Hi, I am looking for some opinions and advice please. I have a UK LLB & LLM. I want to qualify as a Solicitor in NSW, Australia. The first step in the process is to take the Practical Legal Training Program and sit one or two extra papers to satisfy the transfer of foreign qualifications. Then I would have to secure a graduate/junior lawyer position within a NSW law firm. So, my questions are:
1) Which PLT provider is the best in the market? I see that the Australian College of Law offers an online course with attendance in London, is this institution and course offered respected within the profession? and
2) Realistically what are the chances of an australian firm employing a non-resident as a junior solicitor and sponsoring them for a visa?
Any information would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

Hi there,

Regarding your questions:

1) The College of Law is pretty popular with australian law students - probably even the "mainstream" provider across Australia. The other alternative provider you can consider is the Australian National University program which is also delivered fully online. This program also gives you the option to upgrade to a full Australian LLM (which may give you an edge over other UK applicants).

2) Australian firms, in my opinion, generally, do not want to get involved with visa applications etc. However, there are still some employers who are willing to do this even though there is presently a surplus of lawyers fresh out of law school!

Cheers,
G

I agree with Gregor, the College of law is well regarded and has some flexible arrangements for part-time/full-time/external programs. You could knock off your PLT from anywhere between 3 months to 6 months

In relation to sponsoring UK candidates for a visa, I have come across a number of UK and NZ solicitors who have successfully established themselves here. Basically just depends how much you can prove yourself as an "asset" or great investment to the firm!

good luck