Engagement learning in law : placement

![CDATA[This paper discusses original research being undertaken with a University of Western Sydney, College of Business Community Engagement Seed Grant into Australian lawyers and the benefit or the burden of undertaking the placement of a Practical Legal Training (PLT) student. I discuss what is the current published position of the state admitting authorities responsible for setting the competency standard and compliance requirements for placement in PLT. Further, I discuss the role and compliance or otherwise of the providers of PLT throughout Australia in relation to placement. The paper will seek to identify any common ground between admitting authorities on placement and the PLT providers, in light of the movement to a national profession. The measurement and evaluation of students undertaking placements in the context of the competency standards set by the admitting authorities are analysed, with a view to promoting continuous improvement. The recognition of a national profession will bring with it a national perspective to the continuance of the delivery placements at a local level. The evolution of the profession needs to be considered in light of the various parties engaging in the placement process, students, law firms and PLT providers. For a long term sustainable partnership between each of these parties requires a commitment to quality and responsiveness to each others needs and interests. Finally, the paper will address the urgent need for further research to examine the causes of satisfaction or other wise of the legal profession itself with placement on the basis of a sustainable partnership between PLT providers and the legal profession.]]