Clerkships, PLT, and More: Understanding Your Traineeship Options

When it comes to legal traineeships in Australia, there is no one-size-fits-all. Whether you are hiring for a law firm, corporate legal team, government legal office, or a community legal centre, the right trainee can become a long-term asset. But finding that right fit starts with understanding the types of traineeships available and how they align with your organisation’s needs.

At Future1st, we help connect organisations with legal trainees across Australia, guiding you through a range of traineeship program options. From clerkships to the Practical Legal Training (PLT) and more, you have a solid mix to choose from.

So, let us talk shop.

What is a Legal Traineeship?

A legal traineeship is a practical learning period where future lawyers apply what they have learned at university in a real work setting. It is a stepping stone between academic study and formal legal admission.

Some traineeships are required for admission, while others are optional but highly valuable for building work experience and developing professional skills.

1. Clerkships: The Starting Point

If a legal career were a ladder, a clerkship would be the first real step up. Clerkships usually run during university holidays and offer law students a chance to work inside a legal workplace.

Common Features of Clerkships:

• Typically last 2 to 12 weeks
  
• Often open to penultimate-year law students
  
• Focus on legal research, document drafting, and basic client interaction
  
• Available at law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal teams
  

Clerkships allow you to assess potential hires early. For trainees, it is a foot in the door. For you, it is a preview of what they bring to the table.

2. Practical Legal Training (PLT): A Must for Admission

Next up is the PLT. Unlike clerkships, the Practical Legal Training is a compulsory part of the process for those seeking admission as a legal practitioner in most Australian jurisdictions.

Think of it as finishing school for law graduates.

Key Details:

• Usually includes a structured course plus a work placement
  
• Placement lasts a minimum of 75 days
  
• Must meet the Legal Profession Uniform Admission Rules 2015
  
• Available at approved training providers and can be full-time or part-time
  

As an employer, offering a PLT placement shows that you are investing in future legal talent. It also means you are likely to meet graduates who are committed and looking to build long-term careers.

3. Graduate Legal Traineeships: Learning on the Job

Once a graduate has completed their PLT, many move on to a formal graduate traineeship. These are typically 12-month paid roles where trainees work full-time and gain further practical experience under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

You might expect them to:

• Draft legal advice
  
• Sit in on client meetings
  
• Prepare court documents
  
• Assist on legal matters from start to finish
  

These traineeships can take place in almost any legal setting: firms, in-house legal departments, government legal teams, and community legal centres.

If you are looking to build internal capacity, graduate trainees are a great place to start.

4. Voluntary Traineeships: Unpaid But Worth Considering

There are also unpaid traineeships, often offered by community legal centres and public interest organisations. While unpaid, these placements offer solid practical experience and often attract driven, community-minded graduates.

Just be cautious. Legal and ethical considerations apply. You must offer genuine training and supervision.

Voluntary traineeships can be rewarding when structured well — think of it as giving someone a chance to shine while they learn the ropes.

5. Specialised Legal Traineeships: Tailored Roles for Niche Work

Sometimes, you need someone with a specific interest or background. That is where specialised traineeships come in.

Examples include:

• Environmental law traineeships
  
• Taxation law traineeships
  
• Intellectual property or commercial law placements
  
  

These can be built into a standard graduate program or offered as a short-term structured experience.

By setting clear expectations and offering meaningful tasks, you can attract trainees with long-term interest in your area of work.

How to Decide Which Traineeship Works for You

Think of picking a traineeship model like shopping for a new suit — it has to fit right.

Ask yourself:

• Do we want someone for short-term or long-term support?
  
• Can we supervise a trainee effectively?
  
• Are we trying to fill future positions or give back to the profession?
  
• Is this an admission requirement or a career exploration opportunity?
  

Each type of traineeship serves a purpose. Some give you short-term help. Others give you a pipeline of new recruits.

Finding the Right Trainee in Australia

Finding the right trainee does not have to feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. With Future1st, you can post your roles and reach candidates who are looking for practical legal experience.

Whether you are offering a PLT placement, a clerkship, or a formal traineeship, the platform is designed to connect you with the right talent.

👉 Visit Legal Services Trainee - Future1st to list your role today.

In Closing: Let Us Help You Find the Right Fit

Bringing in a legal trainee is more than ticking a box. It is about shaping future professionals and building your legal team with intent.

Whether you want someone for summer work, a long-term hire, or just to help out while learning, the right match makes a big difference.

Future1st is here to make that match happen.

👉 Ready to connect with a future legal professional? Post your opportunity now at Legal Services Trainee - Future1st.