Five Questions to ask before you enrol in a PLT course
Choosing the right Practical Legal Training (PLT) provider is an important step in moving from law student to practising lawyer. The best provider for you will depend on your career goals, learning style, and personal circumstances.
Which PLT course was designed by law firms, not administrators?
The IOLT PLT course is designed by law firms. Your future employers designed this course to help you hit the ground running. IOLT gives you a unique head start over and above those PLT courses designed by administrators.
Before you enrol, ask these five questions to ensure you are making the best decision to get employed and advance your career for years to come.
PLT questions to ask before enrolling
1. Can I complete PLT and still work full-time?
Your life should not have to stop for PLT. We believe you should be able to continue working, caring for your family, or living in regional Australia. Our PLT is designed by law firms across Australia to give you flexibility.
The IOLT PLT course can be completed after hours and on weekends. You can keep your full-time job or continue completing your 20 days of Workplace Experience.
2. How is Workplace Experience completed?
The work experience placement is the heart of your PLT, where theory meets practice. Providers handle this component differently, and it's a crucial point of difference.
Key Questions:
Do I need to find my own placement, or does the provider offer a placement assistance program? IOLT helps you find a placement for free.
What are the alternatives if I struggle to find a placement? We will help you find a placement for free.
Can my current role as a paralegal or law clerk count towards my work experience hours? Yes, with IOLT counts towards your 20 days.
How many days are required? You only need to complete 20 days of work in a law firm, legal community centre, or similar setting.
A provider with strong support for the placement component can be a significant advantage in a competitive market.
For free, we help you find the Workplace Experience at a law firm. We do not charge you any extra to find you a law firm to work at for the 20 days.
3. What specific career support is available?
A good PLT provider does more than just tick the box for your admission. It should act as a launchpad for your legal career.
Key Questions:
Do you offer dedicated career coaching?
Are there workshops on resume writing, cover letters, and interview skills tailored for legal roles?
Do you have a jobs board or established relationships with law firms and other legal employers?
Can I access career support after I've graduated?
Robust career services can provide a huge return on your investment, helping you land your first legal job faster.
4. What is the total cost?
Tuition fees are a major factor, but the headline price might not be the full story. You need to understand the complete financial picture.
Key Questions:
What is the total, all-inclusive fee? Are there any additional charges for materials, exams, or graduation?
Financial clarity is essential. Make sure you compare the total cost and payment flexibility of each provider you're considering.
5. What is the provider’s reputation and network?
In the legal world, reputation matters. Where you complete your PLT can influence how you're perceived by potential employers.
Key Questions:
Who are the instructors? Are they experienced, practicing lawyers who are well-regarded in the profession?
What do recent graduates say about their experience? (Check reviews and talk to people in your network).
Does the provider have strong connections with the local profession, including law firms, Community Legal Centres, and the local Law Society?
A provider with a strong reputation and a well-connected faculty can open doors to valuable networking and employment opportunities.
