Wondering what actually happens once you start PLT? This isn’t just theory or ticking off requirements. At Leo Cussen, you’ll step into the kind of work lawyers really do, with all the support you need to be ready for your first day on the job.
Here’s an end-to-end overview.
The program runs for:
→ 20 weeks full time
→ 30 weeks part time
You can study online or in person, with multiple intakes across the year giving you flexibility to fit PLT around your life.
Plus, eligible students can access FEE-HELP so you’ll know exactly what your PLT will cost, so no hidden fees or surprises.
Five Practical Rotations That Simulate Real Legal Work
Our PLT is designed to give you real legal work experience in a supportive setting. It’s not just theory, you’ll work on actual client files just like you would in a law firm. And you’ll be mentored by practising lawyers who guide you every step of the way.
Induction
On day one, you’ll be welcomed as a graduate lawyer at Leo Cussen, meet your mentor and fellow grads. We’ll focus on developing legal skills alongside professionalism and confidence.
Transactions
You’ll work on your first client file, helping someone buy a business and property. You’ll build skills in commercial, corporate and property law by conducting research, preparing advice and reviewing real legal documents.
Specialist
Choose two specialist legal areas that interest you and you’ll deepen your understanding in these specific fields of law.
Disputes
You’ll manage multiple client matters, including debt recovery and Federal Court defence. This rotation develops your time management and litigation skills… exactly what you’ll need in practice.
Profession Ready
The final rotation ties all your learning together with a third immersive, giving you a chance to demonstrate the skills you’ve built so you feel confident to step into your legal career.
Immersive workshops
Hands-On Learning Throughout Your Program in addition to the 5 rotations listed above, a key part of your learning will involve three immersive workshops (10 days in total). These workshops allow you to practice and demonstrate your lawyer skills in a safe, supportive environment and help you develop the skills you’ll use every day as a junior lawyer.
- The first immersive introduces foundational skills like interviewing clients, court appearances and negotiation techniques.
- The second immersive, held halfway through your PLT program, builds on these skills.
- The final immersive at the end of your program lets you demonstrate your advocacy and negotiation skills. The final immersive brings everything together. It’s a practical way to see how much you’ve developed across the course.
Work Experience Placement Made Simple
Because our program simulates a law firm, regulators only require you to complete 15 days of work experience (20 days in WA). This is much less than the 75 days some other providers ask for.
Your placement can be anywhere in Australia and not just in a traditional law firm, but also community legal centres, government departments, in-house legal teams and more. If you’re already working in a legal role during your PLT, you might even be able to count that towards your placement.
There are two ways we can help you organise your placement:
- You can organise it yourself, with free one-on-one career consultations to help you plan and find opportunities.
- Or you can let us organise it for you, using our extensive legal networks. There is an extra fee for this service, but it can be added to your FEE-HELP, so no upfront cost.
Personalised Support From Day One
From enrolment to placement and admission, you’re never on your own. Our small group model means you’ll get personal attention and form genuine connections. Your mentors are practising lawyers who guide your training closely, ensuring you build confidence and skills every step of the way.
We also take care of the details, like organising placements if you want, so you can focus on learning.
If you want PLT that fits your life, offers real experience and support, and helps you confidently launch your legal career, Leo Cussen is here for you.
