The Definitive Guide to
Practical Legal Training
Everything you need to know about early commencement, getting admitted in Western Australia, and practising law nationwide.
Who is Practical Legal Training for?
Australian Law Graduates
LLB/JD graduates ready for admission. The fastest route from university to practice.
Overseas Law Graduates
For lawyers qualified abroad looking to admit in Australia. We bridge the jurisdictional gap.
Regional & Rural
100% online study means you don't need to relocate to the city to complete your training.
When can I start?
Most candidates begin Practical Legal Training (PLT) after fully completing their LLB or JD.
The entire course is calibrated to be completed in 6 months. Designed for busy graduates to balance life, coursework, and workplace experience.
Starting Early
In Western Australia, you may apply to start concurrent to your degree if you meet these strict criteria:
- Max 2 academic subjects remaining (Electives only).
- Completed all "Priestley 11" core subjects.
- Currently enrolled in remaining subjects.
- Obtained Board's written permission.
Standard Requirement
You must normally complete an approved academic law qualification before starting approved Practical Legal Training (PLT). If you start PLT before completing your degree without written approval from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (the Board), you are likely to be ineligible for admission in Western Australia.
When You Can Start Early
1. Supervised Workplace Training (SWT)
Early start is not allowed for SWT.
2. PLT Course
You may start a PLT course if all of the following apply:
- You have either completed an academic qualification in law leading to admission OR have no more than two academic subjects left; AND
- Your remaining subjects are not any of the prescribed “Academic Requirements for admission” (the 11 required core subjects); AND
- You are enrolled in those remaining subjects while doing PLT; AND
- You have prior permission from the Admitting Authority to start PLT.
Application Process
Statutory Declaration
To request approval, you must send the Board a signed statutory declaration (original, posted to the Board) including:
- Your university name and your law degree;
- Confirmation you have completed all 11 prescribed academic subjects;
- Confirmation you only have one or two electives left (including unit codes & enrolment proof);
- Details of the IOLT course including start dates.
Transcript
Ask your university to email an official transcript directly to enquiries@lpbwa.com.
Course Structure
Practical, not academic. You aren't memorising cases for exams; you're learning how to run files.
The Coursework
- Skills: Interviewing, advising, drafting, negotiation.
- Problem Solving: Facts, analysis, & solutions.
- Work Management: Risk & file management.
- Trust Accounting: Managing client money.
- Ethics: Professional responsibility.
Work Experience
We actively assist students in securing placements, including specific opportunities with regional and remote hosts.
Optimised Pacing
All your subjects, tutorials and assessments are scheduled for you — optimised so you can cover a lot of ground without feeling overworked.
The IOLT Advantage
Cost-effective
$6,000 total. No hidden fees or bloated academic costs. Just the training you need for admission.
Optimised timeline
Complete in 6 months at a steady, realistic pace. Designed to fit around your life.
Start anytime
No semester intakes. Once you’ve enrolled and are approved, you can start immediately.
Placement support
On-site, hybrid, or remote hosts. We actively support placements with regional firms.
Practical focus
Templates, checklists, and skills you’ll actually use on your first day in practice.
Human support
Weekly check-ins, quick responses, and clear assessment pathways.
Practice Australia-wide
Admissions in WA are recognised nationally. Follow this path to practise anywhere in Australia.
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Complete PLT
Finish Practical Legal Training with IOLT. You are now eligible for admission in WA.
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Admission Ceremony
Attend the Supreme Court of WA. An IOLT barrister can move your admission.
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Officer of the Court
Congratulations. You have been admitted to the legal profession in Western Australia.
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Practising Certificate
Apply for your certificate in any state (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD). No re-admission required.
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Work Australia-Wide
With a valid certificate, you are legally entitled to work anywhere in Australia.
International Students Welcome
Studying your LLB/JD in Australia? We map your coursework to visa conditions. Plus, you pay the exact same fee as domestic students.
Start Enrolment