AUSTRALIA'S MOST IN-DEMAND PLT PROGRAM

At university, you cover the theoretical. Our Practical Legal Training covers the practical. The tactical, powerful skills employers look for from day one.

When can i start?

You can start your Practical Legal Training if you have completed all Priestley 11 core subjects of your law degree – with no more than two electives remaining. 

Instructions to start PLT early

LEARN YOUR WAY

At The College of Law, we have adapted to the realities of living in the time of a global pandemic – by allowing you to study your PLT entirely online.

However, if you’re after a more hands-on experience, we also offer our blended delivery option, which incorporates both online and onsite learning.

Learn more

WHY THE COLLEGE OF LAW

Your study. Your choice: Learn entirely online or a combination of both online and onsite learning.

Start dates: With more than 90 intakes a year, it's easy to plan your admission

Flexible study options: Choose to study full-time or part-time

Work experience: 15 days and 75 days work experience options – or online alternative

Local: Learn from our team of qualified lawyers with extensive experience practising in your jurisdiction

Feedback: Personalised and regular one-on-one feedback on your work

Specialist career support: Get expert support from our Careers Adviser as you search, apply and interview for jobs, or plan your career

Learn by doing: Work through files that simulate what it's like to practise as a lawyer

Reputation: Trusted by 30+ leading law firms to exclusively train their gradautes

Support at every career stage: Receive two credits towards our LLM (Applied Law)

fees & payment

FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

It is a student loan that lets you study now and pay later.

It's provided by the Federal Government, and eligible fee-paying students can use it to pay all or part of their tuition fees

Payment options and incidental fees

Tuition assurance

We Answer the Web's Most Searched PLT Questions

What is Practical Legal Training (PLT)?

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, or Practical Legal Training, equips you with the practical, day-to-day skills you will 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 practise 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 will be eligible to apply for admission as a legal practitioner in your state or territory.

When can I start PLT?

Usually after you finish your law degree, but the Early Commencement Rule means you can start once you have completed all your Priestley 11 core subjects with only 2 electives remaining on your law degree.

To start your Practical Legal Training early, you will need to seek approval from the admitting authority in the state you wish to be admitted to practise.

Instructions to start PLT early

Do I need my exam results to enrol in PLT?

You don't need your exam results to enrol online. You have until the program start date (NSW, SA & ACT) or program census date (VIC, WA & NT) to send them to us.

In Queensland you have until the end of the program to provide your exam results.

How long is Practical Legal Training?

Our full-time course is 15 weeks.

Our part-time course is 30 weeks, and a good option for students who work full-time or have other commitments.

Do I have to attend workshops?

Your PLT will begin with five days of live workshops (online or on campus) where you will role play interviews, negotiation and courtroom appearances under the guidance of lawyers, barristers and judges. Attendance to the workshops is mandatory.

For students working 9-to-5, or those who lead a busy life during the day, we offer an evening program in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC & WA with all workshops held after 5.30pm.

I completed work experience at university. Can it count towards my Practical Legal Training?

Yes. In fact, this is quite common – especially in cases where students have completed some work experience as undergraduates.

At The College of Law you can count up to 60 days work experience in the two years prior to starting to your Practical Legal Training.

Find Out More

Download the PLT handbook

View upcoming intakes

Enrol now

Schedule a one-on-one chat