HOW DOES PLT FIT INTO THE PATHWAY TO BECOMING A LAWYER IN AUSTRALIA?
PLT’S PLACE IN THE PATH TO ADMISSION
If you have finished your law degree or you are close to finishing, Practical Legal Training (PLT) is the next stage. This is where you learn how to put the law into practice through structured coursework, skills training and supervised work experience. Once you complete PLT, you can apply for admission and begin working as a lawyer.
In this article, we explain the full pathway to admission, step by step, and show you exactly where PLT fits in.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BECOME A LAWYER IN AUSTRALIA?
| STAGE | WHAT YOU'RE DOING | WHAT YOU GAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Law Degree | Studying core areas of law | Academic qualification |
| PLT (GDLP) | Building practical legal skills + completing work experience | Professional training qualification |
| Admission | Applying to the admitting authority in your state | Formal recognition as a lawyer |
PLT sits right between the classroom and the courtroom, turning your degree into a career.
STEP 1: FINISH YOUR LAW DEGREE
Your law degree is your academic foundation. Whether you’re studying an LLB, JD, or a double degree, this stage teaches you the essential legal principles and the Priestley 11 core subjects you need for admission.
By the end of your degree, you’ll understand the theory of law, but you won’t yet be qualified to practise. That’s where the next step comes in.
STEP 2: DO YOUR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING
PLT is the bridge between university and legal practice. It’s where your academic knowledge becomes real-world capability.
Think of it as your chance to practise being a lawyer before you're actually one, through guided coursework, realistic scenarios, and practical skill-building.
Why PLT matters:
- It’s the bridge between academic law and legal practice: drafting, client work, ethics, interviews, negotiations.
- It earns you the formal qualification (often the GDLP) that most jurisdictions require as part of the admission process.
- It gives you a taste of what being a junior lawyer is really like, in a training setting.
What you do in PLT:
At the College of Law, PLT includes:
- Coursework or workshops that simulate legal tasks (interviews, drafting, appearances)
- A period of work experience
- An assessment for each subject so you feel confident you’re ready to move into practice
When you finish PLT at the College of Law, you earn a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP). This is the formal qualification required for admission in every Australian state and territory.
STEP 3: APPLY FOR ADMISSION IN YOUR STATE
Once your PLT is completed, you’re eligible to apply for admission with the admitting authority in your state or territory.
This step typically includes:
- submitting your academic records
- submitting proof of your PLT completion
- completing a “fit and proper person” declaration
- attending (or being listed for) an admission ceremony
After admission, you can apply for your practising certificate and begin working as a solicitor under supervision.
WHY PLT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR LAW GRADUATES
Many students assume that once they’ve finished their law degree, admission is just a formality. But PLT is where you actually learn how to be a lawyer, not just understand the law.
In PLT, you shift from academic learning to professional capability. You’ll practise the kinds of tasks junior lawyers perform every day, such as drafting letters, handling client scenarios, preparing applications, and navigating ethical dilemmas.
During PLT, you can:
- test out your approach to real legal tasks
- build confidence in a supportive environment
- refine your written and verbal communication
- receive constructive feedback from experienced lawyers
- learn how to manage files and deadlines
- develop professional judgement before you need it on-the-job
PLT gives you the space to practise without pressure. If something’s not quite right, you can adjust, resubmit, and learn from it.
Think of PLT as your rehearsal space before stepping fully into the profession. You’ll get comfortable with the expectations, language, and workflow of legal practice — which makes your transition into your first role far smoother.
START PLANNING YOUR PATH TO ADMISSION
Learn more about PLT, compare study options, and choose a start date that works for you — whether you're finishing uni or already working in law.
