Leo Cussen Institute

Since its establishment in 1972, Leo Cussen Centre for Law has been and continues to be recognised as a centre of excellence for practical legal training and continuing professional development for entry-level lawyers through to senior legal practitioners. Our purpose is to provide high quality education, training and professional development to strengthen and support the administration of justice and the legal system.

Leo Cussen provides Practical Legal Training and Continuing Professional Development for lawyers, as well as traineeship programs for entry-level lawyers employed by law firms; training for overseas lawyers seeking admission to the Australian legal profession; and for lawyers needing to requalify, as well as courses for legal support staff.

Leo Cussen Institute was established by an Act of Victorian Parliament and was, for over 40 years, a not-for-profit statutory body supporting the legal system by providing quality education, training and professional development. We are proud of our longstanding participation in the risk management of the legal profession, to enhance protection for legal consumers and to support/strengthen the administration of justice. In 2010 the Leo Cussen Institute commenced trading under the business name of Leo Cussen Centre for Law and in 2012 became an independent not-for-profit centre of excellence for practical legal training, ongoing professional development for lawyers, and law programs/publications for all professionals.

Our goal is To continue to strengthen and support the administration of justice and the legal system by providing high quality education, training and professional development in legal practice and the law. Objectives:

• To offer practical and contemporary learning programs for Australian lawyers.
• To be recognised as a national centre of excellence for practical legal training (PLT) and professional development.
• To be recognised nationally and internationally as a provider of high quality legal training.
• To be recognised by the legal profession as a valued partner in meeting their education, training and professional development needs with dynamic and innovative programs.
• To be the provider of choice for practical legal training (PLT) and professional development.
• To operate on a financially sustainable and independent basis.
• To offer programs to support the legal education, training and professional development needs of other professions.
• To collaborate with leading professionals in the design and presentation of Leo Cussen’s education, training and professional development programs.
• To undertake research to support legal education, training and professional development.