How to Choose the Right PLT
Make your decision with confidence. Compare your options, understand what matters, and find the PLT program that best prepares you for legal practice.
Why Choosing the Right PLT Matters
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is not just the final requirement on your way to becoming a lawyer – it’s the bridge between university and your legal career. The quality of your PLT experience can shape your confidence, skills and readiness for day one in practice.
Not all PLT programs are the same. The right PLT program needs to give you confidence, real-world experience and personalised support, so you’re prepared for life as a lawyer. As Australia’s longest-running national PLT provider, Leo Cussen has helped thousands of graduates make a smooth transition into the profession.
This guide outlines:
- What makes a great PLT
- How to compare PLT providers
- The support that counts for your career
Key Factors that Every Future Lawyer Should Consider
Choosing a PLT provider is easier when you know what genuinely matters once you step into practice. Based on more than 50 years of training future lawyers, here are the factors that have the biggest impact on your experience and professional confidence.
- Real-World, Practical Training: Look for a program that mirrors real legal practice. The most valuable PLT experiences involve drafting, interviewing, negotiation, advocacy and running simulated legal files – not just checking off competencies.
- Mentoring: Personalised support from experienced lawyers builds confidence, good judgment and a clear understanding of workplace expectations. Mentoring quality varies across providers, so consider how feedback is delivered and how often, and if it’s coming from practising lawyers or just career practitioners.
- Placement Support: Some providers leave the placement process entirely to you, while others offer guidance or arrange it for you. Strong support can reduce stress and make the experience more meaningful. Remember, placements aren’t all the same – finding one in your preferred area of law can give you clearer insight and better prepare you for your career.
- Flexibility in Study Modes: Think about what will fit your lifestyle: online, onsite, blended, full-time or part-time. Flexibility can make it easier to balance PLT with work, clerkships or personal commitments.
- Strong Graduate Outcomes: Look for indicators that students feel prepared for practice – testimonials, success stories and employer recognition helps paint a clearer picture of the experience.
- Strong Reputation: Just like choosing a uni is a big decision, it’s the same for PLT. Choose a provider that is well-regarded in the profession and accredited in your state or territory. A strong reputation can give you confidence in the quality and credibility of your PLT and can help you stand out to future employers
How to Compare PLT Providers
Many grads find it difficult to compare PLT providers beyond price and duration – but the differences that matter most often sit beneath the surface.
When comparing PLT programs, consider:
- How practical the training is
- The level and frequency of mentoring and feedback
- The format and flexibility of the study modes
- How placements are supported or arranged
- The provider’s track record and industry recognition
- What other grads say about their experience
Why So Many Grads Choose Leo Cussen
For more than 50 years, Leo Cussen has been a trusted pathway to legal practice. Our PLT programs are built to reflect real legal practice, giving you the practical skills, confidence and professional readiness you’ll need from day one as a lawyer.
Don’t just take it from us – we’re proud to have many positive Google Reviews from our grads. Check out what they have to say about their PLT experience.
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