As part of our continued commitment to fostering future legal professionals, W & G Lawyers had the pleasure of welcoming Krushanth Thanabalasingam, a PLT student from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), for a four-week placement in June 2025.
We are pleased to share his personal reflection, which offers thoughtful insight into his experience, development, and the realities of working within a legal practice.
“As my PLT placement draws to a close, I have had the opportunity to gain significant insight into both the legal profession and my capabilities as a developing solicitor. Today marked the final step in consolidating what I have learned over the past weeks, a combination of theoretical grounding and practical, hands-on exposure within a legal environment. This journey has provided me with structured learning and practical legal exposure from the perspective of grassroots clients.
Key Insights I Gained during my PLT Placement at W & G Lawyers:
The Value of Structure and Precision:
Working under time pressures while maintaining attention to detail has been a recurring theme. From drafting court documents to preparing client correspondence, I have learned the importance of clear formatting, logical flow, and precise language. These are not just technicalities but the very backbone of our profession, ensuring that our work is not only done but done right.
Legal Research and Strategic Thinking:
Engaging with real-life legal issues taught me that legal research goes beyond retrieving case law — it involves interpreting and applying that law with a strategic mindset tailored to each client’s goals. Additionally, it’s essential to use life experience, life skills, and common sense.
Client-Centred Communication:
I observed how practitioners skilfully balance legal accuracy with accessible language when speaking to clients. Empathy, patience, and professionalism go a long way in building trust and rapport.
Team Collaboration and Initiative:
Being part of a legal team highlighted the importance of internal communication, accountability, and initiative. Contributing meaningfully often involves asking questions, offering assistance, and taking ownership of tasks.
Understand client perspective:
Through this experience, I also learned how to lodge court applications and was reminded of the importance of approaching legal matters from the client’s perspective. Every client has a life story that shapes their needs, expectations, and emotional responses to legal processes. Recognising this has helped me better appreciate the personal and emotional impact of litigation on clients. It reinforces the importance of clear, respectful communication, empathetic representation, and tailoring legal advice in a way that is both legally sound and personally meaningful.
Understanding Legal Nuances and the Importance of Attention to Detail:
Observing court proceedings has deepened my appreciation for the nuanced nature of legal practice. I came to understand that even seemingly minor procedural steps can carry significant legal consequences. This experience emphasised the importance of precision in drafting, filing, and advocacy. Paying close attention to detail is not just a matter of professionalism, but a critical factor in ensuring procedural compliance and protecting a client’s interests. Through this, I have developed a stronger sense of diligence and a heightened awareness of the technical and strategic layers that underpin effective legal practice.
Tips for Future PLT Students:
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for tasks to come to you; seek them out. Volunteer for tasks outside your comfort zone. The learning curve is steep, but so is the reward. Proactivity is not just a trait; it’s a mindset that will set you apart in your legal career.
- Keep a Daily Log: Tracking your daily activities helps reinforce learning and will assist with your final report or supervisor evaluations.
- Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism is not just essential, it’s invaluable. Ask for it regularly and implement it immediately. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about constantly striving to be better.
- Stay Organised: Deadlines, filings, and appointments are unforgiving in legal practice. Mastering your calendar and file management skills early will serve you well.
- Be Adaptable: Flexibility is essential, especially when working with unfamiliar systems or legal technology. My experience adapting to new legal programs exemplified this.
In conclusion, the PLT experience at W & G lawyers has been instrumental in affirming my decision to pursue a career in law. It has provided a practical lens through which I now view legal problems, and it has deepened my respect for the professionalism, diligence, and ethical standards the practice of law demands. This placement has given me greater confidence in my ability to contribute to a legal team and has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in law. I now understand not only the substantive law but also the practical systems, skills, day-to-day operation, and mindset required to succeed.”
– Krushanth Thanabalasingam
At W & G Lawyers, we take pride in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals through meaningful, hands-on placement opportunities. We believe that bridging academic learning with real-world practice is essential to shaping confident and capable future solicitors. If you are a PLT student interested in exploring placement opportunities with our firm, we welcome your enquiry.
📧 info@wglawyers.com.au | 📞 0433 071 350
Disclaimer: The content of this reflection is published with the author’s permission and represents the student’s personal views and experiences during their placement. It is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor does it necessarily reflect the views of W & G Lawyers. For legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact our office directly.