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HSF partners with UNSW for new PLT course
Herbert Smith Freehills has partnered with the University of NSW to provide customised practical legal training for students.
Lauren Croft
HSF graduates will now be able to access a tailored and innovative practical legal training (PLT) course, as part of the firm’s new partnership with UNSW. Known as the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), the program allows graduates to be admitted to practice months earlier than with previous offerings.
Dean of the UNSW faculty of law and justice Professor Andrew Lynch said that UNSW Law and Justice’s focus has been on a student experience premised on excellence.
“Our course is designed to give graduates practical skills and proficiency in the day-to-day practice of law, ensuring that they do not merely satisfy the competency standards for entry-level lawyers but surpass them,” he said.
“The course is taught by subject matter experts, utilising technology that aligns with the realities and tools of modern practice. Our course prepares lawyers for success, and we are thrilled that a firm of the calibre of Herbert Smith Freehills has chosen the course for its graduates.”
HSF graduate recruitment manager James Keane added that the customisable training would fully prepare graduates.
“UNSW’s course will impart the perfect balance of technical and commercial skills, fully preparing our graduates for practice and helping them to achieve the important milestone of admission sooner. To facilitate the environment needed for the successful integration of the program within the firm, Herbert Smith Freehills will give participating graduates dedicated study leave to complete their PLT commitments,” he said.
“We were impressed by the comprehensive content in UNSW’s graduate diploma, particularly its commercial, technology and future-focus. The legal profession is evolving at a rapid pace thanks to the impact of digital transformation, and lawyers of the future will need to navigate the impact of this on clients and the practice of law itself. This course explores those issues and will equip our grads with the skills they need as lawyers now and throughout their careers.
“Our grads will also have access to the full suite of support services available to UNSW students including academic and practice mentors, study support, professional development, as well as assistance in managing their personal finances, health and wellbeing.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
