Frequently asked questions about Practical Legal Training at UTS Law.
Who can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) at UTS?
The PLT program at UTS is accredited by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and is open to UTS Law students and graduates from law schools and the Diploma in Law who meet the eligibility requirements.
The PLT program at UTS has been established for 25 years. We were the first university in NSW to 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. Our approach to PLT aligns with the Competencies and builds on the practical teaching that UTS is known for.
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.
The PLT program is designed and delivered by legal practitioners from diverse roles and educators with extensive experience in the legal profession.
What are the practice areas covered in PLT?
The Competencies cover Property, Commercial and Civil Litigation as well as electives. The UTS PLT program offers electives in the following areas of practice: Banking and Finance, Consumer, Criminal, Employment and Industrial, Environmental and Planning, Family and Wills and Estates.
What qualification will I receive when I complete PLT?
Students undertaking the standalone Bachelor of Laws can complete PLT as part of your law degree. Students undertaking a combined Bachelor of Laws or the Juris Doctor will be awarded a postgraduate qualification: the UTS Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice. Juris Doctor students can undertake the combined Juris Doctor/Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
What is Practical Experience?
Practical Experience provides you with immersion in a legal or law-related workplace.
Practical Experience is a mandatory component of the Competencies. The UTS program offers two options in the program:
Stream A: three subjects + 65 days practical experience
Stream B: four subjects + 20 days practical experience
Students in stream A can accrue Practical Experience days prior to commencing PLT.
When can I commence PLT?
Generally, subject to eligibility, you may commence PLT when you have only two electives remaining in your LLB/JD. For LLB combined degree students, this is a total of two electives remaining across the whole of the degree, including the law and non-law sides of the program. You may complete your PLT in one semester and you may undertake your Practical Experience component concurrently with your academic subjects.
Why should I undertake PLT at UTS?
Students who complete PLT at UTS enjoy the benefit of a university qualification. UTS is highly regarded as a university centred on professional education. UTS law graduates are sought after for their practical knowledge and their ability to work collaboratively, to think critically and to communicate appropriately. Our long-established reputation, the quality of our program and our competitive fees makes the UTS PLT course highly attractive.
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. Students undertaking stream A in the Graduate Certificate receive 6 credit points of recognition of prior learning and therefore pay for 18 credit points. Students undertaking stream B in the Graduate Certificate pay for 24 credit points.
UTS students may also receive the 10% alumni savings.
More information about the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice