Law Institute of Victoria and ACAP launch new industry-led PLT course

Law graduates can experience 'the best of both worlds' in education and the legal profession

Law Institute of Victoria and ACAP launch new industry-led PLT course

The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) and the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) have teamed up to launch a new industry-led practical legal training (PLT) course in Victoria.

Combining ACAP’s 40 years of expertise in delivering tertiary education and LIV’s leadership within the legal profession, the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice sets a new benchmark in PLT delivery with its networking and mentoring opportunities. The course will also equip law graduates with both practical and professional skills that employers value.

Adam Awty, CEO of LIV, expressed his enthusiasm to partner with ACAP, given its expertise in postgraduate education across all professions, which will provide graduates with a broader skill set beyond the traditional focus on law.

“As the peak body for the legal profession in Victoria, the LIV is in a unique position to provide genuine connections for students with potential employers, and the opportunity to be involved in LIV activities and networking with the profession during their PLT,” Awty said. “This course is a first step in a young lawyer's legal career, not just the last hurdle in finishing law school.”

It was a sentiment shared by George Garrop, CEO of ACAP.

“The PLT course combines ACAP’s deep knowledge of psychology, management and criminology with LIV’s legal sector heritage and access to leading legal practitioners and mentors for our students,” Garrop said. “Together, we are preparing our students to succeed in the PLT program, by offering the practical legal skills and extended personal and professional skills imperative for their career success.”

LIV member Adam May is set to spearhead the PLT as course director. May is a legal practitioner with a master’s degree in law and education who has taught legal education for the past 15 years.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to be leading this PLT, which will reshape the next generation of the legal profession. This course brings the best of both worlds in high-quality education and connection to the legal profession, which will open the door to a world of opportunities,” May said. “We know that the law is more than just what is on paper and in textbooks. This course will mean students are confident and ready for the workplace.”

Course enrolments are now open for the first intake, which begins January 30, 2023.