Your Path to Practice: An Introduction to Practical Legal Training

Your law degree is the theory. Practical Legal Training (PLT) is where it becomes legal work — and it is the compulsory step between graduating and being admitted as a lawyer in NSW.

WSLSA is hosting The College of Law for a free information session built specifically for Western Sydney University law students. Whether you’re in your final year or just want to understand what’s ahead, this is the clearest hour you’ll get on how admission actually works.
 

What we’ll cover

• The path to practice – law degree → PLT → admission → restricted practising certificate → unrestricted practising certificate, and what each stage requires
• When you can start PLT – including how to start early with up to two electives remaining, if you’ve completed the Priestley 11 and have approval from the NSW admitting authority
• How PLT is taught – no essays, no lectures, no written exams. Simulated files, drafting (contracts, statements of claim, affidavits, letters of advice, wills, leases), client interviews, negotiations and courtroom role-plays
• The three pillars – coursework (five core subjects, two electives), the 15 days of work experience, and continuing professional education
• Work experience explained – what counts (clerkships, paralegal work, CLC volunteering, government legal departments, judge’s associate/tipstaff roles, chambers, in-house), why you don’t need a placement before you enrol, and how career coaches help you find one
• Course formats and timing – 3-week on-campus, 1-week + 10-day, weekly on-campus and attendance-exemption options; 15-week courses with starts most months, including Parramatta intakes
• Fees, FEE-HELP and scholarships – current course fees, and the Community Justice, Financial Assistance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Kay Smith scholarships and bursaries
• The skills law firms now expect – communication, commercial awareness, time management, generative AI and legal tech, and professional presence
• Open Q&A with The College of Law team
   

Who should attend

All WSU law students. Most relevant to penultimate- and final-year students, but earlier-year students who want to plan electives and work experience around admission will benefit just as much.
 

Presented by

The College of Law – the largest provider of practical legal training in Australia, with over 50 years training future lawyers and trusted by 30+ law firms and government agencies to train their graduates.
 

Details

• Free to attend. Registration essential as the Moot Court has limited seating.
• Please arrive from 5:45 pm for a 6:00 pm start.
• Bring your questions — the session ends with open Q&A.
• Questions: Marketing@wslsa.com.au