Practical Experience is a component of the PLT program that complements the three coursework subjects. Students are required to completed 65 days of Practical Experience.
Up to 45 days can be completed prior to commencing PLT. Students can claim up to 45 days of legal work experience in the final two years of their law degree, prior to enrolling in the PLT subject: Practical Experience.
Details as to the UTS PLT program.
Full details as to Practical Experience are set out in the Practical Experience Rules.
There are three organisations at UTS that offer Practical Experience. These organisations offer varied and meaningful work in a supportive and collegial environment. These are valuable opportunities for students who are about to finish their degree, and is are enrolled in, or about to enrol in, the PLT.
As availabilities arise in these organisations, positions are advertised through the CareerHub. These organisations are:
Anti-Slavery Australia
Anti-Slavery Australia is based in the Faculty of Law and is dedicated to eliminating modern slavery in Australia. The Centre supports survivors of trafficking, slavery, forced labour and forced marriage through its specialist pro-bono legal practice.
A Practical Experience placement with the Anti-Slavery Australia legal team offers a unique opportunity to be involved in the day-to-day work of their legal practice, as well as research and policy development. This may include participation and interaction in client interviews, assisting in the drafting of statements, co-ordinating with external agencies such as Red Cross and the Australian Federal Police and legal research on various topic, including home country situations and migration related matters.
Students who have completed their PLT placements in the past have found it to be an extremely rewarding experience and many have gone on to work in the legal profession with a strong human rights and social justice focus.
UTS Student Legal Service
The Student Legal Service is an independent legal practice operating in the Tower building. The Student Legal Service
provides free legal services to UTS students in a wide range of matters. The work environment is friendly, but also professional and challenging. PLT students will experience a variety of legal work in areas of practice such as criminal, family, tenancy, employment, commercial, consumer, discrimination, civil claims, Intellectual Property and business.
The legal work includes interviewing clients, analysing information, legal research, working out the best approach to deal with issues, drafting letters and advice to clients and preparing documents for courts and tribunals. Students receive ongoing feedback about their work from the Principal Solicitor.
The UTS SLS is highly regarded, and previous SLS PLT students have gone on to secure interesting and challenging jobs in law and government.
Additional Practical Experiences opportunities
City of Sydney Law Society
In addition, the Law Faculty works with the City of Sydney Law Society to assist students in finding Practical Experience placements.
The City of Sydney Law Society is a regional law society within the Law Society of NSW. The Society is one of 29 regional law societies across NSW. Members are practitioners in, and adjacent to, the city with many members located in the city’s central business district. Membership is diverse and includes sole practitioners; small, medium and large firms, specialist practices, barristers, government legal officers and corporate counsel.
Students are invited to join the City of Sydney Law Society as student members. Membership provides students with access to professional development seminars, social and networking events and assistance with finding placements.
Students interested in working in a range of legal environments, including private practice will benefit from this placement. For further information, Ann Parisi, Executive Officer info@sydneycitylawyers.com.au or 0481 949 669.
International students
The Faculty of Law can assist international students secure Practical Experience through connections with law firms that specialise in acting for overseas clients. Please contact Maxine Evers, Director of Professional Programs, for further details.