Frequently asked questions about Practical Legal Training at UTS Law.
Practical Legal Training FAQs
Who can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) at UTS?
The PLT program at UTS is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and is open to all UTS Law students and all other applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.
UTS was the first and remains the largest and only university provider of PLT in Sydney and it is a myth that UTS does not offer PLT.
How are PLT subjects assessed?
The LPAB requires PLT subjects to cover prescribed knowledge, skills and values referred to as the Competencies set out in the Admission Rules. PLT subjects focus on whether or not a student is competent in the required knowledge, skills and values.
All assessments are based on the Competencies and are marked in accordance with the UTS policy of criterion-based assessment. As with all subjects taught at UTS Law, co-ordinators ensure their markers follow strict marking guidelines.
What types of assessments are used in PLT subjects?
The purpose of assessment is to cover the tasks of an entry-level lawyer in general practice. These tasks reflect legal practice and include client files, letters and document drafting, court appearances, interviewing, negotiating, trust accounting and ethical problem-solving.
Why is Ethics taught in both a LLB/JD degree and PLT?
It is an LPAB requirement that Ethics is taught as both an academic core subject (Priestly 11) and a PLT Competency. Also consider that not all LLB/JD graduates choose to study PLT.
What qualification will I receive when I complete PLT?
Unless PLT is part of your law degree (e.g. the single UTS Bachelor of Laws degree), students who complete PLT will be awarded the UTS Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
How does the cost of PLT at UTS compare with other PLT providers?
The cost of PLT at UTS compares favourably with other PLT providers. The Graduate Certificate is 24 credit points, however all students with an undergraduate law degree or JD receive 6 credit points of advanced standing, leaving 18 credit points to complete PLT making UTS price competitive.
When can I commence PLT?
Generally, subject to eligibility, you may commence PLT when you have only two electives remaining in your LLB/JD. You may complete your PLT in one semester and you may undertake your Practical Experience component concurrently with your academic subjects.
Do potential employers view the UTS PLT course differently to other PLT providers?
UTS PLT graduates are viewed favourably by employers and obtain employment in all areas of legal work including top tier legal firms, government and in the private sector.
Why should I undertake PLT at UTS?
Students who complete PLT at UTS enjoy the benefit of a university qualification with LPAB accreditation, and can concurrently accumulate Practical Experience hours with academic studies. This, coupled with a competitive price and the fact that UTS was the first and remains the largest and only university provider of PLT in Sydney, makes the UTS PLT course highly attractive.
More information about the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice
