What is PLT?

Practical Legal Training (PLT) is an acronym known to almost no-one until you are already doing Practical Legal Training.

However, as an acronym, it’s right up there with ‘Cth’, ‘LLB’, ‘JD’ and ‘Esq’ (an honorific American attorneys are fond of going by, a throwback to English titles) in its importance. Much like the last 6 miles of a marathon, PLT is the final run you need to become a practising lawyer. You know - the court-appearing, contract-preparing, law-talking kind.

PLT is a structured training program designed to help you develop the practical, day-to-day skills you will need as an entry-level lawyer.

Completion of a PLT program is the second essential step to being admitted as a lawyer – the first being your law degree.

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 do i do 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 (or equivalent).

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

How long does it take

Full-time: 15 weeks. Part-time: 30 weeks.

…and you get a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) after PLT! Because why do law but for the many acronyms after your name.

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