Practical Legal Training (PLT) is the final step before becoming a lawyer, but what does it actually involve? At Leo Cussen, you’ll develop practical legal skills through realistic client matters, immersive workshops and professional placement, all with guidance from practising lawyers.

What does the PLT program look Like?

The Leo Cussen PLT program is designed to help you build the practical skills, capability and confidence needed to begin your legal career.

The program runs for:

• 20 weeks full-time
• 30 weeks part-time

You can study online, blended or onsite (where available), with multiple intakes throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that suits your life.

Eligible students can also access FEE-HELP, with transparent course fees and no hidden costs.

Five practical rotations

Throughout the program, you’ll work through five practical rotations designed to reflect the work lawyers undertake every day.

Working in a simulated law firm environment, you’ll manage realistic client matters while developing practical legal skills with guidance from practising lawyers.

Induction

Your first day introduces you to life at Leo Cussen. You’ll meet your mentor and fellow graduates while developing the professional skills and confidence needed for the program ahead.

Transactions

Work on client matters across property, commercial and corporate law while building practical legal skills through realistic legal scenarios.

Specialist

Choose two specialist legal areas and deepen your understanding in the areas that interest you most.

Disputes

Develop practical skills in dispute resolution and civil litigation by managing disputes, drafting legal documents and developing legal strategies.

Profession ready

Build advocacy and negotiation skills through court submissions and simulated negotiations, bringing together everything you’ve learned throughout the program.

Immersive workshops

Alongside the five rotations, you’ll complete three immersive workshops over 10 days.

These workshops provide opportunities to apply your legal knowledge in a supportive environment while developing practical skills you’ll use throughout your legal career.

The workshops cover:

• Client interviewing
• Court appearances
• Negotiation
• Advocacy
• Client communication
• Professional skills

Each workshop builds on the last, allowing you to progressively develop your capability before completing your final practical assessment.

Professional placement

Because the Leo Cussen program simulates real legal work, your professional placement is just 15 days (20 days in Western Australia).

You can complete your placement anywhere in Australia, including:

• Law firms
• Community legal centres
• Government departments
• In-house legal teams
• Other approved legal workplaces

If you’re already working in an eligible legal role, you may also be able to count this towards your placement requirements. There are two placement options available.

Leo Cussen organised placement

Prefer us to arrange your placement? We can organise a placement through our extensive legal network. An additional fee applies, which can be included in your FEE-HELP balance for eligible students.

Organise your own placement

Find your own placement with support from our team, including complimentary one-on-one career consultations and practical guidance throughout the process.

Personalised support throughout your PLT program

From enrolment through to professional placement and admission, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Our small-group learning model gives you direct access to practising lawyers who provide personalised guidance, meaningful feedback and ongoing support throughout your PLT program.

Whether you’re preparing for workshops, completing client matters or organising your placement, our team is here to help you build practical skills and confidence for your legal career.

Ready to take the next step?

Practical Legal Training is more than a requirement for admission. It’s your opportunity to develop practical legal skills, gain professional experience and build the confidence to begin your legal career.

Explore the Leo Cussen PLT program and discover how we’ll support you every step of the way.