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No graduate program? No worries
A graduate program isn't the only way to begin your legal career. Discover practical advice from lawyers who have taken different pathways.
It’s easy to think a graduate program is the only pathway into law. In reality, there are many ways to build a successful legal career. At a recent Leo Cussen careers session, lawyers and career experts shared practical advice for graduates looking to secure their first legal role.
There is more than one pathway
Graduate programs are just one way to enter the legal profession.
Law firms, community legal centres, government departments and in-house legal teams are all looking for graduates who show initiative, practical skills and a willingness to learn.
I talk to employers all the time. They're reaching out about roles for our students and graduates, and I see first-hand how many opportunities there are outside the big graduate programs.
Build experience early
Every opportunity to develop workplace experience helps.
Paralegal roles, legal administration, volunteering and client-facing positions all help you build practical skills while demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
I work at Canterbury Family Law. I actually started by taking on paralegal and administration work while I was finishing university. That experience helped me get my foot in the door.
Use PLT to build practical skills
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is more than a requirement for admission.
It’s an opportunity to develop practical legal skills, learn from practising lawyers and build professional connections that support your transition into your first legal role.
PLT is such an important bridge between university and practice. It gives students the practical skills they need and the confidence to step into real work.
Stay open to opportunities
Your first role doesn’t need to be your dream job.
Being flexible about the type of work you take on can help you gain valuable experience, develop confidence and create new opportunities as your career progresses.
I finished PLT recently and I didn't go into a graduate program. I applied for lots of different roles, and what worked for me was being flexible. I was willing to take on a smaller role to start with, and that gave me the stepping stone I needed.
Build your career your way
No two legal careers look exactly the same.
Whether your first role is in a graduate program, a boutique law firm, government or the community sector, every experience helps build your skills and shape your future.
Our alumni are proof that you can build a rewarding career without going through a graduate program. There are many ways to enter the profession.
Take the next step with confidence
Practical Legal Training helps you develop the capability, practical skills and confidence employers look for in future lawyers.
At Leo Cussen, you’ll learn through realistic client matters, receive personalised guidance from practising lawyers and build the confidence to take the next step in your legal career.
