Practical Legal Training - Leo Cussen

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Practical Legal Training

A clear pathway from study into your legal career, with practical training, personalised support and real world experience from day one.

Why choose Leo Cussen

Real world training

Develop practical legal skills through real world learning and legal tasks that reflect how lawyers work today.

Personalised support

Receive guidance from practising lawyer mentors who provide support throughout the program.

Flexible learning

Choose from full-time or part-time pathways, multiple learning modes and specialist areas.

Guaranteed placement

Choose to have a placement arranged for you or source your own placement with our support.

How you'll learn

Through five rotations, you’ll build practical skills and the capability employers value. Each stage of the program is designed to prepare you for your first role as a lawyer.

Choose your study mode

Flexible study options allow you to start your intake on a date that suits your schedule and life commitments. Choose from full-time or part-time pathways, multiple learning modes, and specialist areas that align with your career goals.

Full-time

Duration

  • 20-weeks

Weekly hours

  • 25-30 hours per week

Learning modes

  • Online – 10 days of online workshops
  • Blended – 10 days of onsite workshops (15 days for NSW)
  • Onsite – 10 days of onsite workshops

Specialist areas

  • Group 1 – Family Law, Banking and Finance, Wills and Estates
  • Group 2 – Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Employment Law

Have questions?

Part-time

Duration

  • 30-weeks

Weekly hours

  • 15-20 hours per week

Learning modes*

  • Online – 10 days of online workshops
  • Blended – 10 days of onsite workshops (15 days for NSW)

Specialist areas

  • Group 1 – Family Law, Banking and Finance, Wills and Estates
  • Group 2 – Criminal Law, Administrative Law, Employment Law

*Onsite learning mode is only offered for full-time programs.

Have questions?

Find a program

Select your state to view available intakes and study options.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Practical Legal Training take?

Leo Cussen’s PLT program can be completed full-time in 20 weeks or part-time in 30 weeks. The program also includes a 15-day professional placement (20 days in WA) which can usually be completed alongside your studies.

Is Practical Legal Training compulsory?

In most cases, yes. Completing a PLT program is a required step before applying for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Most students begin PLT after finishing their law degree. In some jurisdictions, you may be eligible to start earlier if you have no more than two elective subjects remaining.

When can I start Practical Legal Training?

Most students begin PLT after completing their law degree. In some jurisdictions, you may be eligible to start earlier if you have no more than two elective subjects remaining.

What qualifications will I receive after completing Practical Legal Training?

The course qualifies you with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) and eligibility to apply for Admission to the legal profession in any Australian state or territory.

Are there any days that require attendance?

Yes. Attendance is required for scheduled training days. For our online and blended programs, you’ll attend 10 face-to-face immersive workshops (15 days for NSW blended program). Online students join via video conference, while blended students attend in person. For onsite programs, you’ll attend two in-person workshops each week, plus the immersive workshops. If you’re unable to attend due to illness or exceptional circumstances, we’ll work with you to arrange a catch-up day.

What kind of support does Leo Cussen provide during the program?

From day one, you’ll be supported by a dedicated lawyer mentor who’ll guide you throughout your PLT journey. You’ll also have access to personalised placement support, career advisory support and admission support when you’re ready to apply.

If I do the Practical Legal Training program in one state/ territory, can I then practise law in another?

Yes. The Australian legal profession allows for mutual recognition of admission across all Australian states and territories. If you complete our PLT program in one state/territory, there are pathways to practise law in all other states/territories.

Is FEE-HELP available for the Practical Legal Training program?

Yes. FEE-HELP is available for our PLT program for eligible graduates. Students without access to FEE-HELP can apply for a payment plan. 

What will I do in the Practical Legal Training program?

You’ll develop practical legal skills by working in a simulated law firm under the guidance of experienced lawyers. You’ll complete realistic legal tasks, build confidence and learn how to apply your legal knowledge in practice.

Throughout the program, you’ll work on matters such as property transactions, commercial transactions and civil litigation, choose practice areas to explore, and complete a 15-day professional placement (20 days in WA) in a real legal workplace.

Are there any exams or tests? How will I be assessed?

No. There are no traditional exams or tests. Instead, you’ll complete practical legal tasks that reflect the work lawyers do every day. You’ll receive meaningful feedback throughout the program and, where appropriate, have the opportunity to revise and resubmit your work.

Where is Leo Cussen an accredited PLT Provider?
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
  • New South Wales (NSW)
  • Northern Territory (NT)
  • Queensland (QLD)
  • South Australia (SA)
  • Tasmania (TAS)
  • Victoria (VIC)
  • Western Australia (WA)