 

In NSW, NT and SA, you'll need to provide them by the program census date.

In Queensland, you have until the end of the program to provide your exam results.

You can enrol in the course up until the Monday before it starts, which is one week before the course begins.

After you submit, you'll get an email acknowledgment. If we need more information, we'll contact you.

Expect your enrolment confirmation in 5-10 business days.

International students studying outside of Australia are not required to have a USI.

To complete the enrolment form, simply:

  1. Enter an overseas address
  2. Select ‘Studying Outside of Australia’ in the ‘Citizenship’ section
  3. Leave the USI field blank

You can pay by:

  • Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Amex)
  • Direct deposit into The College of Law's account

Keep in mind, non-FEE-HELP students must pay the full fee when enrolling. If you use FEE-HELP, no upfront payment is needed, and you can split payments between FEE-HELP, self-funding, or employer contributions

Yes. FEE-HELP (a student loan provided by the Federal Government) is available for eligible students. You can use FEE-HELP to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

To become a lawyer in Australia with an overseas law degree, you'll need to have your qualifications evaluated by the admitting authority in the specific state or territory where you want to practice.

Depending on their assessment, you may have to complete the entire PLT program or just specific subjects within it. We provide individual PLT subjects for students who are required by the admitting authorities to take certain PLT subjects while being exempt from others.

Yes, we offer single PLT subjects for overseas solicitors and others who are required by an admitting authority to complete some subjects of the PLT program.

You will need to have your law qualifications assessed by the admitting authority in the state or territory you wish to practice in before enrolling in the subjects.

Yes, if your law degree is from a country where English isn’t the main language, you’ll need to prove your English proficiency.

The required IELTS standard is at level 8 (writing), 7.5 (speaking), 7.0 (reading) 7.0 (listening) and 7.5 overall. 

You’ll need to submit a certificate showing you’ve met these standards.

If you’ve finished an Australian law degree and you’re an international student, we’re here to help. We can assist you in applying for an 11-month visa to complete your PLT.

You’ll need to enroll in our CRICOS-approved, full-time, on-campus PLT program at the Sydney CBD campus (CRICOS course code 069734C). We’ll also provide you with an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) to get your student visa.

Absolutely! In some states, you can choose to do your Practical Legal Training completely online, including in the states and territories where it is available. 

Just remember, our online courses include 5 days of on-campus attendance in Australia. Make sure your travel documents are ready so you can join us for these onsite sessions.

Sydney is a major international city and the College campus is located in the centre of the CBD. The cost of living is high by Australian standards but lower than other major international cities such as London, New York or Tokyo. 

There are many accommodation options but, once again, the price of accommodation tends to be high by Australian standards. Some examples of accommodation suitable for students can be found here.

There are a great many options for recreational and social activities in Sydney and surrounding regions. Sydney is famous for its sporting stadiums, theatrical and cultural activities, bars and restaurants, bush and beaches, and features the most beautiful harbour in the world.

Things to do in Sydney

 

Studying in a foreign city is exciting but comes with special challenges, especially if you do not have friends or family already here.

Any questions regarding your enrolment or learning at the College should be directed to your lecturer. For other issues, the College has a Student Liaison Officer able to help with basic questions. Possible issues may include:

  • English language problems: you are required to have good English skills to enrol in the course but if you are struggling to understand the College may be able to help by delaying your Coursework while you take a refresher course in English.

  • Legal problems: the College is not able to provide legal advice but may be able to assist with finding you an appropriate legal service.

  • Employment rights: you are entitled to work in paid employment for up to 20 hours per week across the duration of your student visa. You are also entitled to work an additional 35 hours per week (for a maximum of 15 weeks) in satisfaction of your Work Experience Component.

The College is not able to advise you if you are having problems in the workplace but will help you to find an appropriate legal service should that be required.

You can also contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman if you wish to make a complaint regarding your experience at the College.

If you need to extend or obtain your student visa through the College of Law, you are required to complete our on-campus program in the Sydney CBD, NSW (CRICOS course code 069734C).

During the program you will attend campus on Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm for the first week and Monday to Wednesday 9.00am to 3.30pm for the remainder of the 15-week program.

When you apply for the on-campus program, we can provide you with an eCOE, which will allow you to apply for an an 11-month student visa.

To keep your student visa, you’ll need to follow some rules, including attendance, progress, transfers, and assessments. It’s important to attend all your classes and meet the College’s academic standards. If these requirements aren’t met, your visa could be shortened or even cancelled.

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