Practical Legal Training (PLT) Sydney & NSW
Your final critical step to the Supreme Court of NSW. High-quality, cost-effective, and focused on professional reality.
What is Practical Legal Training?
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is the mandatory vocational bridge between the completion of a law degree and admission as a legal practitioner in New South Wales. While a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) from The University of Sydney (USyd) UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales) University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Macquarie University Western Sydney University (WSU) or another Ausrtalian University focuses on substantive doctrine, PLT is designed to transform that academic foundation into billable professional skills.
Managed under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), PLT ensures that graduates meet the National Competency Standards required to practise law competently and ethically. It is the final requirement for the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) to issue a Compliance Certificate for your admission to the Supreme Court.
Our program focuses on the high-value, practical tasks that senior partners expect from junior solicitors on Day 1 in a NSW firm.
'Billable vs Academic' Comparison
| Aspect | Law School (LLB/JD) | Our PLT Program (IOLT) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Legal Doctrine & Theory | Billable Vocational Skills |
| Output | Academic Essays | Affidavits, Statements of Claim & Deeds |
| Key Objective | Academic Research | Client-Ready Deliverables |
1. The 'Billable' Skill Set
In PLT, you learn how to bill time and deliver value through:
- Conveyancing: Executing property settlements via PEXA using the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW).
- Civil Litigation: Drafting Statements of Claim compliant with the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW).
- Trust Accounting: Managing client funds according to NSW Uniform Law standards.
2. Bridging the 'Experience Gap'
Our 24-week coursework and 20-day placement close the gap by focusing on:
- Advocacy: Appearing in the Local or District Court for mentions.
- Interviewing: Extracting facts and giving commercially practical advice.
- Work Management: Meeting deadlines and maintaining professional boundaries.
3. NSW Regulatory Framework
Training incorporates the specific requirements of the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB).
Your Admission Pathway in NSW
1. Concurrent Study (Start Early)
If you have completed your Priestley 11 units and have only 2 electives left, you can start PLT early with LPAB permission.
2. Complete Coursework
Finish your 24-week practical legal training modules focused on NSW practice.
3. 20-Day Placement
Work under a qualified NSW practitioner (holding a current NSW practicing certificate).
4. Fit and Proper Assessment
Prepare your application for the LPAB, including disclosures, to demonstrate you are a "fit and proper person."
5. Admission Ceremony
Ready for the admission ceremonies at the Supreme Court of NSW in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions for NSW Law Grads
National university-based providers often charge over $10,000. Our program is fixed at $6,000, offering a cost-effective alternative for Sydney and regional NSW law graduates.
Yes, in NSW you can start PLT early if you have completed all Priestley 11 core subjects and have no more than two electives remaining, subject to LPAB approval.